[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 34 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S2545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL PEACE CORPS WEEK

  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to recognize an 
organization that serves on the frontline of our Nation's most 
important international and humanitarian efforts--the U.S. Peace Corps. 
This week, the Peace Corps celebrates its 48th anniversary, and this is 
National Peace Corps Week.
  Since the early 1960s, more than 195,000 Peace Corps volunteers have 
fostered positive relationships between the United States and nations 
across the globe through its grassroots efforts.
  At present, 7,500 or more Peace Corps volunteers are active in over 
75 countries around the world. These volunteers are exposed to a 
diverse array of cultures and languages during their time abroad. 
Approximately 22 percent of the Peace Corps volunteers are currently 
working in 16 predominantly Muslim countries. It is in these countries, 
in particular, where I believe the efforts of the volunteers are 
positively shaping and improving the much beleaguered and much 
misunderstood image of America within the Muslim world.
  But there is still much work to be done. I urge my colleagues to join 
me in supporting an expansion of the Peace Corps and all of our 
Nation's smart power assets.
  Smart power initiatives build upon our successful defense efforts and 
add economic and educational efforts, diplomatic efforts, including 
educational exchanges, free trade, public diplomacy, fostering private 
sector investments, agricultural development, humanitarian assistance, 
and English language teaching, just to name a few.
  All of these smart power initiatives contribute not only to a better 
life for so many in need, but they also help create conditions for a 
more stable and peaceful world.
  America and the developing world will benefit together from a greater 
investment in these initiatives and in particular in a revitalized and 
enlarged Peace Corps.
  Over the past few years, the Peace Corps has received numerous 
inquiries about entering or reentering the countries where volunteers 
once served. I made similar inquiries, particularly with respect to 
friendly Muslim countries in Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia. 
Engaging moderate mainstream countries such as Indonesia with our 
Nation's smart power initiatives will enhance the conditions for 
lasting peace and stability.
  Or as I like to say, putting more sandals and sneakers on the ground 
will prevent us from having to put more boots and bayonets on the 
ground in the future.
  The work undertaken by Peace Corps volunteers serves as a fine 
example of the United States reaching out to foreign neighbors to 
foster a greater understanding and dialog. The willingness of Peace 
Corps volunteers to engage people at the local, community level is 
exactly how we ought to be providing effective and sustainable 
development assistance.
  We need to get back out among the very people we are trying to help, 
which is why I also believe we need more USAID Foreign Service officers 
as well. Providing practical, hands-on assistance that is based on 
listening to the needs of the local population is a recipe for 
sustainable and lasting development. I believe that by having these 
kinds of contacts, we can do a great deal to improve the conditions of 
the countries themselves as well as the people in them. The stronger, 
more stable these countries are, the better our relations are in the 
world and the more we foster world peace.
  We offer our hardy congratulations to all members, current and past, 
associated with the Peace Corps on its 48th anniversary. We thank you 
for improving the lives of so many and for helping America be a good 
neighbor to those in need. Your country is grateful for your service. 
Your country is grateful for the good will and the seeds of peace you 
have sown or are sowing. Your country is grateful for your 
contributions to the safety and long-term security of our Nation. Your 
efforts and the efforts of other volunteers are needed now more than 
ever. I will continue to work in supporting your important missions and 
expanding your ranks.
  I can't stress enough the importance of our Smart Power initiatives 
and the importance of investing in efforts such as the Peace Corps. I 
am very glad to see the Obama administration, particularly Secretary of 
State Clinton, our former colleague, giving these initiatives an 
important public boost. And more important, I would say to young people 
and old--the young people who work with us here and any who may be 
listening in--that this is a wonderful opportunity to make a 
significant contribution to other countries, to the cause of peace in 
the world, and to provide yourself with an education you cannot get in 
any institution.
  I look forward to partnering with the new administration and will 
work with those and others in Congress to lead the effort to make Smart 
Power initiatives a cornerstone in our foreign policy and in our 
efforts to combat extremism and terrorism around the world.

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