1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose an amendment introduced by Representative Scott Perry that would eliminate funding for the Peace Corps in the next fiscal year (Amendment #137). This amendment has been introduced in advance of House consideration of H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, serving in Burkina Faso from 2010-2012. Peace Corps is one of our most recognized and cost-effective federal programs, with a 65 year history of building friendship and cooperation around the world, while assisting communities with impactful programs related to education, health care, and much more. In his request to Congress, President Trump requested to increase funding for the Peace Corps. Nearly 250 thousand Americans have proudly served our nation as Peace Corps Volunteers. It is important to emphasize that these individuals obtain a variety of skills that they bring back home, to the benefit of individuals and communities in the U.S. Our nation is stronger, better, and more prosperous because of the Peace Corps. Please oppose this shortsighted amendment which would defund the Peace Corps.