Peace Corps Modernization Act
Sponsored By: Representative Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4]
Introduced
Summary
Would cap administrative spending at 15 percent so 85 percent of Peace Corps funding goes to volunteers. It would also align Peace Corps deployments with U.S. foreign policy priorities, require expansion into Pacific Island countries, and create a streamlined pathway for returned volunteers to enter the Foreign Service.
Show full summary
- Peace Corps volunteers: Directs at least 85 percent of annual appropriations to volunteer-facing activities like recruitment, training, and support, and requires any savings from the cap be used to increase volunteer deployments.
- Country operations and U.S. embassies: Requires the Secretary of State to set country deployment priorities and the Peace Corps to align its Strategic Plan with Department of State strategies. It obligates programs in at least five Pacific Island countries, including Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and calls for a report on expansion within 90 days.
- Returned volunteers and hiring: Requires the State Department to create a Foreign Service pathway within 180 days that provides mentorship, bonus evaluation points equivalent to veterans appointment preference, streamlined vetting, and treats Peace Corps service as Foreign Service service for pay and benefits.
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Faster Foreign Service path for Peace Corps alumni
Returning and former Peace Corps volunteers would get a dedicated hiring path into the Foreign Service. The Secretary of State would set this up by regulation within 180 days. The path would include mentor pairs with current officers and bonus points in hiring assessments, similar to veterans’ preference. If appointed, their Peace Corps service would count as Foreign Service time for benefits, retirement, and the 9-year rule for mid-level jobs.
Expand Peace Corps in Pacific Islands
The Peace Corps would be required to run programs in at least five Pacific Island countries. It must include Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. Within 90 days of enactment, State and the Peace Corps would brief Congress on which countries are interested, barriers, needed resources, and how to coordinate with other agencies.
Limit overhead, fund volunteers
This bill would cap Peace Corps admin and overhead at 15% of its yearly budget. At least 85% would go to volunteers, including recruiting, training, and support. Any added funds shifted to volunteers would have to be used to send more volunteers overseas.
Stronger oversight of Peace Corps volunteers
The Peace Corps Inspector General would have to coordinate with the State Department Inspector General on all volunteer oversight. This would cover safety, audits, inspections, and investigations.
Peace Corps placements tied to U.S. goals
The Secretary of State would set which countries the Peace Corps should prioritize, based on U.S. strategic interests. The Peace Corps Director would work with U.S. ambassadors so embassies support country programs. The Director would have to tell Congress before starting a new country program or ending all programs in a country. If an embassy withdraws support, the Peace Corps would have to pause that program and notify Congress. The Peace Corps Strategic Plan would have to align with State’s country strategies and be coordinated with the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4]
MI • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
NY • R
Sponsored 9/15/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov