[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 165 (Tuesday, November 1, 2011)]
[House]
[Pages H7178-H7186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
KATE PUZEY PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER PROTECTION ACT OF 2011
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass
the bill (S. 1280) to amend the Peace Corps Act to require sexual
assault risk-reduction and response training, the development of a
sexual assault policy, the establishment of an Office of Victim
Advocacy, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council, and
for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
S. 1280
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Kate Puzey Peace Corps
Volunteer Protection Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER PROTECTION.
The Peace Corps Act is amended by inserting after section 8
(22 U.S.C. 2507) the following new sections:
``sexual assault risk-reduction and response training
``Sec. 8A. (a) In General.--As part of the training
provided to all volunteers under section 8(a), the President
shall develop and implement comprehensive sexual assault
risk-reduction and response training that, to the extent
practicable, conforms to best practices in the sexual assault
field.
``(b) Development and Consultation With Experts.--In
developing the sexual assault risk-reduction and response
training under subsection (a), the President shall consult
with and incorporate, as appropriate, the recommendations and
views of experts in the sexual assault field.
``(c) Subsequent Training.--Once a volunteer has arrived in
his or her country of service, the President shall provide
the volunteer with training tailored to the country of
service that includes cultural training relating to gender
relations, risk-reduction strategies, treatment available in
such country (including sexual assault forensic exams, post-
exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV exposure, screening for
sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy testing),
MedEvac procedures, and information regarding a victim's
right to pursue legal action against a perpetrator.
``(d) Information Regarding Crimes and Risks.--Each
applicant for enrollment as a volunteer shall be provided
with information regarding crimes against and risks to
volunteers in the country in which the applicant has been
invited to serve, including an overview of past crimes
against volunteers in the country.
``(e) Contact Information.--The President shall provide
each applicant, before the applicant enrolls as a volunteer,
with--
``(1) the contact information of the Inspector General of
the Peace Corps for purposes of reporting sexual assault
mismanagement or any other mismanagement, misconduct,
wrongdoing, or violations of law or policy whenever it
involves a Peace Corps employee, volunteer, contractor, or
outside party that receives funds from the Peace Corps;
``(2) clear, written guidelines regarding whom to contact,
including the direct telephone number for the designated
Sexual Assault Response Liaison (SARL) and the Office of
Victim Advocacy and what steps to take in the event of a
sexual assault or other crime; and
``(3) contact information for a 24-hour sexual assault
hotline to be established for the purpose of providing
volunteers a mechanism to anonymously--
``(A) report sexual assault;
``(B) receive crisis counseling in the event of a sexual
assault; and
``(C) seek information about Peace Corps sexual assault
reporting and response procedures.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section and sections 8B through
8G:
``(1) Personally identifying information.--The term
`personally identifying information' means individually
identifying information for or about a volunteer who is a
victim of sexual assault, including information likely to
disclose the location of such victim, including the
following:
``(A) A first and last name.
``(B) A home or other physical address.
``(C) Contact information (including a postal, email, or
Internet protocol address, or telephone or facsimile number).
``(D) A social security number.
``(E) Any other information, including date of birth,
racial or ethnic background, or religious affiliation, that,
in combination with information described in subparagraphs
(A) through (D), would serve to identify the victim.
``(2) Restricted reporting.--
``(A) In general.--The term `restricted reporting' means a
system of reporting that allows a volunteer who is sexually
assaulted to confidentially disclose the details of his or
her assault to specified individuals and receive the services
outlined in section 8B(c) without the dissemination of his or
her personally identifying information except as necessary
for the provision of such services, and without automatically
triggering an official investigative process.
``(B) Exceptions.--In cases in which volunteers elect
restricted reporting, disclosure of their personally
identifying information is authorized to the following
persons or organizations when disclosure would be for the
following reasons:
``(i) Peace Corps staff or law enforcement when authorized
by the victim in writing.
``(ii) Peace Corps staff or law enforcement to prevent or
lessen a serious or imminent threat to the health or safety
of the victim or another person.
``(iii) SARLs, victim advocates or healthcare providers
when required for the provision of victim services.
``(iv) State and Federal courts when ordered, or if
disclosure is required by Federal or State statute.
``(C) Notice of disclosure and privacy protection.--In
cases in which information is disclosed pursuant to
subparagraph (B), the President shall--
``(i) make reasonable attempts to provide notice to the
volunteer with respect to whom such information is being
released; and
``(ii) take such action as is necessary to protect the
privacy and safety of the volunteer.
``(3) Sexual assault.--The term `sexual assault' means any
conduct prescribed by chapter 109A of title 18, United States
Code, whether or not the conduct occurs in the special
maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States,
and includes both assaults committed by offenders who are
strangers to the victim and assaults committed by offenders
who are known or related by blood or marriage to the victim.
``(4) Stalking.--The term `stalking' means engaging in a
course of conduct directed at a specific person that would
cause a reasonable person to--
``(A) fear for his or her safety or the safety of others;
or
``(B) suffer substantial emotional distress.
``sexual assault policy
``Sec. 8B. (a) In General.--The President shall develop
and implement a comprehensive sexual assault policy that--
``(1) includes a system for restricted and unrestricted
reporting of sexual assault;
``(2) mandates, for each Peace Corps country program, the
designation of a Sexual Assault Response Liaison (SARL), who
shall receive comprehensive training on procedures to respond
to reports of sexual assault, with duties including ensuring
that volunteers who are victims of sexual assault are moved
to a safe environment and accompanying victims through the
in-country response at the request of the victim;
``(3) requires SARLs to immediately contact a Victim
Advocate upon receiving a report of sexual assault in
accordance with the restricted and unrestricted reporting
guidelines promulgated by the Peace Corps;
``(4) to the extent practicable, conforms to best practices
in the sexual assault field;
``(5) is applicable to all posts at which volunteers serve;
and
``(6) includes a guarantee that volunteers will not suffer
loss of living allowances for reporting a sexual assault.
``(b) Development and Consultation With Experts.--In
developing the sexual assault policy under subsection (a),
the President shall consult with and incorporate, as
appropriate, the recommendations and views of experts in the
sexual assault field, including experts with international
experience.
``(c) Elements.--The sexual assault policy developed under
subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following
services with respect to a volunteer who has been a victim of
sexual assault:
``(1) The option of pursuing either restricted or
unrestricted reporting of an assault.
``(2) Provision of a SARL and Victim's Advocate to the
volunteer.
``(3) At a volunteer's discretion, provision of a sexual
assault forensic exam in accordance with applicable host
country law.
``(4) If necessary, the provision of emergency health care,
including a mechanism for such volunteer to evaluate such
provider.
``(5) If necessary, the provision of counseling and
psychiatric medication.
``(6) Completion of a safety and treatment plan with the
volunteer, if necessary.
``(7) Evacuation of such volunteer for medical treatment,
accompanied by a Peace Corps staffer at the request of such
volunteer. When evacuated to the United States, such
volunteer shall be provided, to the extent practicable, a
choice of medical providers including a mechanism for such
volunteers to evaluate the provider.
``(8) An explanation to the volunteer of available law
enforcement and prosecutorial options, and legal
representation.
``(d) Training.--The President shall train all staff
outside the United States regarding the sexual assault policy
developed under subsection (a).
``office of victim advocacy
``Sec. 8C. (a) Establishment of Office of Victims
Advocacy.--
``(1) In general.--The President shall establish an Office
of Victim Advocacy in Peace Corps headquarters headed by a
full-time victim advocate who shall report directly to the
Director. The Office of Victim Advocacy may deploy personnel
abroad when necessary to help assist victims.
``(2) Prohibition.--Peace Corps Medical Officers, Safety
and Security Officers, and program staff may not serve as
victim advocates. The victim advocate referred to in
paragraph (1) may not have any other duties in the Peace
Corps that are not reasonably connected to victim advocacy.
[[Page H7179]]
``(3) Exemption.--The victim advocate and any additional
victim advocates shall be exempt from the limitations
specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2) and
paragraph (5) under section 7(a) of the Peace Corps Act (22
U.S.C. 2506(a)).
``(b) Responsibilities.--
``(1) Victims of sexual assault.--The Office of Victim
Advocacy shall help develop and update the sexual assault
risk-reduction and response training described in section 8A
and the sexual assault policy described in section 8B, ensure
that volunteers who are victims of sexual assault receive
services specified in section 8B(c), and facilitate their
access to such services.
``(2) Other crimes.--In addition to assisting victims of
sexual assault in accordance with paragraph (1), the Office
of Victim Advocacy shall assist volunteers who are victims of
crime by making such victims aware of the services available
to them and facilitating their access to such services.
``(3) Priority.--The Office of Victim Advocacy shall give
priority to cases involving serious crimes, including sexual
assault and stalking.
``(c) Status Updates.--The Office of Victim Advocacy shall
provide to volunteers who are victims regular updates on the
status of their cases if such volunteers have opted to pursue
prosecution.
``(d) Transition.--The Office of Victim Advocacy shall
assist volunteers who are victims of crime and whose service
has terminated in receiving the services specified in section
8B(c) requested by such volunteer.
``establishment of sexual assault advisory council
``Sec. 8D. (a) Establishment.--There is established a
Sexual Assault Advisory Council (in this section referred to
as the `Council').
``(b) Membership.--The Council shall be composed of not
less than 8 individuals selected by the President, not later
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
section, who are returned volunteers (including volunteers
who were victims of sexual assault and volunteers who were
not victims of sexual assault) and governmental and
nongovernmental experts and professionals in the sexual
assault field. No Peace Corps employee shall be a member of
the Council. The number of governmental experts appointed to
the Council shall not exceed the number of nongovernmental
experts.
``(c) Functions; Meetings.--The Council shall meet not less
often than annually to review the sexual assault risk-
reduction and response training developed under section 8A,
the sexual assault policy developed under section 8B, and
such other matters related to sexual assault the Council
views as appropriate, to ensure that such training and policy
conform to the extent practicable to best practices in the
sexual assault field.
``(d) Reports.--On an annual basis for 5 years after the
date of the enactment of this section and at the discretion
of the Council thereafter, the Council shall submit to the
President and the Committee on Foreign Relations and the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee
on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives a report on its findings based on
the reviews conducted pursuant to subsection (c).
``(e) Employee Status.--Members of the Council shall not be
considered employees of the United States Government for any
purpose and shall not receive compensation other than
reimbursement of travel expenses and per diem allowance in
accordance with section 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
``(f) Nonapplicability of FACA.--The Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Council.
``volunteer feedback and peace corps review
``Sec. 8E. (a) Monitoring and Evaluation.--Not later than
1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the
President shall establish goals, metrics, and monitoring and
evaluation plans for all Peace Corps programs. Monitoring and
evaluation plans shall incorporate best practices from
monitoring and evaluation studies and analyses.
``(b) Performance Plans and Elements.--The President shall
establish performance plans with performance elements and
standards for Peace Corps representatives and shall review
the performance of Peace Corps representatives not less than
annually to determine whether they have met these performance
elements and standards. Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed as limiting the discretion of the President to
remove a Peace Corps representative.
``(c) Annual Volunteer Surveys.--The President shall
annually conduct a confidential survey of volunteers
regarding the effectiveness of Peace Corps programs and staff
and the safety of volunteers. The results shall be provided
in aggregate form without identifying information to the
Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign
Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives. Results from the annual volunteer survey
shall be considered in reviewing the performance of Peace
Corps representatives under subsection (a).
``(d) Peace Corps Inspector General.--The Inspector General
of the Peace Corps shall--
``(1) submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations and the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee
on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives--
``(A) a biennial report on reports received from volunteers
relating to misconduct, mismanagement, or policy violations
of Peace Corps staff, any breaches of the confidentiality of
volunteers, and any actions taken to assure the safety of
volunteers who provide such reports;
``(B) a report, not later than two years after the date of
the enactment of this section and every three years
thereafter, evaluating the effectiveness and implementation
of the sexual assault risk-reduction and response training
developed under section 8A and the sexual assault policy
developed under section 8B, including a case review of a
statistically significant number of cases; and
``(C) a report, not later than two years after the date of
the enactment of this section, describing how Peace Corps
representatives are hired, how Peace Corps representatives
are terminated, and how Peace Corps representatives hire
staff, including an assessment of the implementation of the
performance plans described in subsection (b); and
``(2) when conducting audits or evaluations of Peace Corps
programs overseas, notify the Director of the Peace Corps
about the results of such evaluations, including concerns the
Inspector General has noted, if any, about the performance of
Peace Corps representatives, for appropriate action.
``establishment of a policy on stalking
``Sec. 8F. (a) In General.--The President shall develop
and implement a comprehensive policy on stalking that--
``(1) requires an immediate, effective, and thorough
response from the Peace Corps upon receipt of a report of
stalking;
``(2) provides, during training, all Peace Corps volunteers
with a point of contact for the reporting of stalking; and
``(3) protects the confidentiality of volunteers who report
stalking to the maximum extent practicable.
``(b) Development and Consultation With Experts.--In
developing the stalking policy under subsection (a), the
President shall consult with and incorporate, as appropriate,
the recommendations and views of those with expertise
regarding the crime of stalking.
``(c) Training of In-country Staff.--The President shall
provide for the training of all in-country staff regarding
the stalking policy developed under subsection (a).
``establishment of a confidentiality protection policy
``Sec. 8G. (a) In General.--The President shall establish
and maintain a process to allow volunteers to report
incidents of misconduct or mismanagement, or violations of
any policy, of the Peace Corps in order to protect the
confidentiality and safety of such volunteers and of the
information reported, and to ensure that such information is
acted on appropriately. This process shall conform to
existing best practices regarding confidentiality.
``(b) Guidance.--The President shall provide additional
training to officers and employees of the Peace Corps who
have access to information reported by volunteers under
subsection (a) in order to protect against the inappropriate
disclosures of such information and ensure the safety of such
volunteers.
``(c) Penalty.--Any Peace Corps volunteer or staff member
who is responsible for maintaining confidentiality under
subsection (a) and who breaches such duty shall be subject to
disciplinary action, including termination, and in the case
of a staff member, ineligibility for re-employment with the
Peace Corps.
``removal and assessment and evaluation
``Sec. 8H. (a) In General.--If a volunteer requests
removal from the site in which such volunteer is serving
because the volunteer feels at risk of imminent bodily harm,
the President shall, as expeditiously as practical after
receiving such request, remove the volunteer from the site.
If the President receives such a request, the President shall
assess and evaluate the safety of such site and may not
assign another volunteer to the site until such time as the
assessment and evaluation is complete and the site has been
determined to be safe. Volunteers may remain at a site during
the assessment and evaluation.
``(b) Determination of Site as Unsafe.--If the President
determines that a site is unsafe for any remaining volunteers
at the site, the President shall, as expeditiously as
practical, remove all volunteers from the site.
``(c) Tracking and Recording.--The President shall
establish a global tracking and recording system to track and
record incidents of crimes against volunteers.
``reporting requirements
``Sec. 8I. (a) In General.--The President shall annually
submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations and the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee
on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives a report summarizing information
on--
``(1) sexual assault of volunteers;
``(2) other crimes against volunteers;
``(3) the number of arrests, prosecutions, and
incarcerations for crimes involving Peace Corps volunteers
for every country in which volunteers serve; and
[[Page H7180]]
``(4) the annual rate of early termination of volunteers,
including demographic data associated with such early
termination.
``(b) GAO.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall submit to the Committee on Foreign
Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate
and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report
evaluating the quality and accessibility of health care
provided through the Department of Labor to returned
volunteers upon their separation from the Peace Corps.
``(c) Access to Communications.--
``(1) In general.--The President shall determine the level
of access to communication, including cellular and Internet
access, of each volunteer.
``(2) Report.--Not later than six months after the date of
the enactment of this section, the President shall submit to
the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign
Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives a report on the costs, feasibility, and
benefits of providing all volunteers with access to adequate
communication, including cellular service and Internet
access.''.
SEC. 3. RETENTION OF COUNSEL FOR CRIME VICTIMS.
Section 5(l) of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2504(l)) is
amended by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``and counsel may be employed and counsel fees,
court costs and other expenses may be paid in the support of
volunteers who are parties, complaining witnesses, or
otherwise participating in the prosecution of crimes
committed against such volunteers''.
SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON STAFFING OF OFFICE OF VICTIM
ADVOCACY.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Office of Victim Advocacy established under section
8C of the Peace Corps Act, as added by section 2, should
provide an adequate number of victim advocates so that each
victim of crime receives critical information and support;
(2) any full-time victim advocates and any additional
victim advocates should be credentialed by a national victims
assistance body; and
(3) the training required under section 8A(a) of the Peace
Corps Act, as added by section 2, should be credentialed by a
national victims assistance body.
SEC. 5. PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS.
The Peace Corps Act is amended--
(1) in section 7(a)(3) (22 U.S.C. 2506(a)(3)), by inserting
``, or contracted with for personal services under section
10(a)(5),'' after ``employed, appointed, or assigned under
this subsection''; and
(2) in section 10(a)(5) (22 U.S.C. 2509(a)(5)), by striking
``any purpose'' and inserting ``the purposes of any law
administered by the Office of Personnel Management (except
that the President may determine the applicability to such
individuals of provisions of the Foreign Service Act of 1980
(22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.))''.
SEC. 6. INDEPENDENCE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE PEACE
CORPS.
Section 7(a) of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2506(a)) is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(7) The limitations specified in subparagraphs (A) and
(B) of paragraph (2) and in paragraph (5) shall not apply
to--
``(A) the Inspector General of the Peace Corps; and
``(B) officers and employees of the Office of the Inspector
General of the Peace Corps.''.
SEC. 7. CONFORMING SAFETY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT REGARDING
PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS SERVING IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Peace Corps
shall consult with the Assistant Secretary of State for
Diplomatic Security and enter into a memorandum of
understanding that specifies the duties and obligations of
the Peace Corps and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security of the
Department of State with respect to the protection of Peace
Corps volunteers and staff members serving in foreign
countries, including with respect to investigations of safety
and security incidents and crimes committed against
volunteers and staff members.
(b) Inspector General Review.--
(1) Review.--The Inspector General of the Peace Corps shall
review the memorandum of understanding described in
subsection (a) and be afforded the opportunity to recommend
changes that advance the safety and security of Peace Corps
volunteers before entry into force of the memorandum of
understanding.
(2) Report.--The Director of the Peace Corps shall consider
the recommendations of the Inspector General of the Peace
Corps regarding the memorandum of understanding described in
subsection (a). If the Director enters into the memorandum of
understanding without implementing a recommendation of the
Inspector General, the Director shall submit to the Inspector
General a written explanation relating thereto.
(c) Failure to Meet Deadline.--
(1) Requirement to submit report.--If, by the date that is
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Director of the Peace Corps is unable to obtain agreement
with the Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security
and certification by the Inspector General of the Peace
Corps, the Director shall submit to the committees of
Congress specified in paragraph (2) a report explaining the
reasons for such failure and a certification that substantial
steps are being taken to make progress toward agreement.
(2) Committees of congress specified.--The committees of
Congress specified in this paragraph are the Committee on
Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign
Affairs of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 8. PORTFOLIO REVIEWS.
(a) In General.--The Director of the Peace Corps shall, at
least once every 3 years, perform a review to evaluate the
allocation and delivery of resources across the countries the
Peace Corps serves or is considering for service. Such
portfolio reviews shall at a minimum include the following
with respect to each such country:
(1) An evaluation of the country's commitment to the Peace
Corps program.
(2) An analysis of the safety and security of volunteers.
(3) An evaluation of the country's need for assistance.
(4) An analysis of country program costs.
(5) An evaluation of the effectiveness of management of
each post within a country.
(6) An evaluation of the country's congruence with the
Peace Corp's mission and strategic priorities.
(b) Briefing.--Upon request of the Chairman and Ranking
Member of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate or
the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives, the Director of the Peace Corps shall brief
such committees on each portfolio review required under
subsection (a). If requested, each such briefing shall
discuss performance measures and sources of data used (such
as project status reports, volunteer surveys, impact studies,
reports of Inspector General of the Peace Corps, and any
relevant external sources) in making the findings and
conclusions in such review.
SEC. 9. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Inclusion of Sexual Assault Risk-reduction and Response
Training.--The Peace Corps Act is amended--
(1) in section 5(a) (22 U.S.C. 2504(a)), in the second
sentence, by inserting ``(including training under section
8A)'' after ``training''; and
(2) in section 8(a) (22 U.S.C. 2507(a)), in the first
sentence, by inserting ``, including training under section
8A,'' after ``training''.
(b) Certain Services.--Section 5(e) of the Peace Corps Act
(22 U.S.C. 2504(e)) is amended, in the first sentence--
(1) by inserting ``(including, if necessary, for volunteers
and trainees, services under section 8B)'' after ``health
care''; and
(2) by inserting ``including services provided in
accordance with section 8B (except that the six-month
limitation shall not apply in the case of such services),''
before ``as the President''.
SEC. 10. OFFSET OF COSTS AND PERSONNEL.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Direct of
the Peace Corps shall--
(1) eliminate such initiatives, positions, and programs
within the Peace Corps (other than within the Office of
Inspector General) as the Director deems necessary to ensure
any and all costs incurred to carry out the provisions of
this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, are entirely
offset;
(2) ensure no net increase in personnel are added to carry
out the provisions of this Act, with any new full or part
time employees or equivalents offset by eliminating an
equivalent number of existing staff (other than within the
Office of Inspector General);
(3) report to Congress not later than 60 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act the actions taken to ensure
compliance with paragraphs (1) and (2), including the
specific initiatives, positions, and programs within the
Peace Corps that have been eliminated to ensure that the
costs of carrying out this Act will be offset; and
(4) not implement any other provision of this Act (other
than paragraphs (1), (2), and (3)) or any amendment made by
this Act until the Director has certified that the actions
specified in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) have been
completed.
SEC. 11. SUNSET.
This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall cease to
be effective 7 years after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from California (Mr.
Berman) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.
General Leave
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous material on this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I rise in strong support of Senate bill 1280, the Kate Puzey Peace
Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011.
[[Page H7181]]
This bill represents the culmination of bipartisan and bicameral
efforts to remedy long-standing problems in the Peace Corps regarding
the way that rapes, sexual assault, and other violent crimes committed
against Peace Corps volunteers serving overseas are handled.
Senate bill 1280 incorporates structural reforms in the Peace Corps
that I had proposed in my bill, H.R. 2699. These are based on
recommendations made by the Peace Corps Inspector General. It also
incorporates the essential provisions of Representative Poe's bill,
H.R. 2337, to bring best practices to the Peace Corps' response to
victims of sexual assault. Both of these bills, Mr. Speaker, were
adopted by our House Foreign Affairs Committee by unanimous consent.
Senate bill 1280 is named in honor of a brave Peace Corps volunteer
from the State of Georgia who lost her life while serving in Africa.
Kate Puzey was brutally murdered in Benin when she tried to end the
continuing rape of her students by reporting the assailant.
Earlier this year, in an oversight hearing held by our Committee on
Foreign Affairs, we heard from Kate's mom, Lois Puzey, who testified
that the Peace Corps failed to protect the confidentiality of Kate's
report, and this ultimately led to the murder of her daughter. We also
heard testimony from three former Peace Corps volunteers who were raped
overseas. They all relayed accounts about the deplorable treatment they
received by the Peace Corps after they reported their rapes.
Without the chilling testimony of these brave individuals who came
forward, I do not believe that successful reform legislation like this
would have been possible. They deserve the utmost respect, and they are
to be commended for their bravery. Many of them are in the visitors'
gallery today. Jess, Carol, Karestan, and Kate are the voices of the
Peace Corps' own volunteers from across the decades, voices that can no
longer be ignored.
During the course of our investigation, the House Foreign Affairs
Committee received dozens of affidavits from other victims in the Peace
Corps, echoing their plea for change. The accounts of these victims
unveiled an institution that had too often blamed the victim and
treated reports of rape as a threat to its reputation. Despite their
harrowing experiences, most volunteers who have been victims of sexual
assault continue to support the Peace Corps and remain committed to its
noble mission--to promote world peace and friendship between peoples
from different cultures.
Director Aaron Williams has begun to make important changes to better
protect and serve volunteers in the Peace Corps. However, deeper
reforms are needed; and the legislation before us today, which was
adopted by our Foreign Affairs Committee, requires the Peace Corps to
make these changes.
Senate bill 1280 combines two of our House bills, and it requires the
Peace Corps to establish a confidentiality policy for reporting sexual
assault. The bill sets up an Office of Victims Advocacy to oversee the
response to sexual assault and other violent crimes. It also
establishes a Sexual Assault Advisory Council to provide guidance to
the Peace Corps volunteers and to ensure that it continues to follow
the best practices as they evolve in the field.
Under this bill, the Peace Corps must keep crime statistics and track
them in annual safety and security reports. It directs the Peace Corps
to perform portfolio reviews to evaluate the countries where volunteers
serve, including an evaluation of their safety and their security. This
bill enhances the independence of the Peace Corps Inspector General by
exempting that office from the 5-year limitation of Peace Corps tenure.
It instructs that a Memorandum of Understanding be entered into between
the Department of State and the Peace Corps, delineating responsibility
for crime victim support.
I urge all Members to support this important legislation in honor of
Kate Puzey and to vote in favor of Senate bill 1280. Help reform the
Peace Corps to make it the polished gem of U.S. diplomacy that it was
always meant to be.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in strong support of S. 1280, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps
Volunteer Protection Act of 2011. Today marks an important step towards
improving the safety and security of volunteers who serve in the Peace
Corps.
The Foreign Affairs Committee took up the issue of volunteer safety
earlier this year after the broadcast of an extremely disturbing report
on the ABC News program ``20/20.'' The segment detailed the experiences
of a number of young volunteers who were sexually assaulted while
serving overseas but who did not receive the care and support they
needed from the Peace Corps. The show also examined the circumstances
surrounding the tragic death of Kate Puzey, a volunteer in the west
African country of Benin who was murdered after reporting that a fellow
teacher was sexually abusing some of his students.
In May we held a very useful hearing on these issues, with witnesses
that included returned volunteers who were survivors of sexual assault,
the Inspector General of the Peace Corps, and the Peace Corps Director.
Based on the testimony we received at the hearing and in consultations
with other interested parties, we drafted a bipartisan bill to improve
the Peace Corps, and that legislation is reflected in the Senate bill
we are taking up today.
Some of the key provisions include requiring the agency to have
comprehensive policies and training for volunteers and staff on risk
reduction and response; the establishment of a victim support office to
focus exclusively on supporting victims of sexual assault and other
crimes; and completing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Peace
Corps and the State Department, clarifying security-related
responsibilities.
I think it's important to point out that Peace Corps Director Aaron
Williams has already taken a number of important steps to improve the
support for victims of sexual assault and other crimes. For example,
the Peace Corps has hired a victim's advocate, established a
confidentiality policy, and started the process of rewriting and
updating their sexual assault risk reduction and response policies and
training.
{time} 1750
This bill codifies some of the important measures that Director
Williams has put in place to ensure that they're retained by future
Directors.
On its 50th anniversary, the Peace Corps continues to perform a vital
role in promoting community-based development in some of the world's
poorest countries, sharing American values and enriching our own Nation
by bringing knowledge of other countries and cultures back to the
United States.
No agency with such a modest budget has done more than the Peace
Corps to extend America's presence in nearly every part of the world,
and none has enjoyed such strong bipartisan support. This
comprehensive, balanced, and bipartisan bill will strengthen the Peace
Corps and help ensure that the agency can continue to do its important
work well into the future.
I want to thank Chairman Ros-Lehtinen and Senators Boxer and Isakson
and their staffs and all our staffs for working so well together on
these important issues. And I particularly want to single out
Congressman Poe, because without his initial thrust, I don't think we
would be at this point today. I think he deserves the appreciation of
the entire body and of the people who are most impacted by this
legislation for his efforts and for his willingness to work with us in
such a cooperative fashion.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I am honored to yield such time as he may consume
to the gentleman from Texas, Judge Poe, the wind beneath our wings, the
man who started this ball rolling, the author of H.R. 2337, which was
incorporated into the bill before us today. And as Mr. Berman, my good
friend from California, has pointed out, Judge Poe has been the
inspiration for this legislation before us today.
Mr. POE of Texas. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. And I
appreciate the chair and the ranking member for relentlessly pushing
this issue to the House floor as fast as it was possible and to the
good folks down at the Senate, Senator Boxer and Senator Isakson, who
are the initial sponsors of
[[Page H7182]]
H.R. 2337 on which we will, here today, vote on in a bipartisan way.
This legislation is bipartisan because it deals with victims of
crime, American victims of crime. And victims are not a partisan bunch;
they're just victims. And when someone picks out a victim to commit a
crime against, partisanship doesn't play any part in it. And it's good
to see that partisanship doesn't play any part in this legislation in
opposing it, but it's a bipartisan piece of legislation.
Mr. Speaker, there's a group of Americans; they are really special
people. I call them the American ambassadors abroad. They are young
people. A lot of them are young females right out of college. It
started with a concept that President Kennedy had many years ago, and
it's called the Peace Corps, where these American angels abroad leave
their homes in the 50 States and they go to remote parts of the world
where many of us would have to look up on a globe or an atlas or the
Internet to find out exactly where they are. We've never heard of these
places. They are in third-world countries, primarily. They go out where
many times the first Americans these folks have ever seen in this
country are those Peace Corps volunteers that show up, and they show up
for the sole purpose to make life better for these people overseas,
sometimes in very small villages. They go and they work in very
primitive conditions and live very difficultly, trying to do something
really important to make the world a better place. And they do. They
are remarkable people.
When they go overseas, as they have done for the last 50 years, and
all over the world, sometimes crimes are committed against them.
Sometimes they are very serious crimes. Sometimes that includes sexual
assault, rape. And it occurs for a lot of reasons, but it does occur.
Unfortunately, the Peace Corps back home for a long time ignored some
of these crimes and some of these victims, and they just weren't
treated right when they were trying to cry out, saying, Hey, this
happened to me over there; take care of me when I come back home.
But now this legislation that has been very carefully drafted will
fix that problem. It will move us to a direction where we are going to
take care of these Peace Corps volunteers because what they do is
important. What the Peace Corps does is important. We just want to
improve it so that more and more people go and join the Peace Corps,
but yet they feel safe in what they do.
These crimes against our Peace Corps volunteers came to light really
at the end of last year, the beginning of this year. One reason it came
to light was because of an ABC ``20/20'' special that aired on January
14, outlining the plight of individual Peace Corps volunteers and how
they were treated--first the crime, and then sometimes continuing to be
criminalized. In some cases, our volunteers were treated like the
criminals and they weren't treated like victims--the offender sometimes
was treated like a victim of a crime--and those days need to end.
Mr. Speaker, I have been around a courthouse most of my life down in
Texas as a prosecutor, as a criminal court judge, and I tried a lot of
bad, serious cases. One of those cases that comes to the courthouses
throughout our country is the crime of sexual assault, or rape. That is
a unique crime because, you see, many times when the offender commits
that crime against primarily a female, it has nothing to do with sex;
it has everything to do with power and the destruction of that person's
identity. These offenders in some cases try to destroy the soul of that
victim, destroy their identity. And that is why, when the crime is
committed, we treat those victims with special respect, as they
rightfully deserve.
This legislation does that. It improves the Peace Corps. It makes it
a better institution. But it tells our young people that when you go
somewhere in the world to represent America, to do something good, just
to do something good for somebody else with no other motive, that we
are going to do everything we can to protect you, and then we are going
to hold people accountable for what they do to you. And we are going to
do everything we can, as Americans, to take care of you if a crime is
committed against you.
In the last 10 years, Mr. Speaker, the Peace Corps has witnessed over
100 sexual assaults a year against its volunteers. That's 100 too many.
We want to bring it down to zero.
As the chairman has mentioned about this legislation, it does several
things:
It creates and requires the Peace Corps to follow best practices in
training volunteers and responding to assaults against these young
people;
Second, it creates a system of restricted and unrestricted reporting
so victims have control over their own information and can report only
as much as they are comfortable with; and
Third, it sets up an advisory council to help the Peace Corps develop
programs. It helps the Peace Corps' sexual assault policy and
implements it.
I do want to thank the 87 cosponsors in the House for signing on the
legislation that I have sponsored. I do want to thank the chairman
again for the legislation she has sponsored; both passed, as she said,
the House Committee on Foreign Affairs unanimously in a bipartisan way.
And I do want to thank the Puzey family, sending their daughter
overseas and having dealt with the murder of their own child. None of
us want to ever see our children die before our time. I have got four
kids. Three of them are girls. I've got nine grandkids. And as parents,
we don't want to see that happen.
But their ability to come forward to tell that story and the story
that others have told, Peace Corps volunteers who are here today, Jess,
Karestan, Carol, and Liz, they were willing to come before the Foreign
Affairs Committee and testify about what happened to them and the
consequences of that. I want to thank them for being willing to be here
today and also to testify.
{time} 1800
But I also want to thank the Members of Congress for moving this as
fast as we can. With all that we're doing and going on and the economy
and all of this, it's important that this legislation pass today.
I do believe these young people are America's angels abroad.
Sometimes because of the economy and other reasons, we forget the
greatness of America. This is a great land. And one of the reasons, one
of the reasons it's great is because of the people who are here. One of
the reasons those people are great is because they do things for other
people. They go to lands they have never been to and they do things for
people they don't even know. And those are the Peace Corps volunteers.
I appreciate the time to speak on this. I hope that it passes
unanimously and sends a message to those Peace Corps volunteers: We
support you. We support the Peace Corps. We want it to live 50 more
years, and this bill helps those American ambassadors abroad.
Sarah Lee, Current Volunteer from Texas
A woman, let's call her Sarah Lee, who is serving in the Peace Corps
in a foreign country right now contacted me. Sarah Lee loves her job
and the organization, but can't get past the fact that she feels
completely unsafe.
``Throughout my service,'' she writes, ``I have witnessed the sorry
manner in which volunteers are regarded, treated, and protected by
Peace Corps. It is patently false that volunteers in X country could
ever be regarded as `safe.' ''
Last year, Sarah Lee was assaulted by another person that was old
enough to be her father. They were staying at another volunteer's house
and she fell asleep on the couch. She was awakened in the middle of the
night by the assailant inappropriately touching and kissing her.
She reported this to national Peace Corps staff, and talked to
several members of the executive staff, as well as the Peace Corps
Medical Officer. She was told to not leave her village. Another
volunteer came to stay with her because she was having anxiety attacks
and insomnia and didn't want to be alone.
While Peace Corps was investigating, the accused volunteer was
traveling the country, staying at overnight PC houses in bedrooms
occupied by female volunteers.
The investigators assigned to her case were terrible. Because she was
from Texas, they asked if she didn't have more ``conservative'' notions
of propriety than the perpetrator--as if this was just a violation of
her southern sensibilities and the perpetrator had every right to
assault her. They also told her she was attractive, so she must be
assaulted like this a lot. When she asked about pressing charges, they
discouraged her. They said a case like this had never been tried
before, that it would be
[[Page H7183]]
a precedent setting case, and that if she failed, it could hurt future
cases.
Eventually the Peace Corps flew Sarah Lee back to the United States,
but her counselor was just as bad as the investigators. While she was
sobbing, the counselor kept asking her how she felt. Because a Peace
Corps Volunteer can only be kept on medical hold for a certain amount
of days, she was rushed back to her country even though she did not
feel ready and was still suffering from panic attacks and insomnia.
When a fellow in-country volunteer urged her supervisor to give Sarah
Lee more counseling, they let her talk to a counselor twice on the
phone before telling her to just email--even though she has to drive to
the next town for Internet access.
In the end, the perpetrator quit rather than face being fired.
Nothing will appear on his record. Peace Corps never did give Sarah Lee
information on how to press charges.
Sarah Lee also talks about how male teachers at the school she
teaches at have repeatedly raped her students, but she can't tell
anyone. The Peace Corps still has not provided a mechanism through
which volunteers can report crimes without the fear of reprisal.
Mary Joe, Mozambique 2007
Mary Joe always wanted to help people. After she graduated from
Seattle University, she worked for a year at a non-profit that tutored
low-income housing kids.
She joined the Peace Corps the next year because she wanted to help
people abroad and, given Peace Corps' reputation, thought this was the
safe way to go.
In 2007, she was sent to Cambine, Mozambique to teach English to high
schoolers.
One night in the fall she went to dinner in the next town over with
some fellow volunteers. While at the restaurant, her drink was drugged
by a man the group had met there. The next thing she remembers is being
in a car with a man sexually assaulting her. A fellow Peace Corps
volunteer saw what was going on and pulled her from the car. Mary Joe
blacked out again until the next morning, when she woke up and called
the Peace Corps medical officer, who told her to come to the capital
and get checked out.
When she arrived the next day, she was denied a rape kit by the
medical officer, who said she was drunk--not assaulted. In fact, before
he would give her medicine to fight against possible AIDS exposure as a
result of the assault, the medical officer made her write down that she
was drunk and not raped. She was told to come back in a month to find
out if she had AIDS.
With no further care, it was clear that Mary Joe was not okay. Back
at her post, she was startled by and had crying fits over the littlest
things, couldn't sleep, was depressed, didn't want to leave her house,
and had terrible nightmares. Mary Joe was disoriented and couldn't
think clearly for months, yet she was asked to make big decisions. She
needed someone intimately familiar with her case who could advocate on
her behalf. After 2 weeks, she finally called her country director, who
put her in touch with a Peace Corps psychologist in Washington, DC. The
psychologist had her medevaced back to her hometown in Tucson on
Halloween in 2007.
While in Tucson she was given 3 sessions with a counselor and 3
sessions with a psychiatrist. Following her counselor's recommendation,
Mary Joe was medically separated from the Peace Corps.
Because she was no longer with the Peace Corps, she had to go through
the Department of Labor to get her medical care. She was never told
that she had to have a psychologist or psychiatrist sign her workers
compensation claim, so when she submitted it with her counselor's
signature, it was denied. By the time she was able to see a
psychologist, it was too late to appeal the claim. She never received
any more care from the Federal Government for her PTSD.
Billie Jo, Romania 1993
Billie Jo served in Romania from 1993 to 1995. From the day she
arrived until the day she left, she was constantly harassed physically
and verbally.
She couldn't walk out of the house without hearing cat calls. She was
spit on, punched, had chestnuts and rocks thrown at her, and her life
threatened. She was fondled so much while riding public transportation
that she finally gave up and walked everywhere.
Peace Corps knew sexual assaults were happening to all volunteers and
even talked about it in training, but they didn't take it seriously,
she said. No legal recourse was offered and when a young man exposed
himself to Billie Jo and her friend on the beach, the Peace Corps
country director told her to ``stay out of harm's way.''
Eventually, Billie Jo requested a new location, Peace Corps staff
refused. ``No one seemed to care,'' she explained.
When she got back to the U.S., Billie Jo had to get counselor
services through her own health care insurance because Peace Corps
didn't provide any help.
Billie Jo warned Peace Corps staff not to send women to her post, but
they did anyway. The young Jewish woman that came after her returned
home after only a few months into her service when swastikas were drawn
on her building wall.
Jess Smochek, Bangladesh 2004
Jess Smochek joined the Peace Corps in 2004. Her first day in
Bangladesh, a group of men groped and kissed her as she walked towards
her host family's house, but no one did anything to stop them.
She told Peace Corps staff over and over again that she felt unsafe,
but again, no one did anything.
Months later, this same group of men kidnapped her, beat her up, and
sexually assaulted her.
They left her unconscious in a back alley.
The Peace Corps did everything they could to cover it up because they
were more worried about what the officials in Bangladesh might think
than caring for her.
The Peace Corps blamed Jess for the attack, saying she shouldn't have
been walking alone after 5pm and forced her to write down all the
things she had done wrong that caused this to happen.
Rape is never the victim's fault. Ever.
When she finally got to return home, she was to tell volunteers that
she was having her wisdom teeth pulled out.
Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time; and
with the urging that the body do pass this, and hopefully pass this
unanimously, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
For 50 years Peace Corps volunteers have given their generous talents
and skills to help the poor in developing countries, thereby increasing
understanding between diverse cultures. Peace Corps volunteers live
within the communities that they serve, and they are often located in
places with unreliable access to communication, nor to the police, nor
for medical services. And historically, sadly, media have underplayed
the dangers of serving in the Peace Corps and they have underreported
or overlooked any criticism or any problem related to the Peace Corps.
But now their own volunteers, the Peace Corps' own volunteers, have
come forward with a demand for change. Congress has had several
previous opportunities to help pass reform legislation to help the
Peace Corps better protect its volunteers overseas. But, sadly, these
efforts and these previous attempts have fallen short.
Now we have this bill, Senate bill S. 1280, that has had bipartisan
and bicameral support and was drafted with the input from the Peace
Corps itself and from the volunteers also.
It is unacceptable that U.S. citizens, Peace Corps volunteers, do not
enjoy protection from regional security officers who are stationed at
our overseas diplomatic posts because their role in protecting
volunteers has not been clearly defined. Regional security officers are
United States law enforcement officials. They're deployed overseas, and
they are in the best position to serve U.S. citizens and work with
their foreign law enforcement counterparts to seek justice on behalf of
crime victims. As the Peace Corps Inspector General reported over 18
months ago, further delay in forming this Memorandum of Understanding
could compromise volunteer safety and hinder response to crimes against
volunteers.
The language in this bill states that if the MOU is not entered into
within 6 months of the bill becoming law, then the Director must report
to the committee on the reasons for failing to meet this deadline,
along with a detailed certification on steps taken toward meeting this
requirement in a timely fashion.
This language is the result of extensive bipartisan consultation,
including regular discussion with our counterparts in the Senate. This
bill is a substantial step forward and will help address longstanding
safety and security problems for volunteers. For the brave victims who
came forward and for Kate Puzey who gave her life in the service of the
Peace Corps, help us pass this bill.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Kate Puzey
Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act. I am a Returned Peace Corps
Volunteer, steadfast Peace Corps champion, and original cosponsor of
the House version of this legislation. Kate Puzey was an intelligent,
brave young woman from Georgia who was tragically murdered while
serving in the Peace Corps in Benin. I was
[[Page H7184]]
privileged to speak with Kate's family about what a remarkable person
Kate was, and I am deeply inspired by the Puzey family's commitment to
turn unspeakable heartbreak into important action to ensure that what
happened to Kate never, ever happens again. Kate truly represented the
best of what Peace Corps can be and this legislation in her honor
ensures that all Volunteers will get the best possible protections and
training.
I was very troubled to hear the stories of other Volunteers who have
received insufficient or insensitive support during their Peace Corps
service. Earlier this year, I spoke with two courageous returned
Volunteers, Karestan Koenen and Jessica Smochek, and learned about
their traumatic experiences of rape and sexual assault while serving in
the Peace Corps and the inadequate assistance they received afterward.
These two women, like every Volunteer, deserve the best possible
support, and I commend them and the other returned Volunteer victims
who have bravely come forward and shared their stories. Like the Puzey
family, the trauma these individuals have suffered is unimaginable, but
their actions have already helped to make Peace Corps a stronger
agency.
I applaud Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams for taking immediate
action to reform the agency's commitment to safety, sexual assault
prevention and response, and security. Director Williams has worked
closely with the Puzey family, returned Volunteers, and experts in
victims' rights to develop new policies and strengthen existing ones to
enhance the support and safety of Volunteers. These reforms include
appointing the agency's first Victim Advocate, implementing a new
Volunteer and staff sexual assault training, and signing a Memorandum
of Understanding with the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
(RAINN) to collaborate on sexual assault prevention. Peace Corps has
also created a Peace Corps Volunteer Sexual Assault Panel which
provides advice and input on sexual assault risk reduction and response
strategies. The Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act both
codifies and compliments the important reforms that Director Williams
has put in place so that the next generation of Volunteers like Kate,
Karestan, and Jessica will have the safety protections; compassionate,
informed support; and necessary resources they deserve.
Mr. Speaker, Peace Corps Volunteers represent the best of what
America has to offer and it is only right that America offers them the
best. I thank the Puzey family, Karestan, Jessica, and all the returned
Volunteers and advocates who have committed themselves to making Peace
Corps a better, stronger agency. The efforts of their work will forever
benefit future generations of Peace Corps Volunteers.
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, on March 12, 2009, Kate Puzey, a 24-
year-old native of Cumming, Georgia and Peace Corps volunteer was
killed outside of her home in Badjoude, Benin where she worked as an
English teacher. She was murdered by a Beninese Peace Corps contract
employee after she reported that he had raped and sexually abused
students they taught together. Had the legislation we are considering
here today, S. 1280, The Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection
Act of 2011 been law when Ms. Puzey first arrived in Benin in 2007, it
might have saved her life.
Today, the Peace Corps does not require its volunteers to receive
training in risk reduction or in how to recognize and respond to
incidences of sexual assault. And, unlike other federal agencies, Peace
Corps volunteers do not enjoy whistleblower protections. It is a shame
that it took the untimely death of Ms. Puzey to focus our attention on
the necessity of addressing these issues.
S. 1280 directs the Peace Corps to establish sexual assault response
teams made up of safety and security officers, medical staff, and a
victim's advocate that can respond to reports of sexual assaults
against a volunteer; requires the immediate removal of any volunteer
who feels at risk of imminent bodily harm; and, requires the Peace
Corps to develop and implement a process to allow volunteers to report
incidents of misconduct or mismanagement, or violations of any policy
of the Peace Corps in order to protect the confidentiality and safety
of such volunteers.
Every year, hundreds of conscientious young Peace Corps volunteers
like Kate Puzey, support communities around the world, helping those
less fortunate than themselves. As with members of our Armed Forces,
these dedicated global public servants deserve to know their country is
committed to their safety and will do all it can to protect them.
As a cosponsor of the House analogue to this bill, I ask my
colleagues to join me in support of S. 1280, in memory of the work and
sacrifice of Kate Puzey and for the sake of those who choose to follow
her into the Peace Corps.
Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1280, the Kate
Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011. This bill is named
after a brave young woman who was murdered while volunteering with the
Peace Corps in Benin in 2009. S. 1280 is a vital component in the
effort to protect Peace Corps volunteers who are dedicated to public
service, like Kate Puzey, from unnecessary and senseless violence.
In the two years since Kate's death, much attention has been focused
on concerns about the safety of Peace Corps volunteers, and I applaud
the Peace Corps for instituting essential improvements to their Sexual
Assault Prevention and Response Program in the wake of this tragedy. To
implement further protections, S. 1280 will expand the Peace Corps'
safety precautions in several concrete, practical ways.
S. 1280 will ensure that all applicants are provided with a
historical analysis of crimes and risks in their prospective countries
of service, will provide further protection for female volunteers who
are particularly vulnerable while living in foreign countries, and will
institute sexual run assault risk-reduction and response training and
country-specific means of seeking care. It contains provisions that
will protect the anonymity of volunteers who report sexual assault and
allows them to report cases to the Inspector General. It will also
increase government accountability in responding to sexual assault
through a Sexual Assault Advisory Council, a committee of past
volunteers and experts who will ensure the Peace Corps is executing
best practices.
As a returned Peace Corps volunteer who served in El Salvador, I have
personally witnessed the ways in which the Peace Corps provides
opportunities for personal and professional development for young
Americans. During my time as a volunteer, I was transformed from a
young college graduate with little direction into a confident public
servant with a passion for eradicating poverty. The pride one feels in
being an ambassador for their country is immeasurable, and I will
always keep the lessons I learned in the Peace Corps close to my heart.
For these reasons, I continue to advocate for the expansion of the
Peace Corps into double the number of countries in which it currently
operates. After all, for the cost of sending one soldier to
Afghanistan, we could send thirteen Peace Corps Volunteers to serve
their country in the name of peace.
While my experience in the Peace Corps exposed me to myriad positive
opportunities, I am aware that some volunteers have served in dangerous
or threatening situations. By implementing strong safety standards and
a firm protocol for handling sexual assault and harassment, women in
the Peace Corps will no longer be subjected to intimidation and exposed
to danger. This will enable even more volunteers to take advantage of
the same opportunities for growth I did. I urge my colleagues to pass
the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act so we can continue
to provide a positive and fulfilling experience for all Peace Corps
volunteers.
Mr. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1280, the Kate
Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011.
S. 1280 honors the memory of Kate Puzey. Kate, a 24-year-old Peace
Corps volunteer from the state of Georgia, was murdered in 2009 while
serving as a teacher in a village in the West African country of Benin.
Shortly before her death, Kate had reported that a foreign national,
working under contract for the Peace Corps, had allegedly molested some
of the young girls.
Kate had requested anonymity and confidentiality because the man's
brother worked at the Peace Corps office.
Unfortunately Kate is not the only Peace Corps volunteer who has been
victimized while serving overseas.
During the last 10 years, Peace Corps volunteers have reported an
average of 22 rapes and 267 assaults per year.
Not only are these statistics far higher than the national average,
according to 2008 data from the Department of Justice, but Peace Corps
data suggest twice as many assaults occur than are reported.
S. 1280 provides much-needed reform of the Peace Corps to protect
volunteers against sexual assault and other violent crimes and to care
for victims of such crimes.
Specifically the bill provides risk-reduction and response training,
a new Office of Victims Advocacy, confidential reporting, and other
measures.
For the sake of the 8,655 Peace Corps volunteers serving in 77
countries around the world, representing the best of our country's
values, often at great personal risk, I urge the passage of this bill.
Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S.
1280, ``The Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011.''
This bill amends the Peace Corps Act to require sexual assault risk-
reduction and response training. It requires the development of a
comprehensive sexual assault policy, the establishment of an Office of
Victim Advocacy, and the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory.
[[Page H7185]]
On October 14, 1960, during the final three weeks of the presidential
campaign, candidate John F. Kennedy addressed students at the
University of Michigan. He challenged these students to give two years
of their lives to help people in developing countries. The root of the
Peace Corps is in former President Kennedy's challenge to those
students, and to us all. Since the Peace Corps was founded, more than
200,000 volunteers have served in 139 countries, helping people build
better lives for themselves, and better futures for their children.
The Peace Corps mission trains the citizens of developing nations in
a vast variety of skills and subjects, promotes a better understanding
of Americans, and promotes a better understanding of the culture of the
nation in which they are serving. Those who volunteer their service to
the Peace Corps are fulfilling an unwritten commandment of service to
the least among us, and their safety must be protected. The Peace Corps
has served as a great vehicle of cultural exchange and awareness for
the last 50 years and I applaud the organization and all of its
volunteers. However, the Peace Corp must do more to address the
concerns raised by current and former volunteers and establish a
comprehensive sexual assault program.
At this time 234 of the 7,109 volunteers, nearly five percent of all
members, are from my home state of Texas, where I represent the 18th
Congressional District. These altruistic Texans currently serve people
in Belize, Zambia and Kazakhstan, and other developing nations
throughout the world. I commend all of the brave humanitarians serving
in the Peace Corps. We must ensure that all Peace Corps volunteers
receive the training they need to provide for their safety and security
as they travel the world.
This bill was named after a Peace Corp volunteer Kate Puzey. Kate was
serving in Benin on the Western coast of Africa when she began to
suspect that some of the young girls in the village were being sexually
exploited. Kate informed the School Director, who did not want to
confront the suspected individual. Kate's mother reports that Kate was
becoming increasingly concerned with his behavior, and in February,
2009, he confessed to Kate that he had raped two students. Because
there were no clearly outlined procedures to report such complaints,
Kate had no official avenue to report the disturbing information.
Furthermore, Constant Bio's brother worked as an Assistant Director in
local Peace Corps Headquarters, so, in late February 2009, Kate elected
to travel to another Peace Corps work-station where she requested
assistance from the Peace Corps Benin Director.
On March 2, 2009, Kate was emailed, confirming receipt of her report,
and four days later, she was sent another email informing her Mr. Bio's
contract would not be renewed, and that he would be informed why. Kate
never received these emails; not having Internet access in her village,
she had requested to be contacted by phone. Her confidentiality was not
maintained, and her accused killer was informed of her role in his
firing. On March 11, 2009, Kate was found murdered at her home in the
village of Badjoude. Mr. Bio is currently in custody for this horrific
murder.
Unfortunately, the tragic murder of Kate Puzey is not the only
devastating event that has affected a Peace Corps volunteer. An average
of 22 women reported being raped in the Peace Corps every year between
2000 and 2009. I am greatly saddened that any of our Peace Corp
volunteers, our nation's representatives have suffered from the
malicious crimes of sexual assault.
I am further troubled that many of these crimes have not received the
attention they deserve. The victim of a sexual assault, should not be
victimized again by inaction. This bill would provide men and women
with the knowledge they need to report and act upon reports of sexual
assault. According to the Congressional Research Service, 60 percent of
volunteers in the Peace Corps are women, with an average age of 28
years old. It is essential that these volunteers are protected.
The Peace Corps was established to show the world that America's
greatness is cemented in its goal to maintain world peace and
friendship. Thousands of Americans have volunteered to promote these
values through kind deeds in countries whose cultural attitudes and
values are much different than those of America's, especially towards
women. In this country, we value women's rights, and implement laws and
policies to protect those rights. When those laws are violated, we go
to great lengths to see that justice prevails.
We, as all Americans, value the Peace Corps. This Congress has passed
legislation that makes it possible for the Peace Corps to continue
doing its great work representing the essence of America's values. With
this legislation, in honor of Kate Puzey, Congress will ensure that the
Peace Corps will be sufficiently responsive and sensitive to victims of
crime. I am pleased to support this bill, and urge my colleagues to do
the same.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, S. 1280.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this question will be postponed.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from
the Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 31)
directing the Secretary of the Senate to make a correction in the
enrollment of S. 1280, and ask for its immediate consideration in the
House.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Florida?
There was no objection.
The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:
S. Con. Res. 31
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That, in the enrollment of the bill (S. 1280) to
amend the Peace Corps Act to require sexual assault risk-
reduction and response training, the development of a sexual
assault policy, the establishment of an Office of Victim
Advocacy, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory
Council, and for other purposes, the Secretary of the Senate
shall make the following corrections:
Amend section 8C of the Peace Corps Act, in the quoted
material in section 2 of the bill, by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(e) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on
October 1, 2018.''.
Amend section 8D of the Peace Corps Act, in the quoted
material in section 2 of the bill, by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(g) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on
October 1, 2018.''.
Amend section 8E of the Peace Corps Act, in the quoted
material in section 2 of the bill--
(1) in subsection (c), by striking ``The President shall
annually conduct'' and inserting ``Annually through September
30, 2018, the President shall conduct'';
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``a biennial report''
and inserting ``a report, not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this section, and biennially through
September 30, 2018,''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``not later than two
years after the date of the enactment of this section and
every three years thereafter'' and inserting ``not later than
two years and five years after the date of the enactment of
this section''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Portfolio Reviews.--
``(1) In general.--The President shall, at least once every
3 years, perform a review to evaluate the allocation and
delivery of resources across the countries the Peace Corps
serves or is considering for service. Such portfolio reviews
shall at a minimum include the following with respect to each
such country:
``(A) An evaluation of the country's commitment to the
Peace Corps program.
``(B) An analysis of the safety and security of volunteers.
``(C) An evaluation of the country's need for assistance.
``(D) An analysis of country program costs.
``(E) An evaluation of the effectiveness of management of
each post within a country.
``(F) An evaluation of the country's congruence with the
Peace Corp's mission and strategic priorities.
``(2) Briefing.--Upon request of the Chairman and Ranking
Member of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate or
the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives, the President shall brief such committees on
each portfolio review required under paragraph (1). If
requested, each such briefing shall discuss performance
measures and sources of data used (such as project status
reports, volunteer surveys, impact studies, reports of
Inspector General of the Peace Corps, and any relevant
external sources) in making the findings and conclusions in
such review.''.
Amend section 8I(a) of the Peace Corps Act, in the quoted
material in section 2, by inserting ``through September 30,
2018,'' after ``annually''.
Strike section 8.
Redesignate sections 9 and 10 as sections 8 and 9,
respectively.
Strike section 11.
The concurrent resolution was concurred in.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
[[Page H7186]]
____________________