Peace Corps Modernization Act

Key Points

• This bill sets a limit on how much the Peace Corps can spend on office costs and management. It requires that 85 percent of the budget goes toward training and supporting volunteers. Any money saved from cutting office costs must be used to send more volunteers to other countries.
• The State Department would have a bigger role in choosing where volunteers are sent. The plan is to focus on countries that are important to American foreign policy. This includes places where the U.S. wants to build stronger friendships or push back against the influence of other powerful nations.
• The Peace Corps would be required to have a presence in at least five Pacific Island countries. This includes Palau and the Marshall Islands. This move is designed to help the U.S. stay active and helpful in a region that is becoming more important for global security.
• People who finish their Peace Corps service would find it easier to get jobs with the U.S. government. They would get extra points on job applications for the Foreign Service. Their time as volunteers would also count toward their retirement benefits and pay raises in those new roles.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.