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National Peace Corps Association > News > Advocacy > Peace Corps Commemorative Passes House
Peace Corps Commemorative Passes House
By Jonathan Pearson on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
Just before 3:15 pm on Wednesday, September 22nd – the 49th anniversary of Congress passing the Peace Corps Act – The House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 4195, legislation authorizing a commemorative work near the National Mall to mark the lasting historical significance of the founding of the Peace Corps and the values that it represents.
The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.
“There could be no better time to pass this legislation than now, as we are on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps”, said NPCA President Kevin Quigley. ”Our community owes an enormous debt to Sam Farr, the other RPCVs in the House and all 51 co-sponsors who helped move this legislation forward.”
RPCV Congressman Farr (D-CA), the lead sponsor of the legislation, appeared on the House floor and spoke of how the Peace Corps impacted his life and the lives of many. A Colombia volunteer from 1962-64, Farr said “I was among those who found in the Peace Corps an avenue for national service…My life was changed. It was the Peace Corps that changed me. Peace Corps was then and continues to be a story of goodness for the United States of America.” Follow this link to watch Congressman Farr’s remarks.
Roger Lewis (Tunisia 64-66), a member of the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation who testified before a House subcommittee and was among those members of the community who were instrumental in House passage of the legislation, said Wednesday’s vote in the House “reflects America’s profound admiration, respect and appreciation for the ideals and values the Peace Corps represents, and for all it has achieved in making the world a better place.”
Farr thanked Congressmen Nick Rahall (D-WV), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Doc Hastings (R-WA) for their work within the House Natural Resources Committee in advancing the commemorative legislation. In his remarks, Hastings emphasized that plans for the construction and maintenance of the commemorative are to be done with non-federal funds.
Say Thank You!
Call the Capitol Hill Switchboard (877-851-6437) and thank your lawmaker if s/he co-sponsored this legislation.
You can also contact the five RPCV Congressmen to thank them for their leadership in passing Peace Corps commemorative legislation in the House:
- RPCV Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA) – Colombia 62-64 – (202-225-2861)
- RPCV Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) – El Salvador 65-67 – (202-225-2631)
- RPCV Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI) – Somalia 66-67 – (202-225-2476)
- RPCV Congressman Steve Driehaus (D-OH) – Senegal 88-90 – (202-225-2216)
- RPCV Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) – Ethiopia 66-68 – (202-225-1880)
Is there a vote tally available yet?
Hi Stuart. The measure passed by unanimous consent, so there was no need for a roll call vote.