[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 41 (Monday, March 2, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PEACE CORPS TRIBUTE

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                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 2, 2020

  Mr. TIPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important 
contributions of the Peace Corps and its necessity to U.S. national 
security on its 57th Anniversary.
  Over 235,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps since its 
creation in 1961. Of those volunteers, approximately 7,600 have been 
native Coloradans. All have played a critical role in creating 
community links that remain the foundation of U.S. security and 
diplomacy as well as building international personal relationships and 
living out a mission of service that extends beyond their tenure with 
the Peace Corps.
  From teaching English, to helping farmers increase crop yields, to 
advising local business, the projects these volunteers pursue are wide 
ranging. In these various capacities, they function as the face of 
America overseas in locations where people have likely never met an 
American previously. Immersed in the local community through language 
and cultural immersion, volunteers are trusted by local decision 
makers.
  As an important part of America's soft power arsenal, the Peace Corps 
has shown exceptional mission, vision, and outcomes. Its work abroad 
has resulted in improvements along U.S. borders because of its presence 
in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru, helping to fix conditions that have 
pushed citizens to leave their homes. In 2017, 121 retired generals and 
admirals wrote to Congress to convey their support for the Peace Corps 
because of this work, calling it vital to preventing conflict and 
reducing the need for military personnel to be put in harm's way.
  Madam Speaker, through the dedication of each volunteer, the Peace 
Corps has become an enduring symbol of our nation's commitment to 
encouraging partnerships, creating opportunity, and expanding 
development at the grass-roots level in the developing world. I hope 
its service inspires other students and professionals from all walks of 
life.

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