Senate Hearing on the Peace Corps Commemorative

By Susan Stine on Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

The US Senate held a hearing on the Peace Corps Commemorative

On Wednesday, October 19^th, 2011 the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on the Peace Corps Commemorative bill, S.1421. This bill, which aims to commemorate the lasting historic significance and the values of the Peace Corps, was discussed along with eight other bills before the National Parks Subcommittee. (Watch a webcast of the hearing here.)

Senator Udall, chairman of the subcommittee, offered his strong support of the Peace Corps Commemorative during his opening remarks:

Senator Mark Udall, Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks

“I am an original cosponsor of Senator Portman’s bill to authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative here in Washington. The more than 200,000 men women who volunteered since the creation of the Peace Corps 1961 have made significant contributions in improving the lives of countless individuals and communities around the world. And not only help foster better understanding of America around the world, but also broaden our understanding, of other cultures. Colorado has one, of the strongest representations of returned Peace Corps volunteers, and I have an even more personal connection. My mother once served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal from the ages, 56 to 60, so I have got a great deal of affection and respect for what the Peace Corps stands for and represents. I look forward to working with Senator Portman, in moving this bill through the Committee and the Senate.”

Mr. William D. Shaddox, Acting Associate Director of Park Planning, Facilities, and Lands, National Park Service at the Department of the Interior, also spoke positively of the Peace Corps Commemorative. During the hearing he stated the Department’s support of S. 1421 and his in written testimony Mr. Shaddox indicated that the commemorative will highlight the exceptional aspects of American character shown in the ideals of the Peace Corps. Mr. Shaddox concluded his testimony on S. 1421 by stating that the Department and the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC) support the idea of commemorating Peace Corps’ practice of volunteerism and international cooperation as worthy ideals. (Read William Shaddox’s full written testimony here.)

National Peace Corps Association President National Kevin Quigley also submitted written testimony in support of the Peace Corps Commemorative. In his testimony Quigley mentioned the bi-partisan nature of the bill and the importance of establishing a commemorative that recognizes the fundamental American ideals of peace and friendship, and that the 50^th anniversary of the Peac Corps was the perfect time for Congress to authorize this Commemorative. (Read Kevin Quigley’s full written testimony here.)

National Peace Corps Association

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