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National Peace Corps Association > News > Advocacy > Kennedy Introduces Commemorative Legislation
Kennedy Introduces Commemorative Legislation
By Jonathan Pearson on Monday, March 4th, 2013
Congressman Kennedy joined other RPCV lawmakers in helping to kick off the Capitol Hill portion of our National Day of Action last Thursday.
It is the first piece of legislation introduced by Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and new member of Congress Joseph Kennedy III (Dominican Republic 2004-06).
House Bill 915 would authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work near the National Mall to mark the establishment of the Peace Corps and the ideals of world peace and friendship upon which the Peace Corps was founded.
The other four members of Congress who served in the Peace Corps, California Democrats Sam Farr (Colombia 1962-64), Mike Honda (El Salvador 1965-67) and John Garamendi (Ethiopia 1966-68), and Republican Tom Petri (Somalia 1966-67) of Wisconsin signed on to become original co-sponsors of the legislation.
Similar commemorative legislation passed the United States Senate late last year and was re-introduced several weeks ago by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Mark Udall (D-CO). While the House legislation did not pass last year, it enjoyed bi-partisan support including 159 co-sponsors.
Take Action Now:
- Follow this link to read more background information about Peace Corps Commemorative legislation.
- Follow this link for connections to contact information for your Congressman/woman.
- Leave this basic message: ”I am urging Representative ______ to become a co-sponsor of House Bill 915, Peace Corps Commemorative legislation.”
- If sending a written message, explain why you believe the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961 was a significant historical event, worthy of commemoration. It is also important to stress in your messages that the legislation clearly states that no taxpayer dollars will be used for this project.
- Please contact us at advocacy@peacecorpsconnect.org to let us know you took action and find out what else you can do to pass commemorative legislation this year.
