[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 120 (Thursday, July 13, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2487-S2492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 293. Mr. MENENDEZ submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to the bill S. 2226, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 
2024 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, 
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for 
other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place in title XII, insert the 
     following:

                        Subtitle __--Peace Corps

     SEC. 12_1. SHORT TITLE.

       This subtitle may be cited as the ``Peace Corps 
     Reauthorization Act of 2023''.

     SEC. 12_2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 3 of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2502) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (b)--
       (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) There is authorized to be appropriated $410,500,000 
     for each of the fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out 
     this Act.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``that fiscal year and 
     the subsequent fiscal year'' and inserting ``obligation until 
     the last day of the subsequent fiscal year''; and
       (2) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (e).

     SEC. 12_3. READJUSTMENT ALLOWANCES FOR VOLUNTEERS AND 
                   VOLUNTEER LEADERS.

       Section 5 of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2504) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``insure their health'' 
     and inserting ``ensure their safety, their health,'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking ``$125'' and inserting ``$375'';
       (B) by striking ``his'' each place such term appears and 
     inserting ``the volunteer's''; and
       (C) by striking ``he'' and inserting ``the volunteer'';
       (3) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d);
       (4) by inserting after subsection (d), as redesignated, the 
     following:
       ``(e) The Director shall consult with health experts 
     outside of the Peace Corps, including experts licensed in the 
     field of mental health, and follow guidance by the Centers 
     for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the prescription 
     of medications to volunteers.'';
       (5) in subsection (h), by striking ``he'' and inserting 
     ``the President'';
       (6) in subsection (n)(2)--
       (A) by striking ``subsection (e)'' each place such term 
     appears and inserting ``subsection (d)''; and
       (B) by striking ``he'' and inserting ``the President''; and
       (7) in subsection (o), by striking ``his'' each place such 
     term appears and inserting ``the volunteer's''.

[[Page S2488]]

  


     SEC. 12_4. RESTORATION OF VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MAJOR 
                   DISRUPTIONS TO VOLUNTEER SERVICE.

       (a) In General.--Section 5 of the Peace Corps Act (22 
     U.S.C. 2504), as amended by section 12_3, is further amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(q) Disruption of Service Protocols.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall establish processes 
     for the safe return to service of returning Peace Corps 
     volunteers whose service is interrupted due to mandatory 
     evacuations of volunteers due to catastrophic events or 
     global emergencies of unknowable duration, which processes 
     shall include--
       ``(A) the establishment of monitoring and communications 
     systems, protocols, safety measures, policies, and metrics 
     for determining the appropriate approaches for restoring 
     volunteer opportunities for evacuated returned volunteers 
     whose service is interrupted by a catastrophic event or 
     global emergency; and
       ``(B) streamlining, to the fullest extent practicable, 
     application requirements for the return to service of such 
     volunteers.
       ``(2) Return to service.--Beginning on the date on which 
     any volunteer described in paragraph (1) returns to service, 
     the Director shall strive to afford evacuated volunteers, to 
     the fullest extent practicable, the opportunity--
       ``(A) to return to their previous country of service, 
     except for Peace Corps missions in China; and
       ``(B) to continue their service in the most needed sectors 
     within the country in which they had been serving immediately 
     before their evacuation due to a catastrophic event or global 
     emergency, except for Peace Corps missions in China.''.
       (b) Medical Personnel.--Section 5A(b) of the Peace Corps 
     Act (22 U.S.C. 2504a(b)) is amended, in the matter preceding 
     paragraph (1), by inserting ``, mental health professionals'' 
     after ``medical officers''.
       (c) Volunteer Leaders.--Section 6 of the Peace Corps Act 
     (22 U.S.C. 2505) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$125'' and inserting 
     ``$375''; and
       (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``he'' and inserting 
     ``the President''.

     SEC. 12_5. HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION FOR PEACE CORPS 
                   VOLUNTEERS.

       Section 5(d) of the Peace Corps Act, as redesignated by 
     section 12_3(3), is amended to read as follows:
       ``(d)(1) Volunteers shall receive such health care during 
     their service as the Director considers necessary or 
     appropriate, including, if necessary, services described in 
     section 8B.
       ``(2) Applicants for enrollment shall receive such health 
     examinations preparatory to their service, and applicants for 
     enrollment who have accepted an invitation to begin a period 
     of training under section 8(a) shall receive, preparatory to 
     their service, such immunization, dental care, and 
     information regarding prescription options and potential 
     interactions, as may be necessary and appropriate and in 
     accordance with subsection (f).
       ``(3) Returned volunteers shall receive the health 
     examinations described in paragraph (2) during the 6-month 
     period immediately following the termination of their 
     service, including services provided in accordance with 
     section 8B (except that the 6-month limitation shall not 
     apply in the case of such services), as the Director 
     determines necessary or appropriate.
       ``(4) Subject to such conditions as the Director may 
     prescribe, the health care described in paragraphs (1) 
     through (3) for serving volunteers, applicants for 
     enrollment, or returned volunteers may be provided in any 
     facility of any agency of the United States Government, and 
     in such cases the amount expended for maintaining and 
     operating such facility shall be reimbursed from 
     appropriations available under this Act. Health care may not 
     be provided under this subsection in a manner that is 
     inconsistent with the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction 
     Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-12).
       ``(5) Not later than 30 days before the date on which the 
     period of service of a volunteer terminates, or 30 days after 
     such termination date if such termination is the result of an 
     emergency, the Director, in consultation with the Secretary 
     of Health and Human Services, shall provide detailed 
     information to such volunteer regarding options for health 
     care after termination other than health care provided by the 
     Peace Corps, including information regarding--
       ``(A) how to find additional, detailed information, 
     including information regarding--
       ``(i) the application process and eligibility requirements 
     for medical assistance through a State Medicaid plan under 
     title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et 
     seq.), or under a waiver of such plan; and
       ``(ii) health care option identification services available 
     through the public and private sectors;
       ``(B) where detailed information on health plans may be 
     obtained; and
       ``(C) if such volunteer is younger than 26 years of age, 
     the eligibility of such volunteer to enroll as a dependent 
     child in a group health plan or health insurance coverage in 
     which the parent of such volunteer is enrolled in such plan 
     or coverage offers such dependent coverage.
       ``(6) Paragraph (5) shall apply to volunteers whose periods 
     of service are subject to early termination.''.

     SEC. 12_6. ACCESS TO ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS AND HYGIENE PRODUCTS 
                   FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS.

       Section 5A of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2504a) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (c) and (e);
       (2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
       (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Antimalarial Drugs.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall consult with experts 
     at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding 
     recommendations for prescribing malaria prophylaxis, in order 
     to provide the best standard of care within the context of 
     the Peace Corps environment.
       ``(2) Certain training.--The Director shall ensure that 
     each Peace Corps medical officer serving in a malaria-endemic 
     country receives training in the recognition of the side 
     effects of such medications.
       ``(3) Consultation.--The Director shall consult with the 
     Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs regarding 
     the policy of using mefloquine in the field as an 
     antimalarial prophylactic.
       ``(d) Access to Hygiene Products.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of the enactment of the Peace Corps 
     Reauthorization Act of 2023, the Director shall establish a 
     comprehensive policy to ensure Peace Corps volunteers who 
     require hygiene products are able to access such products.''.

     SEC. 12_7. CODIFICATION OF CERTAIN EXECUTIVE ORDERS RELATING 
                   TO EXISTING NONCOMPETITIVE ELIGIBILITY FEDERAL 
                   HIRING STATUS FOR RETURNING VOLUNTEERS AND 
                   EXTENSION OF THE PERIOD OF SUCH STATUS.

       The Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.) is amended by 
     inserting after section 5A the following:

     ``SEC. 5B. CODIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE ORDERS RELATING TO 
                   NONCOMPETITIVE ELIGIBILITY FEDERAL HIRING 
                   STATUS FOR RETURNING VOLUNTEERS.

       ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), Executive 
     Order 11103 (22 U.S.C. 2504 note; relating to Providing for 
     the Appointment of Former Peace Corps Volunteers to the 
     Civilian Career Services), as amended by Executive Order 
     12107 (44 Fed. Reg. 1055; relating to the Civil Service 
     Commission and Labor-Management in the Federal Service), as 
     in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the 
     Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023, shall remain in 
     effect and have the full force and effect of law.
       ``(b) Period of Eligibility.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Executive agency.--the term `Executive agency'--
       ``(i) has the meaning given such term in section 105 of 
     title 5, United States Code;
       ``(ii) includes the United States Postal Service and the 
     Postal Regulatory Commission; and
       ``(iii) does not include the Government Accountability 
     Office.
       ``(B) Hiring freeze.--The term `hiring freeze' means any 
     memorandum, Executive order, or other action by the President 
     that prohibits an Executive agency from filling vacant 
     Federal civilian employee positions or creating new such 
     positions.
       ``(2) In general.--The period of eligibility for 
     noncompetitive appointment to the civil service provided to 
     an individual under subsection (a), including any individual 
     who is so eligible on the date of the enactment of the Peace 
     Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023, shall be extended by the 
     total number of days, during such period, that--
       ``(A) a hiring freeze for civilian employees of the 
     executive branch is in effect by order of the President with 
     respect to any Executive agency at which the individual has 
     applied for employment;
       ``(B) there is a lapse in appropriations with respect to 
     any Executive agency at which the individual has applied for 
     employment; or
       ``(C) the individual is receiving disability compensation 
     under section 8142 of title 5, United States Code, based on 
     the individual's service as a Peace Corps volunteer, 
     retroactive to the date the individual applied for such 
     compensation.
       ``(3) Applicability.--The period of eligibility for 
     noncompetitive appointment status to the civil service under 
     subsection (a) shall apply to a Peace Corps volunteer--
       ``(A) whose service ended involuntarily as a result of a 
     suspension of volunteer operations by the Director, but may 
     not last longer than 1 year after the date on which such 
     service ended involuntarily; or
       ``(B) who re-enrolls as a volunteer in the Peace Corps 
     after completion of a term of service.''.

     SEC. 12_8. EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF EXISTING NONCOMPETITIVE 
                   ELIGIBILITY FEDERAL HIRING STATUS FOR RETURNING 
                   VOLUNTEERS.

       The Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.) is amended by 
     inserting after section 5B, as added by section 12_7, the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 5C. EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF EXISTING NONCOMPETITIVE 
                   ELIGIBILITY FEDERAL HIRING STATUS FOR RETURNING 
                   VOLUNTEERS.

       ``(a) In General.--Subject to section 5B, Executive Order 
     11103 (22 U.S.C. 2504 note; relating to Providing for the 
     Appointment of Former Peace Corps Volunteers to the Civilian 
     Career Services), as amended by Executive Order 12107 (44 
     Fed. Reg. 1055; relating to the Civil Service Commission and 
     Labor-Management in the Federal Service), as in effect on the 
     day before the date of the enactment of the Peace Corps 
     Reauthorization

[[Page S2489]]

     Act of 2023, shall remain in effect and have the full force 
     and effect of law.
       ``(b) Noncompetitive Eligibility Federal Hiring Status.--
     Subject to subsection (d), any volunteer whose Peace Corps 
     service was terminated after April 1, 2020, and who has been 
     certified by the Director as having satisfactorily completed 
     a full term of service, may be appointed not later than 2 
     years after completion of qualifying service to a position in 
     any United States department, agency, or establishment in the 
     competitive service under title 5, United States Code, 
     without competitive examination, in accordance with such 
     regulations and conditions as may be prescribed by the 
     Director of the Office of Personnel Management.
       ``(c) Extension.--The appointing authority may extend the 
     noncompetitive appointment eligibility under subsection (b) 
     to not more than 3 years after a volunteer's separation from 
     the Peace Corps if the volunteer, following such service, was 
     engaged in--
       ``(1) military service;
       ``(2) the pursuit of studies at a recognized institution of 
     higher learning; or
       ``(3) other activities which, in the view of the appointing 
     authority, warrant an extension of such eligibility.
       ``(d) Exception.--The appointing authority may not extend 
     the noncompetitive appointment eligibility under subsection 
     (b) to any volunteer who chooses to be subject to early 
     termination.''.

     SEC. 12_9. COMPREHENSIVE ILLEGAL DRUG USE POLICY WITH RESPECT 
                   TO PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS.

       (a) In General.--The Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2501 et 
     seq.) is amended by inserting after section 8I (22 U.S.C. 
     2507i) the following:

     ``SEC. 8J. COMPREHENSIVE ILLEGAL DRUG USE POLICY WITH RESPECT 
                   TO PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Director shall develop and implement 
     a comprehensive drug use policy with respect to Peace Corps 
     volunteers. The policy shall--
       ``(1) establish a zero tolerance policy regarding volunteer 
     or trainee involvement with illegal drugs; and
       ``(2) require that every case of volunteer or trainee 
     illegal drug involvement be brought immediately to the 
     attention of relevant Peace Corps leadership, including the 
     Director, and be reported expeditiously by the Peace Corps to 
     the Office of the Inspector General.
       ``(b) Consultation.--In developing the policy described in 
     subsection (a), the Director may consult with and 
     incorporate, as appropriate, the recommendations and views of 
     experts in the field of substance abuse, and shall consult 
     with the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the 
     Senate.''.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit a report to 
     the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives 
     describing the illegal drug use policy developed and 
     implemented under section 8J of the Peace Corps Act, as added 
     by subsection (a).

     SEC. 12_0. PROTECTION OF PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS AGAINST 
                   REPRISAL OR RETALIATION.

       Section 8G of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2507g) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Prohibition Against Reprisal or Retaliation.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Covered official or office.--The term `covered 
     official or office' means--
       ``(i) any Peace Corps employee, including an employee of 
     the Office of Inspector General;
       ``(ii) a Member of Congress or a designated representative 
     of a committee of Congress;
       ``(iii) an Inspector General (other than the Inspector 
     General for the Peace Corps);
       ``(iv) the Government Accountability Office;
       ``(v) any authorized official of the Department of Justice 
     or other Federal law enforcement agency; and
       ``(vi) a United States court, including any Federal grand 
     jury.
       ``(B) Relief.--The term `relief' includes all affirmative 
     relief necessary to make a volunteer whole, including 
     monetary compensation, equitable relief, compensatory 
     damages, and attorney fees and costs.
       ``(C) Reprisal or retaliation.--The term `reprisal or 
     retaliation' means taking, threatening to take, or initiating 
     adverse administrative action against a volunteer because the 
     volunteer made a report described in subsection (a) or 
     otherwise disclosed to a covered official or office any 
     information pertaining to waste, fraud, abuse of authority, 
     misconduct, mismanagement, violations of law, or a 
     significant threat to health and safety, if the activity or 
     occurrence complained of is based upon the reasonable belief 
     of the volunteer.
       ``(2) In general.--The Director of the Peace Corps shall 
     take all reasonable measures, including through the 
     development and implementation of a comprehensive policy, to 
     prevent and address reprisal or retaliation against a 
     volunteer by any Peace Corps officer or employee, or any 
     other person with supervisory authority over the volunteer 
     during the volunteer's period of service.
       ``(3) Reporting and investigation; relief.--
       ``(A) In general.--A volunteer may report a complaint or 
     allegation of reprisal or retaliation--
       ``(i) directly to the Inspector General of the Peace Corps, 
     who may conduct such investigations and make such 
     recommendations with respect to the complaint or allegation 
     as the Inspector General considers appropriate; and
       ``(ii) through other channels provided by the Peace Corps, 
     including through the process for confidential reporting 
     implemented pursuant to subsection (a).
       ``(B) Relief.--The Director of the Peace Corps--
       ``(i) may order any relief for an affirmative finding of a 
     proposed or final resolution of a complaint or allegation of 
     reprisal or retaliation in accordance with policies, rules, 
     and procedures of the Peace Corps; and
       ``(ii) shall ensure that such relief is promptly provided 
     to the volunteer.
       ``(4) Appeal.--
       ``(A) In general.--A volunteer may submit an appeal to the 
     Director of the Peace Corps of any proposed or final 
     resolution of a complaint or allegation of reprisal or 
     retaliation.
       ``(B) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this paragraph may 
     be construed to affect any other right of recourse a 
     volunteer may have under any other provision of law.
       ``(5) Notification of rights and remedies.--The Director of 
     the Peace Corps shall ensure that volunteers are informed in 
     writing of the rights and remedies provided under this 
     section.
       ``(6) Dispute mediation.--The Director of the Peace Corps 
     shall offer the opportunity for volunteers to resolve 
     disputes concerning a complaint or allegation of reprisal or 
     retaliation through mediation in accordance with procedures 
     developed by the Peace Corps.
       ``(7) Volunteer cooperation.--The Director of the Peace 
     Corps may take such disciplinary or other administrative 
     action, including termination of service, with respect to a 
     volunteer who unreasonably refuses to cooperate with an 
     investigation into a compliant or allegation of reprisal or 
     retaliation conducted by the Inspector General of the Peace 
     Corps.''.

     SEC. 12_1. PEACE CORPS NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL.

       Section 12 of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2511) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``(subject to subsection (d)(1)) conduct on-site inspections, 
     and make examinations, of the activities of the Peace Corps 
     in the United States and in other countries in order to'';
       (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (G); 
     and
       (D) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
       ``(D) make recommendations for utilizing the expertise of 
     returned Peace Corps volunteers in fulfilling the goals of 
     the Peace Corps;
       ``(E) make recommendations on strengthening diversity, 
     equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles in the 
     workforce and daily work of the Peace Corps, including by--
       ``(i) increasing the recruitment of volunteers from diverse 
     backgrounds and better supporting such volunteers during 
     their training and enrollment in the Peace Corps;
       ``(ii) increasing and sustaining a diverse and inclusive 
     workforce through data collection, anti-harassment and anti-
     discrimination measures, recruitment, retention, professional 
     development, and promotion and leadership initiatives that 
     also consider the work and roles of contractors;
       ``(iii) ensuring that advisory committees and boards 
     represent the diversity of the agency; and
       ``(iv) increasing opportunities in operations, programming, 
     and procurement through work with partners and communities 
     that are underrepresented or traditionally marginalized;
       ``(F) make recommendations to reduce any financial barriers 
     to application, training, or enrollment in the Peace Corps, 
     including medical expenses and other out-of-pocket costs; 
     and'';
       (2) in subsection (c), by amending paragraph (2) to read as 
     follows:
       ``(2)(A) The Council shall be composed of 7 members who are 
     United States citizens and are not being paid as officers or 
     employees of the Peace Corps or of any other United States 
     Government entity.
       ``(B) Of the 7 members of the Council--
       ``(i) 1 member shall be appointed by the President;
       ``(ii) 3 members shall be appointed by the President pro 
     tempore of the Senate, of which--
       ``(I) 2 members shall be appointed upon the recommendation 
     of the leader in the Senate of the political party that is 
     not the political party of the President;
       ``(II) 1 member shall be appointed upon the recommendation 
     of the leader in the Senate of the political party of the 
     President; and
       ``(III) at least 2 members shall be former Peace Corps 
     volunteers; and
       ``(iii) 3 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the 
     House of Representatives, of which--
       ``(I) 2 members shall be appointed upon the recommendation 
     of the leader in the House of Representatives of the 
     political party that is not the political party of the 
     President;
       ``(II) 1 member shall be appointed upon the recommendation 
     of the leader in the House of Representatives of the 
     political party of the President; and
       ``(III) at least 2 members shall be former Peace Corps 
     volunteers.

[[Page S2490]]

       ``(C) Council members shall be appointed to 2-year terms. 
     No member of the Council may serve for more than 2 
     consecutive 2-year terms.
       ``(D) Not later than 30 days after any vacancy occurs on 
     the Council, the Director shall appoint an individual to fill 
     such vacancy. Any Council member appointed to fill a vacancy 
     occurring before the expiration of the term for which the 
     member's predecessor was appointed--
       ``(i) shall be appointed for the remainder of such term; 
     and
       ``(ii) may only serve on the Council for 1 additional 2-
     year term.
       ``(E)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), Council members 
     shall not be subject to laws relating to Federal employment, 
     including laws relating to hours of work, rates of 
     compensation, leave, unemployment compensation, and Federal 
     employee benefits.
       ``(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), Council members shall be 
     deemed to be Federal employees for purposes of--
       ``(I) chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code (relating 
     to compensation for work-related injuries);
       ``(II) chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code (relating 
     to conflicts of interest);
       ``(III) chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code 
     (relating to tort claims); and
       ``(IV) section 3721 of title 31 (relating to claims for 
     damage to, or loss of, personal property incident to 
     service).
       ``(F) Council members shall serve at the pleasure of the 
     Director. The Council may remove a member from the Council by 
     a vote of 5 members if the Council determines that such 
     member--
       ``(i) committed malfeasance in office;
       ``(ii) persistently neglected, or was unable to 
     successfully discharge, his or her duties on the Council; or
       ``(iii) committed an offense involving moral turpitude.'';
       (3) in subsection (g)--
       (A) by striking ``and at its first regular meeting in each 
     calendar year thereafter'' and inserting ``at its first 
     meeting each subsequent calendar year''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following: ``The Chair and 
     Vice Chair shall each serve in such capacity for a period not 
     to exceed 2 years. The Director may renew the term of members 
     appointed as Chair and Vice Chair under this subsection.'';
       (4) in subsection (h), by amending paragraph (1) to read as 
     follows:
       ``(1) The Council shall hold 1 regular meeting per quarter 
     of each calendar year at a date and time to be determined by 
     the Chair of the Council or at the call of the Director.''; 
     and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(k) Independence of Inspector General.--None of the 
     activities or functions of the Council authorized under 
     subsection (b)(2) may undermine the independence or supersede 
     the duties of the Inspector General of the Peace Corps.''.

     SEC. 12_2. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH BUREAU OF DIPLOMATIC 
                   SECURITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE.

       (a) Quinquennial Review and Update.--Not later than 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and at 
     least once every 5 years thereafter, the Director of the 
     Peace Corps and the Assistant Secretary of State for 
     Diplomatic Security shall--
       (1) review the Memorandum of Agreement between the Bureau 
     of Diplomatic Security of the Department of State and the 
     Peace Corps regarding security support and protection of 
     Peace Corps volunteers, and staff members abroad; and
       (2) update such Memorandum of Agreement, as appropriate.
       (b) Notification.--
       (1) In general.--The Director of the Peace Corps and the 
     Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security shall 
     jointly submit any update to the Memorandum of Agreement 
     under subsection (a) to--
       (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (2) Timing of notification.--Each written notification 
     submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted not 
     later than 30 days before the update referred to in such 
     paragraph takes effect.

     SEC. 12_3. CLARIFICATION REGARDING ELIGIBILITY OF UNITED 
                   STATES NATIONALS.

       The Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.), as amended by 
     this subtitle, is further amended--
       (1) in section 7(a)(5) (22 U.S.C. 2506(a)(5)), by striking 
     ``United States citizens'' each place such term appears and 
     inserting ``United States nationals of American Samoa and 
     citizens of the United States'';
       (2) in section 8(b) (22 U.S.C. 2507(b)), by inserting 
     ``United States nationals of American Samoa and'' after 
     ``training for'';
       (3) in section 10(b) (22 U.S.C. 2509(b)), striking ``any 
     person not a citizen or resident of the United States'' and 
     inserting ``any person who is not a United States national of 
     American Samoa nor a citizen or resident of the United 
     States''; and
       (4) in section 12(g) (22 U.S.C. 2511(g), by inserting 
     ``United States nationals of American Samoa or'' after ``who 
     are''.

     SEC. 12_4. SEXUAL ASSAULT ADVISORY COUNCIL.

       (a) Report and Extension of the Sexual Assault Advisory 
     Council.--Section 8D of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2507d) 
     is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
       ``(d) Reports.--On an annual basis through the date 
     specified in subsection (g), the Council shall submit a 
     report to the Director of the Peace Corps, the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on Foreign 
     Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives that describes 
     its findings based on the reviews conducted pursuant to 
     subsection (c) and includes relevant recommendations. Each 
     such report shall be made publicly available.''; and
       (2) in subsection (g), by striking ``October 1, 2023'' and 
     inserting ``October 1, 2028''.

     SEC. 12_5. SUSPENSION WITHOUT PAY.

       Section 7 of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2506) is 
     amended by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Suspension Without Pay.--(1) The Peace Corps may 
     suspend (without pay) any employee appointed or assigned 
     under this section if the Director has determined that the 
     employee engaged in serious misconduct that could impact the 
     efficiency of the service and could lead to removal for 
     cause.
       ``(2) Any employee for whom a suspension without pay is 
     proposed under this subsection shall be entitled to--
       ``(A) written notice stating the specific reasons for such 
     proposed suspension;
       ``(B)(i) up to 15 days to respond orally or in writing to 
     such proposed suspension if the employee is assigned in the 
     United States; or
       ``(ii) up to 30 days to respond orally or in writing to 
     such proposed suspension if the employee is assigned outside 
     of the United States;
       ``(C) representation by an attorney or other 
     representative, at the employee's own expense;
       ``(D) a written decision, including the specific reasons 
     for such decision, as soon as practicable;
       ``(E) a process through which the employee may submit an 
     appeal to the Director of the Peace Corps not later than 10 
     business days after the issuance of a written decision; and
       ``(F) a final decision personally rendered by the Director 
     of the Peace Corps not later than 30 days after the receipt 
     of such appeal.
       ``(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a final 
     decision under paragraph (2)(F) shall be final and not 
     subject to further review.
       ``(4) If the Director fails to establish misconduct by an 
     employee under paragraph (1) and no disciplinary action is 
     taken against such employee based upon the alleged grounds 
     for the suspension, the employee shall be entitled to 
     reinstatement, back pay, full benefits, and reimbursement of 
     attorney fees of up to $20,000.''.

     SEC. 12_6. OCEANIA PEACE CORPS PARTNERSHIPS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Peace Corps 
     shall submit a report to Congress containing strategies for 
     reasonably and safely expanding the number of Peace Corps 
     volunteers in the Indo-Pacific countries of Oceania, with the 
     goals of--
       (1) expanding the presence of the Peace Corps to all 
     currently feasible locations in the Indo-Pacific countries of 
     Oceania; and
       (2) working with regional and international partners of the 
     United States to expand the presence of Peace Corps 
     volunteers in low-income communities in the Indo-Pacific 
     countries of Oceania in support of climate resilience 
     initiatives.
       (b) Elements.--The report required under subsection (a) 
     shall--
       (1) assess the factors contributing to the current absence 
     of the Peace Corps and its volunteers in the Indo-Pacific 
     countries of Oceania;
       (2) examine potential remedies that include working with 
     United States Government agencies and regional governments, 
     including governments of United States allies--
       (A) to increase the health infrastructure and medical 
     evacuation capabilities of the Indo-Pacific countries of 
     Oceania to better support the safety of Peace Corps 
     volunteers while in those countries;
       (B) to address physical safety concerns that have decreased 
     the ability of the Peace Corps to operate in the Indo-Pacific 
     countries of Oceania; and
       (C) to increase transportation infrastructure in the Indo-
     Pacific countries of Oceania to better support the travel of 
     Peace Corps volunteers and their access to necessary 
     facilities;
       (3) evaluate the potential to expand the deployment of 
     Peace Corps Response volunteers to help the Indo-Pacific 
     countries of Oceania address social, economic, and 
     development needs of their communities that require specific 
     professional expertise; and
       (4) explore potential new operational models to address 
     safety and security needs of Peace Corps volunteers in the 
     Indo-Pacific countries of Oceania, including--
       (A) changes to volunteer deployment durations; and
       (B) scheduled redeployment of volunteers to regional or 
     United States-based healthcare facilities for routine 
     physical and behavioral health evaluation.
       (c) Volunteers in Low-income Oceania Communities.--
       (1) In general.--In examining the potential to expand the 
     presence of Peace Corps volunteers in low-income communities 
     in the Indo-Pacific countries of Oceania under

[[Page S2491]]

     subsection (a)(2), the Director of the Peace Corps shall 
     consider the development of initiatives described in 
     paragraph (2).
       (2) Initiatives described.--Initiatives described in this 
     paragraph are volunteer initiatives that help the Indo-
     Pacific countries of Oceania address social, economic, and 
     development needs of their communities, including by--
       (A) addressing, through appropriate resilience-based 
     interventions, the vulnerability that communities in the 
     Indo-Pacific countries of Oceania face as result of extreme 
     weather, severe environmental change, and other climate 
     related trends; and
       (B) improving, through smart infrastructure principles, 
     access to transportation and connectivity infrastructure that 
     will help address the economic and social challenges that 
     communities in the Indo-Pacific countries of Oceania confront 
     as a result of poor or nonexistent infrastructure.
       (d) Indo-Pacific Countries of Oceania Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``Indo-Pacific countries of Oceania'' means 
     Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, 
     Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, 
     Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

     SEC. 12_7. REPORTS.

       (a) Report on Mental Health Evaluation Standards.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Peace Corps 
     shall submit a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations 
     of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the 
     House of Representatives containing the guidelines and 
     standards used to evaluate the mental health of Peace Corps 
     applicants prior to their Peace Corps service.
       (2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following elements:
       (A) A detailed description of mental health screening 
     guidelines and evaluation standards used by the Peace Corps 
     to determine medical eligibility of applicants for service, 
     including a description of the most common mental health 
     conditions of applicants.
       (B) Specific standards in the mental health screening 
     process that could lead to an applicant's disqualification 
     from service, and a description of how these determinations 
     are made.
       (C) A description of any expedited mental health clearance 
     process for severe or recent symptom presentation.
       (D) A description of periods of stability related to 
     certain mental health conditions and symptoms recommended 
     prior to an applicant's clearance to serve.
       (E) An assessment of the impact of updated mental health 
     evaluation guidance, including a comparison of mental health 
     related volunteer medevacs in years before and after updated 
     guidelines were implemented.
       (F) A review of these screening guidelines, conducted by a 
     panel of certified and qualified medical professionals in the 
     United States, that evaluates these standards based on 
     scientific evidence and mental health research and proposes 
     relevant updates or additions to current guidance.
       (b) Report on Volunteer Medical Evacuations.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than the first May 1 occurring 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually 
     thereafter for 5 years, the Director of the Peace Corps shall 
     submit a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives regarding volunteer medical and mental health 
     evacuations.
       (2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following elements:
       (A) The number of Peace Corps volunteer medical and mental 
     health evacuations during the previous year.
       (B) A breakdown of these evacuations into medical and 
     mental health evacuation categories.
       (C) The estimated cost of these evacuations for each year, 
     including a breakdown of costs between medical and mental 
     health evacuation categories.

     SEC. 12_8. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       The Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.), as amended by 
     this subtitle, is further amended--
       (1) by amending section 1 to read as follows:

     ``SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       ``(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the `Peace 
     Corps Act'.
       ``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this 
     Act is as follows:

                       ``TITLE I--THE PEACE CORPS

``Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
``Sec. 2. Declaration of purpose.
``Sec. 2A. Peace Corps as an independent agency.
``Sec. 3. Authorization.
``Sec. 4. Director of the Peace Corps and delegation of functions.
``Sec. 5. Peace Corps volunteers.
``Sec. 5A. Health care for volunteers at Peace Corps posts.
``Sec. 5B. Codification of Executive orders relating to noncompetitive 
              eligibility Federal hiring status for returning 
              volunteers.
``Sec. 5C. Extension of period of existing noncompetitive eligibility 
              Federal hiring status for returning volunteers.
``Sec. 6. Peace Corps volunteer leaders.
``Sec. 7. Peace Corps employees.
``Sec. 8. Volunteer training.
``Sec. 8A. Sexual assault risk-reduction and response training.
``Sec. 8B. Sexual assault policy.
``Sec. 8C. Office of Victim Advocacy.
``Sec. 8D. Establishment of Sexual Assault Advisory Council.
``Sec. 8E. Volunteer feedback and Peace Corps review.
``Sec. 8F. Establishment of a policy on stalking.
``Sec. 8G. Establishment of a confidentiality protection policy.
``Sec. 8H. Removal and assessment and evaluation.
``Sec. 8I. Reporting requirements.
``Sec. 8J. Comprehensive illegal drug use policy with respect to Peace 
              Corps volunteers.
``Sec. 9. Participation of foreign nationals.
``Sec. 10. General powers and authorities.
``Sec. 11. Reports.
``Sec. 12. Peace Corps National Advisory Council.
``Sec. 13. Experts and consultants.
``Sec. 14. Detail of personnel to foreign governments and international 
              organizations.
``Sec. 15. Utilization of funds.
``Sec. 16. Foreign Currency Fluctuations Account.
``Sec. 17. Use of foreign currencies.
``Sec. 18. Activities promoting Americans' understanding of other 
              peoples.
``Sec. 19. Exclusive right to seal and name.
``Sec. 22. Security investigations.
``Sec. 23. Universal Military Training and Service Act.
``Sec. 24. Foreign language proficiency.
``Sec. 25. Nonpartisan appointments.
``Sec. 26. Definitions.
``Sec. 27. Construction.
``Sec. 28. Effective date.

 ``TITLE II--AMENDMENT OF INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND SOCIAL SECURITY ACT

        ``TITLE III--ENCOURAGEMENT OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE PROGRAMS

``Sec. 301. '';
       (2) in section 2(a) (22 U.S.C. 2501(a))--
       (A) by striking ``help the peoples'' and inserting 
     ``partner with the peoples''; and
       (B) by striking ``manpower'' and inserting ``individuals'';
       (3) in section 3 (22 U.S.C. 2502)--
       (A) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (e); and
       (B) in subsection (e), as redesignated, by striking 
     ``disabled people'' each place such term appears and 
     inserting ``people with disabilities'';
       (4) in section 4(b) (22 U.S.C. 2503(b))--
       (A) by striking ``him'' and inserting ``the President'';
       (B) by striking ``he'' and inserting ``the Director''; and
       (C) by striking ``of his subordinates'' and all that 
     follows through ``functions.'' and inserting ``subordinate of 
     the Director the authority to perform any such function.'';
       (5) in section 5 (22 U.S.C. 2504)--
       (A) in subsection (c), by striking ``: Provided, however,'' 
     and all that follows through ``the amount'' and inserting ``. 
     Under such circumstances as the President may determine, the 
     accrued readjustment allowance, or any part thereof, may be 
     paid to the volunteer, members of the volunteer's family, or 
     others, during the period of the volunteer's service, or 
     prior to the volunteer's return to the United States. In the 
     event of the volunteer's death during the period of his 
     service, the amount'';
       (B) in subsection (h), by striking ``he may determine'' and 
     inserting ``the President may determine''; and
       (C) in subsection (o) by striking ``the date of his 
     departure'' and all that follows and inserting ``the date of 
     the volunteer's departure from the volunteer's place of 
     residence to enter training until not later than 3 months 
     after the termination of the volunteer's service.'';
       (6) in section 6(3) (22 U.S.C. 2505(3)), by striking by 
     striking ``he may determine'' and inserting ``the President 
     may determine'';
       (7) in section 7 (22 U.S.C. 2506)--
       (A) in subsection (a), by moving paragraphs (7) and (8) 2 
     ems to the left; and
       (B) in subsection (b), as redesignated, by striking ``in 
     his discretion'' and inserting ``in the President's 
     discretion'';
       (8) in section 8A (22 U.S.C. 2507a)--
       (A) in subsection (c), by striking ``his or her'' and 
     inserting ``the volunteer's'';
       (B) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting ``the'' before 
     ``information''; and
       (C) in subsection (f)--
       (i) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``his or her'' each 
     place such phrase appears and inserting ``the volunteer's''; 
     and
       (ii) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``his or her'' and 
     inserting ``the person's'';
       (9) in section 8C(a) (22 U.S.C. 2507c(a)), in the 
     subsection heading, by striking ``Victims'' and inserting 
     ``Victim'';
       (10) in section 8E (22 U.S.C. 2507e)--
       (A) in subsection (b), by striking ``subsection (c),,'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (c),''; and
       (B) in subsection (e)(1)(F), by striking ``Peace Corp's 
     mission'' and inserting ``Peace Corps' mission'';
       (11) in section 9 (22 U.S.C. 2508)--
       (A) by striking ``under which he was admitted or who fails 
     to depart from the United States at the expiration of the 
     time for which he was admitted'' and inserting

[[Page S2492]]

     ``under which such person was admitted or who fails to depart 
     from the United States at the expiration of the period for 
     which such person was admitted''; and
       (B) by striking ``Act proceedings'' and inserting ``Act. 
     Removal proceedings'';
       (12) in section 10 (22 U.S.C. 2509)--
       (A) in subsection (b), by striking ``he may prescribe'' and 
     inserting ``the President may prescribe'';
       (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``section 3709 of the 
     Revised Statutes of the United States, as amended, section 
     302 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act 
     of 1949''; and by inserting ``sections 3101(a), 3101(c), 
     3104, 3106, 3301(b)(2), and 6101 of title 41, United States 
     Code''; and
       (C) in subsection (j), by striking ``of this section.'';
       (13) in section 12(d)(1)(b) (22 U.S.C. 2511(d)(1)(b)), by 
     striking ``his or her'' and inserting ``the member's'';
       (14) in section 14 (22 U.S.C. 2513)--
       (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``his agency'' and 
     inserting ``such agency''; and
       (B) in subsection (b)--
       (i) by striking ``his allowance'' and inserting ``the''; 
     and
       (ii) by striking ``he'';
       (15) in section 15 (22 U.S.C. 2514)--
       (A) in subsection (c), by striking ``that Act'' and 
     inserting ``that subchapter''; and
       (B) in subsection (d)(7), by striking ``his designee'' and 
     inserting ``the Director's designee'';
       (16) in section 19(a) (22 U.S.C. 2518(a)), by striking ``he 
     shall determine'' and inserting ``the President shall 
     determine'';
       (17) in section 23 (22 U.S.C. 2520)--
       (A) in the section heading, by striking ``universal 
     military training and service'' and inserting ``military 
     selective service''; and
       (B) by striking ``Universal Military Training and Service 
     Act'' and inserting ``Military Selective Service Act (50 
     U.S.C. 3801 et seq.)'';
       (18) in section 24--
       (A) by striking ``he'' each place such term appears and 
     inserting ``the volunteer''; and
       (B) by striking ``his'' and inserting ``the volunteer's'';
       (19) in section 26--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (9) as 
     paragraphs (3) through (10), respectively;
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) The term `Director' means the Director of the Peace 
     Corps.'';
       (C) in paragraph (5), as redesignated, by striking ``he or 
     she'' and inserting ``the medical officer'';
       (D) in paragraph (7), as redesignated, by striking ``5(m)'' 
     and inserting ``5(n)''; and
       (E) in paragraph (10), as redesignated--
       (i) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs 
     (A) and (B), respectively; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), as redesignated, by striking 
     ``section 5(f)'' and inserting ``section 5(e)''; and
       (20) in section 301(a), by striking ``manpower'' each place 
     such term appears and inserting ``individuals''.
                                 ______