This bill reauthorizes the Peace Corps program through FY2028 and requires or authorizes various policies for the Peace Corps program. For example, the bill
increases the minimum rate for readjustment allowances paid to Peace Corps volunteers upon their return to the United States;
requires the Peace Corps to establish processes to return volunteers to service after their service has been interrupted by a mandatory evacuation, and to strive to allow evacuated volunteers to return to the country in which they had formerly been assigned (except for Peace Corps missions in China);
requires the Peace Corps to provide separating volunteers with information on postservice health care options;
provides statutory authority to an executive order that provides returning volunteers with noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment purposes (i.e., eligibility to be noncompetitively appointed to a competitive federal position);
requires the Peace Corps to implement a zero-tolerance policy regarding volunteer or trainee involvement with illegal drugs;
requires the Peace Corps to take all reasonable measures to prevent and address reprisal or retaliation against a volunteer by any person with supervisory authority over the volunteer, such as a Peace Corps officer; and
authorizes suspension without pay for employees engaged in serious misconduct that could impact the efficiency of the service and could lead to removal for cause.
Actions
Jul 25, 2023
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 150.
Jul 25, 2023
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Menendez without amendment. Without written report.
Jul 13, 2023
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Apr 19, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.