[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1079-E1080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY OF PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS ACT OF 2004

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 1, 2004

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4060, the 
Health, Safety, and Security of Peace Corps Volunteers Act of 2004.
  The Peace Corps represents our nation's enduring commitment to 
progress, opportunity, and expanded development--beginning at the 
grassroots level.
  Since 1961, more than 170,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 
137 countries to promote the Peace Corps' mission of world peace and 
friendship.
  Volunteers offer skills in education, healthcare, business, 
agriculture and the environment. They respond to the world's most 
challenging crises like poverty, hunger and HIV/AIDS. They are to be 
commended for their sacrifice, their hard work and their commitment to 
improving the lives of others.
  Today, more than 7,500 Peace Corps Volunteers--young and old--serve 
in 71 countries around the world, including 25 volunteers from my 
Congressional District.
  With an increase in volunteers comes a greater challenge for the 
Peace Corps to ensure the safety and security of all Volunteers. 
Expanding the Peace Corps' missions in Africa, the Middle East and 
other volatile regions increases the chance of criminal activities and 
requires the dedication of greater time, energy and resources toward 
safety issues.
  H.R. 4060 takes a good step toward strengthening the Peace Corps and 
making sure all Volunteers are safe. The bill creates a Peace Corps 
Ombudsman to receive and inquire into complaints, questions, or 
concerns raised by current or former volunteers or employees of the 
Peace Corps. This legislation also establishes an Office of Safety and 
Security within the Peace Corps to help coordinate

[[Page E1080]]

all security activities. These are important steps which I support.
  I believe a Volunteer's safety is both the responsibility of the 
Peace Corps and the Volunteers themselves. Weeks of safety training and 
country background preclude any Volunteer's departure overseas and 
Volunteers are advised of the precautions necessary before integrating 
into some of the poorest and disparaged communities in the world. As 
Ambassador and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Tony Hall said, ``You 
have to go into the service with your eyes open''. Nonetheless, it is 
appropriate that the House International Relations Committee worked 
with the Peace Corps to address the needed improvements to security for 
Volunteers and the Peace Corps has begun implementing these changes.
  As a member of the House International Relations Committee and a 
strong supporter of the Peace Corps, I urge passage of this 
legislation. We must do everything we can to ensure the mission of the 
Peace Corps is carried on and our Volunteers are protected.

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