House Passes Portman, Shaheen Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Peace Corps Commemorative Project

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing their bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Peace Corps Commemorative project. Representatives Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) and Garret Graves (R-LA) led the legislation in the House. In 2014, Senator Portman's and Rep. Kennedy's bipartisan Peace Corps Commemorative Act was signed into law to create a commemorative in Washington, D.C.'s National Capital Area to celebrate the mission of the Peace Corps and the ideals on which the Peace Corps was founded. This bipartisan legislation designated the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation as the lead nonfederal sponsor for the project, and prohibits the use of federal funding. The current authorization for the project is set to expire in January 2021. This legislation would extend the authorization for the project for an additional seven years, to January 2028, in order for the project to secure the necessary design approvals and raise the funding for construction. The legislation now awaits action in the Senate.

"For more than 50 years, the Peace Corps has served as a powerful vehicle for volunteers who wish to use their talents to carry America's humanitarian values to other parts of the world," said Portman. "By reauthorizing this project, we can ensure the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation can finish this important project and honor those Americans who have donated their time and talent to serving others. I am pleased that this legislation was approved by the House today, and I urge my Senate colleagues to support it so that it can head to the President's desk for his signature."

"Peace Corps volunteers provide an invaluable diplomatic service to America, serving in over 60 countries as envoys of our nation's values and priorities. These volunteers work to improve the lives of countless individuals and communities around the world," said Shaheen. "New Hampshire volunteers are among the more than 240,000 Americans who have provided health, education and economic development opportunities wherever they have served since the agency's establishment in 1961. I'm pleased my bipartisan legislation with Senator Portman to provide more time to establish a tribute that honors the efforts of these remarkable people and the lives they've changed has passed the House and urge the Senate to pass it as swiftly as possible."

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