[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PEACE CORPS DIRECTOR AARON WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank Director 
Aaron Williams for his invaluable service to the Peace Corps and our 
nation. As the Director throughout the past three years, Mr. Williams 
undeniably impacted the Peace Corps legacy. It is important that we 
recognize the importance of his contributions and the unique role the 
Peace Corps has played in our national and global community throughout 
his tenure.
  Mr. Williams championed the ideals of the Peace Corps by bridging 
alliances with Minority Serving Institutions, enhancing the safety and 
security for the nine thousand volunteers serving abroad, and as 
President Obama noted, was essential in reforming and modernizing the 
agency. Sharing core American values with some of the world's most 
impoverished populations, his leadership these past three years 
reflects his service to the underrepresented and underprivileged.
  Despite a complex, changing global climate, Mr. Williams dedicated 
tireless efforts to ensure the safety of the Peace Corps volunteers. I 
was proud to work closely with the Director to pass the Kate Puzey 
Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act. This act expanded the Peace 
Corps' safety precautions by providing further protection for female 
volunteers who are particularly vulnerable while living in foreign 
countries. It also increased government accountability in responding to 
sexual assault through a Sexual Assault Advisory Council and protects 
the anonymity of volunteers who report sexual assault.
  Mr. Williams understood that a better Peace Corps is a bigger Peace 
Corps, and he therefore fought for the necessary increase in 
volunteers. He successfully expanded programs throughout Colombia, 
Indonesia, and Sierra Leone. And I was proud to work in the 
Appropriations Committee to help the agency obtain the largest funding 
in its history.
  Whether it was collaborative efforts with RCPV/W or promoting 
fundamental principles that make the Peace Corps and our country 
exceptional, Mr. Williams never wavered from his commitment to 
enhancing Peace Corps' outreach and capacity to serve diverse 
communities. Having served in the Peace Corps, I know firsthand the 
positive impacts that result from our Peace Corps programs and 
volunteers. Due to Mr. Williams' vision and leadership, the Peace Corps 
continues to lead the cause for peace, prosperity, and progress, and it 
has been strengthened for future generations. Again, I thank Mr. 
Williams. I am immensely grateful for his service, and most of all, his 
friendship.

                          ____________________