Collins, Feinstein Lead Call for ‘Robust’ Funding of Peace Corps

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) led a bipartisan group of colleagues in calling for “robust funding” for the Peace Corps in Fiscal Year 2022.

“We write to you to request that you appropriate robust funding for the Peace Corps in Fiscal Year 2022 of at least $430 million. The Peace Corps, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, has had flat funding for the past six years at about $410 million annually, and additional support is more crucial than ever as it prepares to return volunteers to the field following the coronavirus pandemic,” the Senators wrote. “As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, a renewed American footprint of Peace Corps Volunteers around the world will help our country’s diplomatic efforts and strengthen our country’s relationships around the world.”

“At this critical moment for America’s role in the world, funding for the Peace Corps should be increased to meet the current obstacles that we are facing,” the Senators continued. “Doing so will ensure that the Peace Corps not only sustains robust programs and services in the face of deteriorating purchasing power, but returns to the field with vigor and American spirit, renewing the promise of its creation six decades ago.”

The Peace Corps provides Americans an incomparable opportunity to serve others. More than 240,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps in 142 countries, providing more than three billion hours of service to our nation and to the world.  In 2019, Maine had the eighth largest number of Peace Corps volunteers per capita.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Collins joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in sending letters seeking clarity on unemployment benefits and work opportunities for Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and other national service participants.

Click HERE to read the text of the letter.

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