As the Trump Administration and Congress continue to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, there’s an important federal program whose needs must not be forgotten: The Peace Corps.
I know of Peace Corps’ global importance first-hand, as a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. While saddened, I understood the agency’s unprecedented step recently to suspend all global programs and bring approximately 7,000 volunteers home from their service. It is imperative that Peace Corps receive the necessary funds to cover its evacuation costs, swiftly provide financial commitments to evacuated volunteers, and prepare for the steady redeployment of Peace Corps programs when the pandemic passes.
It is also critical that we honor, respect and support the amazing Peace Corps Volunteers from this state and all around the U.S. who come home to a different nation. As the community of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers rally to support these heroes of international service, our lawmakers must also consult with Peace Corps to make sure the special circumstances these volunteers face are addressed.
Our country will rise up in the face of this crisis. And, on the cusp of its 60th anniversary, so will the Peace Corps.
