[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 36 (Thursday, March 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL PEACE CORPS DAY

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2003

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Peace Corps Day, and in support of our nation's enduring commitment to 
progress, opportunity, and expanded development at the grassroots level 
throughout the developing world.
  Since 1961, more than 168,000 Americans--including over 5,000 
Minnesotans--responded to our nation's call to serve by becoming Peace 
Corps Volunteers in 136 countries. Today, more than 7,000 Americans 
currently serve in the Peace Corps, providing valuable assistance to 
developing countries, contributing their skills to support programs in 
education, health, business, agriculture and the environment.
  Peace Corps volunteers have improved the lives of communities 
throughout the world by responding to real global crises such as 
poverty, hunger and HIV/AIDS. They have strengthened the ties of 
friendship and understanding between the people of the United States 
and those of other countries, and have brought back to the U.S. a 
deeper understanding of other cultures and nations.
  National Peace Corps Day recognizes the work of returned Peace Corps 
Volunteers as they bring their experiences to work, school, places of 
worship and recreation, sharing with colleagues, friends, and community 
members how their volunteer service changed and shaped their lives. 
Today, across the nation, we honor the spirit of these Volunteers and 
reaffirm our country's commitment to helping people help themselves 
throughout the world.
  In this spirit, and in honor of National Peace Corps Day, I have 
introduced House Concurrent Resolution 61, expressing the need to 
increase funding for the Peace Corps by $550 million by 2007. This 
legislation reflects the President's commitment to double the number of 
Peace Corps Volunteers over the next four years, and recognizes the 
unprecedented funding challenges the Peace Corps will face as the 
President's initiative to expand the program moves forward.
  As we gather today to honor the tremendous achievements of our Peace 
Corps Volunteers from the past, let us not forget the thousands that 
serve today, including the twenty-four volunteers from my Congressional 
District in Minnesota serving in such locations as Honduras, Bulgaria, 
Kazakhstan and the Philippines. Now, more than ever, it is clear that 
the cross-cultural understanding developed through Peace Corps programs 
is invaluable to our nation.

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