Special Alert: RPCV Congressman Sam Farr introduces Peace Corps Expansion Act 2009!

Posted Feb 20, 2009

On February 13, 2009, RPCV Congressman Sam Farr (CA-D) introduced the Peace Corps Expansion Act 2009 (House Bill 1066) in the House of Representatives, with 40 co-sponsors.  The ambition of the bill and the number of co-sponsors sent a shock wave through Congress.  *We have to rally to support HR 1066.* Click here to read the full text.  (Be sure to hit control key while clicking on hyperlink).
The Act, which cites growing numbers of applications to Peace Corps, calls for $450 million in FY 2010 to support and expand the Peace Corps.  This is a $120 million increase over the FY 2009 budget, followed by $600 million for FY 2011, and $750 million in FY 2012.
To ensure that this legislation is passed, each of us must 1) support Congressman Farr’s initiative and 2) reach out to our members of Congress to grow the number of co-sponsors.  Members of Congress should get in touch with RPCV staffer Marc Hanson (marc.hanson@mail.house.gov) in Congressman Farr’s office to have their names added.
Here's what you can do to take action:  Check and see if your Congressman/woman is already a co-sponsor.  It your Member is already a co-sponsor, send a supportive message by calling the toll-free number for the Capitol switchboard (877 851-6437) and asking  to be connected to your representative's office.  Leave this message:
For Members who are already co-sponsors
"I believe the Peace Corps is underfunded at a time when demand for service has never been higher.  Thank you for becoming a co-sponsor of House Bill 1066, the Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2009.  I hope that you will reach out to other Members and invite them to co-sponsor this important bill.
If your Member is not yet a co-sponsor, use the same toll free number asking to be connected to your representative’s office.  Leave this message:
For Members who are not yet co-sponsors."I believe the Peace Corps is underfunded at a time when demand for service has never been higher.  Please consider becoming a co-sponsor of House Bill 1066, the Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2009.  Contact Congressman Farr to become a co-sponsor and support the Campaign to increase the size of the Peace Corps.”Please note this is a House action only! 
For more information, call Rajeev Goyal – 917-438-4626 or email him at rajeev@morepeacecorps.org.   Jonathan  Pearson, NPCA Advocacy Coordinator can be reached at jonathan@rpcv.org.  His phone contact is 202-293-7728, x. 21.