The Peace Corps: Overview and Issues

The Peace Corps: Current Issues Curt Tarnoff Specialist in Foreign Affairs August 4, 2011April 4, 2012 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov RS21168 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress The Peace Corps: Current Issues Summary Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. About 8,655 volunteers currently serve in 77 nations. In 2011As of end September 2011, about 9,095 volunteers were serving in 76 nations. In 2012, the 112th Congress is considering the President’s annual funding request for the Peace Corps, efforts to reauthorize the Peace Corps, and related issues. In February 2011, the Obama2012, the Administration issued its FY2012FY2013 budget request, proposing $439.6374.5 million for the Peace Corps, a 10% increase over the FY2010-appropriated level of $400 million (H.R. 3288, P.L. 111-117) and a 17% increase over the final FY2011 appropriation of $374.3 million (H.R. 1473, P.L. 11210). The FY2011 appropriation follows a series of continuing resolutions and an across-the-board .2% rescission. It represents a cut of 6% for the Peace Corps from the previous year. On July 27, the State, Foreign Operations subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations marked up an FY2012 bill, providing $374.3 million for the Peace Corps, equal to the FY2011 level. The full committee is expected to take up the bill in September. The last Peace Corps authorization (P.L. 106-30), approved in 1999, covered the years FY2000 to FY2003. On July 21, the House Foreign Affairs Committee reported H.R. 2583, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2012, which includes language authorizing $375 million for the Peace Corps in FY2012 as well as provisions addressing Peace Corps safety and security$500,000 less than the FY2012 level of $375 million approved in December 2011 in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2012 (Division I of P.L. 112-74, H.R. 2055). The last Peace Corps funding authorization (P.L. 106-30), approved in 1999, covered the years FY2000 to FY2003. On July 21, the House Foreign Affairs Committee reported H.R. 2583, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2012, which includes language authorizing $375 million for the Peace Corps in FY2012 as well as provisions addressing Peace Corps safety and security. On July 27, 2011, Senator Kerry introduced S. 1426, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2012 and FY2013, including language authorizing $439.6 million for the Peace Corps in FY2012 and “such sums as may be necessary” for FY2013. On November 21, 2011, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 was signed into law (P.L. 112-57). It puts into place a number of safeguards to address and reduce the incidence of volunteer rape and sexual abuse. A comprehensive assessment of Peace Corps operations was published in June 2010. It makes 64 recommendations supporting a six-point strategy to be implemented in the coming years. Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether the Peace Corps has the institutional capacity to expand, and whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment. This report will be updated as events warrant. Congressional Research Service The Peace Corps: Current Issues Contents Recent Developments ...................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................1 Background ..... 1 Background...................................................................................................................................... 1 Congressional Actions ..................................................................................................................... 2 FY20132 FY2012 Appropriations ............................................................................................................. 2 FY20122 FY2011 Appropriations .........................................................................................................2 Authorization........ 2 Authorization Legislation.......................................................................................................... 2 Peace Corps Comprehensive Assessment....................3 Peace Corps Comprehensive Assessment .............................................................................. 3 Issues............5 Issues..........................................................................................................................................7 6 Peace Corps Funding and Expansion .....................................................................................7... 6 Volunteers, Programming, and Support ...................................................................................8.. 7 The Volunteer Force .........................................................................................................8... 7 Programming and Support ...............................................................................................9... 8 Safety and Security Issues ......................................................................................................... 9 10 Legislative Proposals on Safety and Security ................................................................... 12 Tables Table 1. Peace Corps Budget: FY2002-FY2012.............................................................................. 68 Contacts Author Contact Information ........................................................................................................... 13 Congressional Research Service The Peace Corps: Current Issues Recent Developments On July 27, 2011, the State, Foreign Operations subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations marked up an FY2012 bill, providing $374.3 million for the Peace Corps, equal to the FY2011 level. The full committee is expected to take up the bill in September. On July 27, 2011, Senator Kerry introduced S. 1426, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2012 and FY2013, including language authorizing $439.6 million for the Peace Corps in FY2012 and “such sums as may be necessary” for FY2013. On July 26, 2011, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee ordered reported S. 1280, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011, a bill addressing Peace Corps safety and security concerns. On July 21, 2011, the House Foreign Affairs Committee reported H.R. 2583, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2012, which includes language authorizing $375 million for the Peace Corps in FY2012 as well as provisions addressing Peace Corps safety and security. On May 11, 2011, the House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing focusing on safety and security issues in the Peace Corps. Among those testifying were volunteers who had been raped and the mother of a murdered volunteer. In April 2011, Congress approved H.R. 1473 (P.L. 112-10), the FY2011 Continuing Appropriations, providing $374.3 million for the Peace Corps (after a .2% across-the-board rescission), a cut of 6% from the previous year appropriation of $400 million (H.R. 3288, P.L. 111-117). In February 2011, the Obama Administration issued its FY2012 budget request, proposing $439.6 million for the Peace Corps, a 10% increase over the FY2010-appropriated level and a 17% increase over the final FY2011 appropriationFebruary 13, 2012, the Administration issued its FY2013 budget request, proposing $374.5 million for the Peace Corps, $500,000 less than the FY2012 level. On December 23, 2011, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2012 (P.L. 112-74, H.R. 2055) was signed into law. Division I provides $375 million for the Peace Corps, $750,000 more than in FY2011. On December 21, 2011, the Peace Corps announced that it would send no new volunteers to Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador while it conducted a review of its operations and the security environment in those locations. On November 21, 2011, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 was signed into law (P.L. 112-57). It puts into place a number of safeguards to address and reduce the incidence of volunteer rape and sexual abuse. The bill, S. 1280 (S.Rept. 112-85), was approved by the Senate on September 26, 2011, and by the House on November 1, 2011. On October 6, 2011, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing on the future of the Peace Corps. On October 4, 2011, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on H.R. 854, a bill that would establish a Peace Corps memorial. Introduction Generally viewed positively by the public and widely supported in Congress, the Peace Corps, the U.S. agency that provides volunteer skills internationally, drew congressional attention in recent years largely due to a 2002 presidential initiative to double the size of the volunteer force and to a series of reauthorization measures in the 108th, 109th, and 110th Congresses, some of which were approved by the House or Senate, but none of which made it into law. In 2009, the 111th Congress addressed the size of the volunteer force by providing a significant increase from the previous year in its FY2010 budget. In 2011, the 112th Congress is considering the President’s annual 2011 on the issue of volunteer safety and security. In 2012, the 112th Congress will consider the President’s FY2013 funding request for the Peace Corps, safety and security concerns, efforts to reauthorize the Peace Corps, and related issues. This report will be updated as events warrant. Background Founded 50 years ago, in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots Congressional Research Service 1 The Peace Corps: Current Issues level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. Living and working with ordinary people, volunteers have contributed in a variety of capacities—such as teachers, environmental specialists, health promoters, and small business advisers—to improving the lives of those they serve and helping others understand American culture. They also seek to share their understanding of other countries with Americans back home through efforts like the Paul D. Coverdell World Wise School program, which links serving volunteers with U.S. elementary school classrooms. To sends American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns across the globe to meet its three-point legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by improving the lives of those they serve, helping others understand American culture, and sharing their experience with Americans back home. To date, nearly 200,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in 139 countries. About 8,655 volunteers currently serve in 77 nations. As of end September 2011, 9,095 volunteers were serving in 76 nations.1 The Peace Corps director is Aaron S. Williams, a former volunteer.1 1 Supporting Peace Corps operations are about 853 U.S. direct hire staff, 190 of whom are overseas, and about 2,000 locally hired employees at overseas locations. Congressional Research Service 1 The Peace Corps: Current Issues In addition to its basic two-year tour of duty, the Peace Corps introduced in 1996 an initiative called Peace Corps Response (formerly Crisis Corps), drawing on former volunteers to provide short-term (usually three to six months) emergency, humanitarian, and reconstruction assistance at the community level with NGOs andnon-governmental relief and development organizations. More than 1,000 Peace Corps Response volunteers have served in 45 countries, including post-tsunami Thailand Thailand and Sri Lanka and post-earthquake Haiti. In September 2005, Peace Corps Response volunteers were deployed to assist Hurricane Katrina relief, the first time in Peace Corps history that volunteers were used domestically. More recently, they are serving in Haiti. Congressional Actions domestically. Congressional Actions FY2013 Appropriations In February 2012, the Administration issued its FY2013 budget request, proposing $374.5 million for the Peace Corps, $500,000 less than the FY2012 level of $375 million. FY2012 Appropriations In February 2011, the Obama Administration issued its FY2012 budget request, proposing $439.6 million for the Peace Corps, a 1017% increase over the FY2010-appropriated level and a 17% increase over the final FY2011 appropriation. On July 27, 2011, the State, Foreign Operations subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations marked up an FY2012 bill, providing $374.3 million for the Peace Corps, equal to the FY2011 level. The full committee is expected todid not take up the bill in September. FY2011 Appropriations On February 1, 2010, the Obama Administration issued its FY2011 budget request, proposing $446.2 million for the Peace Corps, a 12% increase over the FY2010-appropriated level. On June 30, 2010, the House State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee marked up a draft FY2011 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, providing $446.2 million for the Peace Corps, matching the Administration request and $46.2 million above the previous year’s level. On July 29, 2010, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved S. 3676 (S.Rept. 111-237), the FY2011 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations, providing $420.15 million for the Peace Corps, $20 million more than the previous year’s appropriation and $26 million less than the Administration request. In its report, the committee commended the recent Peace Corps 1 Supporting Peace Corps operations are about 853 U.S. direct hire staff, 190 of whom are overseas, and about 2,000 locally hired employees at overseas locations. Congressional Research Service 2 The Peace Corps: Current Issues assessment report and noted support for a number of its recommendations (see below). The committee also directed the Peace Corps to consider the use of volunteers with medical expertise to train foreign nationals to address the problem of fistula. H.R. 1, the continuing resolution approved by the House in January 2011, would have provided $330.8 million for the Peace Corps, a 17% cut from the FY2010 level. In April 2011, following a series of continuing resolutions, Congress approved H.R. 1473 (P.L. 112-10), the FY2011 Continuing Appropriations, providing $374.3 million for the Peace Corps (after a .2% across-the-board rescission). The appropriation represents a cut of 6% from the FY2010 level of $400 million (H.R. 3288, P.L. 111-117). Authorization On July 27, 2011, Senator Kerry introduced S. 1426, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2012 and FY2013, including language authorizing $439.6 million for the Peace Corps in FY2012 and “such sums as may be necessary” for FY2013. On July 21, 2011, the House Foreign Affairs Committee reported H.R. 2583, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2012, which includes language authorizing $375 million for the Peace Corps in FY2012. H.R. 2583 also contains provisions addressing Peace Corps safety and security. In July 2011, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee ordered reported a bill, S. 1280, addressing safety and security. Both bills are discussed in the “Safety and Security Issues” section below. A third piece of legislation, the Peace Corps Volunteer Service Improvement Act of 2011, introduced on July 29, 2011 (H.R. 2699), by the Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, contains safety as well as other program-related provisions. The non-safety provisions would exempt the agency Inspector General from the “five-year rule” and would require regular country portfolio reviews, evaluating the need for assistance, program costs, safety and security concerns, and the effectiveness of the post’s management, among other issues. Title V of S. 1426, the “Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act of 2011,” requires the Peace Corps to submit a report on progress made toward implementing the recommendations of the comprehensive assessment issued in 2010 (see section below). Despite repeated efforts during the past nine years, Congress has not enacted a new Peace Corps funding authorization.2 The last such Peace Corps authorization (P.L. 106-30), approved in 1999, covered the years FY2000 to FY2003. Annual State, Foreign Operations appropriations bills, however, routinely waive the requirement of authorization of foreign aid programs, as the FY2011 Continuing Appropriations Act (P.L. 112-10, sec. 1108) did in the case of currently unauthorized foreign aid programs, including the Peace Corps. 2 Comprehensive bills approved by the Senate in 2002 (both S. 2667 and S. 12) and by the House in 2003 (H.R. 1950) would have authorized appropriations that would double the size of the Peace Corps as well as institute a wide range of reforms and new programs. The Peace Corps Empowerment Act, S. 732 (Dodd), introduced on March 1, 2007, and the subject of hearings held by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 25, 2007, would have authorized appropriations for the Peace Corps and make substantive changes to the program. It contained provisions that sought to strengthen the effectiveness of volunteers in the field, provide a larger role for volunteers in the administration of Peace Corps, and address volunteer personnel and benefit concerns. H.R. 5535, the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2008 (Farr), introduced in March 2008, contained two provisions—a funding authorization and an increase in the readjustment allowance provided to Peace Corps volunteers for use on their return home (from $125 per month of service to $225). Congressional Research Service 3 The Peace Corps: Current Issues The 111th Congress took two major steps to authorize Peace Corps programs. On June 10, 2009, the House approved H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for 2010 and 2011 (H.Rept. 111-136). Title VI of the act contained several Peace Corps provisions. • The bill stated that it is the policy of the United States to double the size of the Peace Corps, improve the coordination of agency programs with those of other development agencies, and to promote volunteerism by Americans in developing countries. • The bill would have amended the Peace Corps Act to authorize the Peace Corps Response Program (discussed above). • The bill would have required that Peace Corps work with other government agencies to “identify synergies” and coordinate programs. In its report on the bill (H.Rept. 111-136), the House Foreign Affairs Committee asserted that USAID and others could benefit from the community-based programs that individual innovative volunteers have created. • The bill would have increased the readjustment allowance provided to volunteers completing their term of service from “at least $125 per month” of service to “at least $225.” Until recently, volunteers were provided $225 per month of service on their return to the United States, a level, the committee report notes, that is less than AmeriCorps volunteers. The committee suggested that, minimally, parity with AmeriCorps should be established and an even higher stipend should be considered, given that volunteers must resettle after living abroad.3 • The bill would have authorized an appropriation level of $450 million in FY2010 and “such sums as may be necessary” in FY2011. • The bill would have required two reports. One, within a year, on the accomplishments, challenges, and plans for the Peace Corps Response Program and another, annually, on progress made carrying out the legislation, including efforts to increase cooperation with other federal aid agencies. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee did not address H.R. 2410 and the Peace Corps provisions it contains. On April 27, 2010, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee reported S. 2971, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for FY2010-2011. It incorporated most of the language of the Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act of 2009, introduced as S. 1382 on June 25, 2009, and reported out of the committee on April 13, 2010 (S.Rept. 111-219). Apart from authorizing appropriations indefinitely (“such sums as may be necessary”), the bill required that the Peace Corps undertake an extensive assessment on how to strengthen management capabilities and program effectiveness, to expand opportunities for volunteers, and to increase the size of the Peace Corps. Based on that assessment, the Peace Corps was required to develop a strategic plan with one-year and five-year goals and benchmarks for these objectives as well as a strategy for country distribution of volunteers. The bill required a report to Congress on the assessment and strategic plan. 3 Effective April 1, 2010, the readjustment allowance was increased to $275 per month of service. Congressional Research Service 4 The Peace Corps: Current Issues Peace Corps Comprehensive Assessment In June 2010, the Peace Corps submitted to Congress a “comprehensive agency assessment” in response to a directive included in the FY2010 State, Foreign Operations appropriations (P.L. 111-117, Division F).4 As requested by the conferees (H.Rept. 111-366), the 204-page document specifically addresses the improvement of a range of Peace Corps operations and procedures, including those involving recruitment of a diverse and skilled volunteer force; training and medical care for volunteers and staff; placement of volunteers based on U.S. interests, country needs, and volunteer skills; coordination with international and host country organizations; early termination rates; management practices and independent evaluation; and other steps that might ensure an effective use of volunteers and resources. The other step that the assessment team chose to include is a discussion of third goal activities. While the report is thorough in its treatment of these issues, it should be noted that some points that would be required for study in the above-mentioned proposed authorization bills are not substantively addressed here. These include deferment of student loans, utilization of information technology, mechanisms for soliciting volunteer views, the adequacy and impact of post-service benefits, and the accomplishments and plans for the Peace Corps Response Program. The assessment report doesn’t just discuss a wide range of issues—it is a blueprint for change in the agency. The assessment team’s 64 recommendations have been approved in principle by the Peace Corps director. All recommendations have been placed in an implementation matrix with lead offices and proposed timing for implementation identified. Only a few of the recommendations would require legislative action and, therefore, most can be launched immediately. As a result of the assessment team’s findings, the Peace Corps is adopting a six-point strategy to guide its operations in the coming years. First, it will move to rationalize its selection of host countries by establishing clear criteria for entry. In part, this move seeks to address congressional concerns that the selection of Peace Corps host countries may not sufficiently reflect U.S. interests. Since 2002, the Peace Corps has received letters of request or inquiry from 27 countries where there is no current program. How the agency determines whether to establish a program has not been a transparent and well-documented process, leading some to conclude that it was not a rational process. The assessment team found that certain essential conditions have always been applied to the question of country entry—the extent of host country commitment, the safety and security of volunteers, and the level of resources available to the Peace Corps. Other key considerations have included compatibility of country objectives with those of Peace Corps, presence of potential projects, cost effectiveness, and congruence with U.S. national interests. The assessment team has recommended that the Peace Corps conduct a formal annual portfolio review that will look not just at applicant countries but at all existing programs and apply specific criteria to judge where the agency should operate. In addition to existing criteria, the team has recommended that two new criteria be introduced into deliberations on country entry and termination—a measure of the level of development, such as the U.N. Development Program’s Human Development Index, and a measure of potential volunteer impact. 4 The report can be found at http://multimedia.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/pdf/opengov/ PC_Comprehensive_Agency_Assessment.pdf. Congressional Research Service 5 The Peace Corps: Current Issues The second point in the new Peace Corp strategy is to recognize and make the best use of one of its most notable characteristics—a volunteer force composed largely of generalists. Today, as has largely been the case throughout its history, 85% of volunteers are recent college graduates and 84% are under the age of 30. While some have argued that the Peace Corps should alter its composition to meet the increasing needs of developing countries for educated specialists, the assessment team appears to have determined, with some exceptions noted below under point four, to accept demographic reality and the constraints of career paths in the United States that would likely limit the number of older specialists available to it. Instead, the team recommends steps be taken to strengthen the quality of the volunteer force available by improving its technical, language, and cultural training. It calls for hiring full-time training staff at country posts and providing more training time to volunteers. The third point in the new strategy suggests that, in order to maximize the effectiveness of the large pool of generalists recruited by the Peace Corps, it would be best to focus on a more limited range of project areas. Currently, volunteers are assigned to one of six broad technical sectors— education, health, agriculture, environment, youth development, and business/IT. Within those sectors, volunteers work in 50 different technical programs, from which 211 different project plans have been developed, perhaps meeting specific needs in a developing country, but for each of which volunteers in that project must be trained. The assessment team argues that by focusing more on what volunteers do best, what communities most want, and what volunteers can best be trained to do, the agency can maximize the capacity of volunteers and the impact they may have. The recommendation, therefore, is that Peace Corps management assess and determine a more narrow framework of work assignments and strengthen technical training in those areas. However, the assessment did not suggest which technical sectors or program areas should be eliminated or maintained. The assessment’s fourth key point addresses the exception to the rule of use of generalists. Both to meet needs of countries that might require greater expertise and experience and to best attract and utilize those volunteer applicants that possess a higher level of skills than the norm, the assessment team recommends that some innovations be made in Peace Corps programs. In particular, it suggests that the Peace Corps Response Program be expanded in size and be open to highly qualified individuals without previous Peace Corps experience. The Response Program should also maintain its current flexible time commitments (i.e., less than the usual 27 months for regular volunteers) and be used in both regular Peace Corps countries as well as in countries where there is no standard Peace Corps presence. The fifth point in the strategy calls for efforts to more fully and effectively address the so-called “third goal,” the legislative mandate that Peace Corps volunteers “help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.” This objective has always received less attention and funding ($1.9 million of its $400 million FY2010 budget) than the other two goals of assisting development and promoting understanding of Americans to the people served, both aspects which focus on the agency’s work abroad. The “third goal” was singled out recently as an area of emphasis by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in its report on the Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act (S. 1382, and incorporated into S. 2971), the committee arguing that the “third goal” had not received enough priority. “Third goal” activities include efforts by volunteers and former volunteers, sometimes forming country member groups, to convey their experiences through blogs, public talks, community service in the United States, and charitable fundraising. Most prominent among Peace Corps-sponsored activities is the Paul D. Coverdell Worldwise Schools program, which connects volunteers with school classrooms throughout the United States. The assessment report recommendations include increasing funding for these Congressional Research Service 6 The Peace Corps: Current Issues purposes; establishing an intern program that would place exceptional volunteers in international NGOs, business, and U.S. agencies; and developing an agency-wide strategy to achieve “third goal” objectives. The sixth point of the strategy is to strengthen Peace Corps management and operations. It recommends an updating of the agency’s strategic plan to include the new strategies encompassed in the assessment report, and a wide range of improvements to the planning and budgeting process, staffing, evaluation and oversight, recruitment procedures, training, and provision of health care to volunteers. In its report accompanying the FY2011 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations (S.Rept. 111237), the Senate Appropriations Committee noted support for several of the assessment report’s recommendations, including incorporating U.S. national interests and budget considerations into new criteria for volunteer placement, focusing resources on key areas, and attracting a wider diversity of highly skilled volunteers by establishing new technical programs through an expanded Peace Corps Response Program. According to the Peace Corps, as of mid-March 2011, 12 of the 64 recommendations had been fully implemented, with work begun on 42 others. The six strategies were all in the process of being advanced, with varying degrees of progress on each. As noted above, S. 1426, introduced on July 27, 2011, would require submission of a report detailing the progress of implementation of the assessment recommendations, including the impact of the portfolio review on planned distribution of volunteers throughout the world. Issues Peace Corps Funding and Expansion From the perspective of 2011, it is difficult to define a trend over the past decade in Peace Corps funding and volunteer numbers. When the George W. Bush Administration supported a substantial increase, Congress denied it. When the Obama Administration supported a more modest increase, Congress provided a substantial gain. For FY2011, a significant increase request has been met by a substantial cut, and while most other international programs face cuts in the FY2012 version of the State, Foreign Operations appropriations marked up by the House State, Foreign Operations subcommittee on July 27, 2011, the Peace Corps would be maintained at the previous year’s level. Despite a 2002 expansion initiative by President Bush to double its size within five years, the Peace Corps saw only a 16% increase in end of fiscal year volunteer numbers between 2002 and 2009. Meant to raise the number of volunteers from below 7,000 in 2002 to 14,000 in 2007, the initiative would have required an appropriation of at least $485 million by FY2007—more than $200 million greater than FY2002. In the end, however, Congress had to weigh whether sufficient funds were available vis-à-vis other foreign aid priorities (e.g., HIV/AIDS, terrorism, and Afghanistan) to warrant appropriating the amounts sought by the Administration, and large annual expansion funding requests were rejected. In addition to the overall availability of foreign aid funding, Members also expressed a concern regarding the managerial capacity of the agency to implement an expansion while maintaining an effective volunteer force. Congressional Research Service 7 The Peace Corps: Current Issues Despite the Obama Administration’s more modest stated objective of a 9,400-volunteer force by 2012 and 11,000 by 2016, the incremental annual increases in appropriations since 2002 and a significant congressional bump-up in FY2010 led to an end of FY2010 volunteer level of 8,655, a 13% increase from the previous year, and the highest level since 1970.5 Whether deficit concerns, which severely impacted foreign aid accounts in FY2011, have placed a temporary or long-term hold on Peace Corps expansion is not yet clear. Table 1. Peace Corps Budget: FY2002-FY2012 Fiscal Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Request ($ mil) 275.0 317.0 359.0 401.0 345.0 336.7 333.5 343.5 373.4 446.2 439.6 Appropriation ($ mil) 278.7 295.1 309.3 317.4 319.9 319.6 330.8 340.0 400.0 374.3 Total Volunteers 6,636 7,533 7,733 7,810 7,749 8,079 7,876 7,671 8,655 Sources: Peace Corps and CRS. Notes: Figures reflect across-the-board rescissions and supplemental appropriations. Total volunteers are number at end of the fiscal year. . On September 22, 2011, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported S. 1601, the FY2012 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations, providing $375 million for the Peace Corps, $750,000 more than the FY2011 level. The committee report on the bill, S.Rept. 112-85, contains a number of directives, on the implementation of which the committee requires reporting from the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps was directed to consult with the committee regarding any plans to open, close, or significantly reduce any office or country program; to take further steps to maximize volunteer safety; to adjust volunteer placement to ensure that they serve U.S. interests; to solicit volunteer and former volunteer views through regular surveys; to make statistics and information on the Peace Corps more publicly available; to adopt procedures to ensure the confidentiality of whistleblowers; and to review the capacity of volunteers to use PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief) funds effectively. On December 23, 2011, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2012 (P.L. 112-74, H.R. 2055) was signed into law. Division I provides $375 million for the Peace Corps, $750,000 more than in FY2011 and $64.6 million below the President’s request. Authorization Legislation Both House and Senate took action in 2011 to authorize funding levels for the Peace Corps. On July 27, 2011, Senator Kerry introduced S. 1426, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2012 and FY2013, including language authorizing $439.6 million for the Peace Corps in FY2012 and “such sums as may be necessary” for FY2013. On July 21, 2011, the House Foreign Affairs Congressional Research Service 2 The Peace Corps: Current Issues Committee reported H.R. 2583 (H.Rept. 112-223), the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2012, which includes language authorizing $375 million for the Peace Corps in FY2012. Despite repeated efforts during the past nine years, Congress has not enacted a new Peace Corps funding authorization. The last such Peace Corps authorization (P.L. 106-30), approved in 1999, covered the years FY2000 to FY2003. Appropriations bills, however, routinely waive the requirement of authorization of appropriations for foreign aid programs, as the FY2012 Continuing Appropriations Act (P.L. 112-36, Sec. 113) did in the case of FY2012 unauthorized foreign aid program appropriations, including those for Peace Corps. In 2011, Congress took a number of steps to address Peace Corps volunteer safety and security concerns in authorization measures. H.R. 2583, noted above, contains provisions addressing Peace Corps safety and security. On September 26, 2011, the Senate approved S. 1280 (S.Rept. 112-82), the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011, addressing safety and security. On September 21, 2011, the House Foreign Affairs Committee ordered reported both H.R. 2337, the companion bill to S. 1280, and H.R. 2699, the Peace Corps Volunteer Service Improvement Act of 2011. The House approved S. 1280 on November 1, 2011, and it was signed into law on November 21, 2011. These bills are discussed in the “Safety and Security Issues” section below. In addition to safety provisions, H.R. 2699 contains other program-related requirements. The nonsafety provisions would exempt the agency Inspector General from the “five-year rule” and would require regular country portfolio reviews, evaluating the need for assistance, program costs, safety and security concerns, and the effectiveness of the post’s management, among other issues. Title V of the Foreign Relations Authorization, S. 1426, contains the “Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act of 2011,” requiring the Peace Corps to submit a report on progress made toward implementing the recommendations of the comprehensive assessment issued in 2010 (see section below). Peace Corps Comprehensive Assessment In June 2010, the Peace Corps submitted to Congress a “comprehensive agency assessment” in response to a directive included in the FY2010 State, Foreign Operations appropriations (P.L. 111-117, Division F).2 As requested by the conferees (H.Rept. 111-366), the 204-page document specifically addresses a range of issues of concern to Congress regarding Peace Corps operations and procedures. While the report is thorough in its treatment of these issues, it should be noted that some points on which Congress has expressed an interest in recent years were not requested to be substantively addressed in the report. The report does not address such issues as safety and security, deferment of student loans, utilization of information technology, mechanisms for soliciting volunteer views, the adequacy and impact of post-service benefits, and the accomplishments and plans of the Peace Corps Response Program. The assessment report doesn’t just discuss a wide range of issues—it is a blueprint for change in the agency. The assessment team’s 64 recommendations were approved in principle by the Peace Corps director. All recommendations were placed in an implementation matrix with lead offices 2 The report can be found at http://multimedia.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/pdf/opengov/ PC_Comprehensive_Agency_Assessment.pdf. Congressional Research Service 3 The Peace Corps: Current Issues and proposed timing for implementation identified. Only a few of the recommendations required legislative action and, therefore, most could be launched immediately. As a result of the assessment team’s findings, the Peace Corps adopted a strategy to guide its operations in the future, some key elements of which are noted below. Country selection. The Peace Corps has moved to rationalize its selection of host countries by establishing clear criteria for entry. In part, this move seeks to address congressional concerns that the selection of Peace Corps host countries may not sufficiently reflect U.S. interests. Since 2002, the Peace Corps has received letters of request or inquiry from 27 countries where there is no current program. How the agency determines whether to establish a program has not been a transparent and well-documented process, leading some to conclude that it was not a rational process. The assessment team found that certain essential conditions have always been applied to the question of country entry—the extent of host country commitment, the safety and security of volunteers, and the level of resources available to the Peace Corps. Other key considerations have included compatibility of country objectives with those of Peace Corps, presence of potential projects, cost effectiveness, and congruence with U.S. national interests. The assessment team recommended that the Peace Corps conduct a formal annual portfolio review that would look not just at applicant countries but at all existing programs and apply specific criteria to judge where the agency should operate. In addition to existing criteria, the team recommended that two new criteria be introduced into deliberations on country entry and termination—a measure of the level of development, such as the U.N. Development Program’s Human Development Index, and a measure of potential volunteer impact. The first portfolio review has been conducted and informed the agency’s strategic planning and budget guidance to country posts in 2011. Volunteer skill composition: generalists. The new Peace Corps strategy chose to recognize and make the best use of one of its most notable characteristics—a volunteer force composed largely of generalists. Today, as has largely been the case throughout its history, 85% of volunteers are recent college graduates and 84% are under the age of 30. While some have argued that the Peace Corps should alter its composition to meet the increasing needs of developing countries for educated specialists, the assessment team determined, with some exceptions noted below, to accept demographic reality and the constraints of career paths in the United States that would likely limit the number of older specialists available to it. Instead, the team recommended steps be taken to strengthen the quality of the volunteer force available by improving its technical, language, and cultural training. It called for hiring full-time training staff at country posts and providing more training time to volunteers. Volunteer project focus. The new strategy suggested that, in order to maximize the effectiveness of the large pool of generalists recruited by the Peace Corps, it would be best to focus on a more limited range of project areas. Currently, volunteers are assigned to one of six broad technical sectors—education, health, agriculture, environment, youth development, and business/IT. Within those sectors, volunteers work in 50 different technical programs, from which 211 different project plans have been developed, perhaps meeting specific needs in a developing country, but for each of which volunteers in that project must be trained. The assessment team argued that by focusing more on what volunteers do best, what communities most want, and what volunteers can best be trained to do, the agency can maximize the capacity of volunteers and the impact they may have. The recommendation, therefore, is that Peace Corps management assess and determine a more narrow framework of work assignments and strengthen technical training in those areas. However, the assessment did not suggest which technical sectors or program areas should be Congressional Research Service 4 The Peace Corps: Current Issues eliminated or maintained. Since the report, an agency workshop proposed reducing the number of activities from 211 to 60, new training curricula for teaching English and for HIV/AIDS education are being developed, and an Africa focus on malaria prevention is being formulated. Volunteer skill composition: specialists. The assessment addressed the exception to the rule of use of generalists. Both to meet needs of countries that might require greater expertise and experience and to best attract and utilize those volunteer applicants that possess a higher level of skills than the norm, the assessment team recommends that some innovations be made in Peace Corps programs. In particular, it suggests that the Peace Corps Response Program be expanded in size and be open to highly qualified individuals without previous Peace Corps experience. The Response Program should also maintain its current flexible time commitments (i.e., less than the usual 27 months for regular volunteers) and be used in both regular Peace Corps countries as well as in countries where there is no standard Peace Corps presence. Since the report was issued, the number of Peace Corps Response volunteers more than doubled and extensions of service for high performing volunteers have been encouraged. A pilot program to utilize others besides former volunteers for short-term, highly technical service is being developed. Volunteer recruitment. To meet the strategy’s call for efforts to better meet developing country volunteer needs and attract the best volunteer candidates, the agency has sought to improve its recruitment and placement process and strengthen diversity outreach. “Third goal.” The strategy calls for efforts to more fully and effectively address the so-called “third goal,” the legislative mandate that Peace Corps volunteers “help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans” (Peace Corps Act, P.L. 87-293, Sec. 2). This objective has always received less attention and funding ($1.9 million of the $400 million FY2010 budget) than the other two goals of assisting development and promoting understanding of Americans to the people served, both aspects which focus on the agency’s work abroad. In 2010, the “third goal” was singled out as an area of emphasis by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in its report on the Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act (S. 1382, and incorporated into S. 2971), the committee arguing that the “third goal” had not received enough priority. “Third goal” activities include efforts by volunteers and former volunteers, sometimes forming country member groups, to convey their experiences through blogs, public talks, community service in the United States, and charitable fundraising. Most prominent among Peace Corps-sponsored activities is the Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools program, which connects volunteers with school classrooms throughout the United States. The assessment report recommendations include increasing funding for these purposes; establishing an intern program that would place exceptional volunteers in international NGOs, business, and U.S. agencies; and developing an agency-wide strategy to achieve “third goal” objectives. Since the report was published, the agency has promoted the “third goal” through a campaign to encourage greater participation by volunteers and former volunteers. The Peace Corps invited all U.S. graduate schools to participate in the Paul Coverdell Fellows Program, through which the schools offer financial assistance to returned volunteers—in December 2010, nine new graduate schools joined the program. Management and operations. In addition to policy decisions encompassed by the report, the assessment calls for strengthening of Peace Corps management and operations. It recommends updating the agency’s strategic plan to include the new strategies in the assessment report and a wide range of improvements to the planning and budgeting process, staffing, evaluation and oversight, recruitment procedures, training, and provision of health care to volunteers. Since the report was issued, a new monitoring and evaluation policy for the whole agency and an overseas Congressional Research Service 5 The Peace Corps: Current Issues staff orientation guide for host country national staff are being developed. Efforts are being made to build new partnerships with international organizations, U.S. government agencies, and others. In an effort to strengthen volunteer medical care, new Regional Medical Officers were hired and a Quality Improvement Council was established. A number of changes have also been made to safety and security operations (discussed below). Congressional reaction to the assessment report and strategy. In its report accompanying the FY2011 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations (S.Rept. 111-237), the Senate Appropriations Committee noted support for several of the assessment report’s recommendations, including incorporating U.S. national interests and budget considerations into new criteria for volunteer placement, focusing resources on key areas, and attracting a wider diversity of highly skilled volunteers by establishing new technical programs through an expanded Peace Corps Response Program. As noted above, S. 1426, the Foreign Relations Authorization, introduced on July 27, 2011, would require submission of a report detailing the progress of implementation of the assessment recommendations, including the impact of the portfolio review on planned distribution of volunteers throughout the world. Issues Peace Corps Funding and Expansion It is difficult to define a trend over the past decade in Peace Corps funding and volunteer numbers. Despite a 2002 expansion initiative by President Bush to double its size to about 14,000 volunteers within five years, the Peace Corps saw only a 16% increase in end of fiscal year volunteer numbers between 2002 and 2009. In early 2010, the Obama Administration proposed a more modest objective of a 9,400-volunteer force by 2012 and 11,000 by 2016. Annual incremental increases and a significant congressional bump-up in FY2010 funding helped lead to an end of FY2010 volunteer level of 8,655, a 13% increase from the previous year, and the highest level since 1970. At end of September 2011, volunteer numbers had reached 9,095. Congress approved an FY2011 appropriation of $374.3 million for the Peace Corps, a 6% cut from FY2010, and the FY2012 level is nearly unchanged from the previous year. Peace Corps projections based on these recent funding levels suggest a decline in volunteer numbers to an estimated 8,540 in FY2012 and 7,400 in FY2013. Table 1. Peace Corps Budget: FY2002-FY2012 Fiscal Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Request ($ mil) 275.0 317.0 359.0 401.0 345.0 336.7 333.5 343.5 373.4 446.2 439.6 374.5 Appropriation ($ mil) 278.7 295.1 309.3 317.4 319.9 319.6 330.8 340.0 400.0 374.3 375.0 — Total Volunteers 6,636 7,533 7,733 7,810 7,749 8,079 7,876 7,671 8,655 9,095 n/a — Sources: Peace Corps and CRS. Notes: Figures reflect across-the-board rescissions and supplemental appropriations. Total volunteers are number at end of the fiscal year. Although there appears to be broad support for the agency, when considering funding increases, Congress has had to weigh whether sufficient funds were available vis-à-vis other foreign aid Congressional Research Service 6 The Peace Corps: Current Issues priorities to warrant appropriating the amounts sought by both Bush and Obama Administrations. In addition, some Members have questioned the managerial capacity of the agency to implement an expansion while maintaining an effective volunteer force. Volunteers, Programming, and Support A continual concern for Congress over the years has been how the Peace Corps addresses the make-up of the volunteer force, programming of volunteer projects assignments, and support of volunteers in implementing those projects. This concern is particularly acute in the context of expansion efforts as it was used as an argument for not meeting the George W. Bush Administration’s funding requests that would enable doubling the size of the agency. With this concern in mind, the 2009 House Appropriations Committee report on the FY2010 State, Foreign Operations appropriations (H.Rept. 111-187) asked the Peace Corps to review its management practices in order to accommodate larger numbers of volunteers, and the Senate’s Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act of 2009 (S. 1382) similarly aimed to ensure that the Peace Corps is prepared to deal with the whole range of management issues. As noted above, the FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-117, Division F) required the Peace Corps to submit a report assessing its operational model and proposing a strategy for reform. The Volunteer Force The volunteer force is the Peace Corps. Aspects of its composition have been a focus of interest in Congress over the years. In FY2010, 60FY2011, 61% of volunteers were women, 1920% were minorities, 93% were single, and the average age was 28.3 In the past several years, Peace Corps made an objective of increasing the number of volunteers aged 50 and older, which, some would argue, might lead to a more specialized work-experienced volunteer force. However, the proportion of volunteers aged 50 or over appears to have changed in a positive direction only slightly. In FY2010 and FY2011, only 7% of volunteers were 50 or older, 5 Department of State, Congressional Budget Justification Foreign Operations Fiscal Year 2011, p. 84. Congressional Research Service 8 The Peace Corps: Current Issues older, compared with 5% in FY2008 (on the other hand, the number of older applicants increased by 44% between FY2007 and FY2008 and represented 9.2% of represented 7% of applicants in FY2008). 6FY2011).4 Volunteers work in a range of sectors—in FY2010, 37FY2011, 40% in education, 2223% in health and HIV/AIDS, 1412% in business development, 1312% in the environment, 5% in youth, 4% in agriculture, and 54% in other activities. According to the June 2010 assessment report, 85% of volunteers arewere recent college graduates with little professional experience. The Peace Corps, while adept at recruiting generalists and providing them with sufficient training to carry out useful assignments in these fields, has not emphasized the provision of highly skilled professionals, such as doctors, agronomists, or engineers, which, many argue, more accurately reflects the current needs of developing countries and which the agency may be under greater pressure to supply if it intends to expand volunteer numbers.75 Weighed against this view is the belief that the Peace Corps is an agency of public diplomacy as much as it is a development 3 Peace Corps volunteers are 4% African American, 5% Asian American, and 7% Hispanic/Latino origin. Peace Corps Fact Sheet, October 25, 2011 and Peace Corps communications with CRS. 5 In its Mexico program, launched in 2004, the Peace Corps has been able to provide more specialized technical volunteers offering skills in water and environmental engineering. 4 Congressional Research Service 7 The Peace Corps: Current Issues organization, and personal interaction and demonstration of U.S. values is as important as providing specialized technical expertise. As noted earlier, the assessment team has recommended that the Peace Corps accept the demographic features that have long characterized the volunteer force and, while embracing the use of generalists, seek to strengthen their capabilities through better training and more focused sector activities. At the same time, the team has recommended continued efforts to utilize experienced and skilled volunteers through innovative approaches. In particular, it suggests that the Peace Corps Response Program be used as a platform for new, more flexible, programs that may accommodate different types of volunteers. Whatever the skill sets and demographic characteristics sought by the agency, it is the recruitment of volunteers with appropriate skills and willingness to live in unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable conditions that is essential to the overall mission of the Peace Corps. A substantial spike in applicants and those expressing interest in applying since September 11, 2001, has made it easier for the Peace Corps to meet its recruitment goals. In FY2010FY2011, about 13,50012,206 applied to be volunteers, compared to 8,897 in FY2001, but a 1210% decrease from FY2009FY2010. Programming and Support The Peace Corps has been criticized in the past for providing inadequate programming and support of volunteers. This view was reflected in a 1990 Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation.86 It noted that some volunteers had little or nothing to do or had spent six or more months developing their own assignments, without benefit of site visits by Peace Corps staff. The GAO attributed the programming problem to a failure of planning, evaluation, and monitoring systems. Since then, the Peace Corps maintains that it has addressed these weaknesses with systematic approaches to project development, annual project reviews, and increased opportunities for site visits and volunteer feedback. While most volunteers do rate their overall experience highly, volunteer anecdotal accounts suggesting poor programming and staff support still occur, and the 2008 2010 volunteer survey found that between 1921% and 24% of volunteers were 6 “Peace Corps Reaches 40-Year High,” Press Release, October 28, 2010; Peace Corps 2010 Congressional. Budget Justification, p. 38 and 85. 7 In its Mexico program, launched in 2004, the Peace Corps has been able to provide more specialized technical volunteers offering skills in water and environmental engineering. 8 Peace Corps: Meeting the Challenges of the 1990s, May 1990, NSIAD-90-122 Congressional Research Service 9 The Peace Corps: Current Issues 27% of volunteers were dissatisfied with regard to support received from Peace Corps staff in site selection and job assignment. 9 One assignment respectively.7 One sign of volunteer dissatisfaction—the resignation rate—has improved in recent years, with 7.3% 6.0% resigning in FY2009FY2011 versus 9.8% in FY2001.108 The assessment report discusses but does not thoroughly explore causes of volunteer dissatisfaction and resignation, noting that 97 recommendations to reduce it have been made in previous studies since 1969, many of which have been adopted. It also does not address questions regarding the quality of volunteer assignments. However, the report does offer possible avenues that might help correct these concerns, such as improving volunteer and staff training, developing initiatives to better utilize skilled and experienced volunteers, encouraging third-year extensions, and strengthening program evaluation and oversight. Safety and Security Issues One issue the 2010 assessment report was not asked to and does not address is the safety and security of volunteers, possibly because it has long been a prime concern of the Peace Corps. Because they live and work at the grassroots level in developing countries, Peace Corps volunteers appear to many Americans to be especially vulnerable to crime. The threat of antiAmerican terrorism since September 11, 2001, has increased that perception. These fears were further raised in 2003 when the Dayton (Ohio) Daily News ran a series of reports highlighting—many former volunteers say exaggerating—the dangers potentially faced by volunteers, and suggested that the agency was failing in its obligation to provide adequate security. As a result, congressional hearings were held and legislation was approved by the House (H.R. 4060, June 2004) that sought to address some security concerns. The issue emerged again in January 2011 when the ABC television newsmagazine 20/20 broadcast two reports—one concerning the 2009 murder of a volunteer in Benin and the other concerning volunteer rape. Both stories suggested that the Peace Corps had been insensitive to the victims and their families, raised questions about the enforcement of its security policies, and emphasized the security risks of Peace Corps service. Following the television programs, the Peace Corps Director issued statements noting that the programs did not accurately reflect Peace Corps policy and practice regarding the safety and security of volunteers. The Director of the Peace Corps also offered apologies to the family and friends of the murder victim if the agency could have been more compassionate. 11 In addition, the Peace Corps issued a formal Commitment to Sexual Assault Victims, which included, among other things, promises to treat victims of sexual assault with dignity and respect, to take appropriate steps to provide for their safety, to support volunteers in their recovery, and to work closely with them in decisions regarding continuation of service. In February 2011, Peace Corps published a detailed set of Guidelines for Responding to Rape and Major Sexual Assault for the use of agency personnel. 9 Peace Corps 2008 Volunteer Survey Global Report, June 2009, p. 52. 10 “A resignation is a decision made by the volunteer and trainee who no longer wish to continue in the Peace Corps.” Assessment Report, pp. 171-172. 11 Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams’ Response to ABC News’ 20/20, January 14, 2011 and January 27, 2011. Congressional Research Service 10 The Peace Corps: Current Issues The Peace Corps says that it gives the safety and security of its volunteers the highest priority. In the past decade, it has launched a number of initiatives, including establishment of a stand alone Safety and Security Office, deployment of U.S. direct hire field-based safety and security officers and local hire safety and security personnel, and appointment at headquarters of regional desk officers and a chief compliance officer to monitor compliance with new security rules and procedures. These personnel develop programs and provide training to staff and volunteers from recruitment through close of service. In 2008, Peace Corps established a sexual assault working group to adopt best practices, and in 2010, it approved creation of a victim’s advocate position to support crime victims from the crime through post-Peace Corps service, including helping sort through the red tape to receive benefits. The use of statistics to suggest a high level of threat can be misleading. The 20/20 allegation that “more than 1,000 volunteers” had been “raped or sexually abused” in the past decade failed to disaggregate the data, which would show that there had been 221 rapes or attempted rapes in the 10-year period, 15 in 2009. The charge that Peace Corps was covering up its safety record is belied by the annual publication of safety statistics available on the agency website. Peace Corps safety statistics, varying from year to year and by type of assault, may be selectively interpreted. From 2000 to 2009, the incidence of rape and attempted rape declined by 48% in the 10 years, from .67 per 100 female volunteer years to .35; and the rate for major sexual assault has increased by 75% from .25 per 100 female volunteer years to .46. On the other hand, according to the Peace Corps, from 1997, when comparable data were first tracked, to 2009, the rate of decline in rape and attempted rape was only 27% and the incidence of major sexual assault decreased by 34%. The most recent Peace Corps figures show the rate for other sexual assaults has increased by 49%, from 1.17 per 100 female volunteer years to 1.75 between 2000 and 2009. They also show a 51% increase in those 10 years in rates of theft, from 6.53 per 100 volunteer years in 2000 to 9.85 in 2009; and an 89% increase in burglary from 2.49 per 100 volunteer years in 2000 to 4.70 in 2009. A change in recent years in the definition of aggravated assault and other physical assaults makes identification of any 10-year trend in these crimes difficult. The GAO pointed out in a 2002 report that since the number of events is small, there may be some question as to whether the apparent trends are significant.12 Further these statistics also reflect volunteer reporting rates, which likely produce undercounting, and do not take into account other factors specific to the crime. When surveyed in 2010, volunteers themselves reported feeling “usually safe” or “very safe” where they live and where they work by 87% and 91%, respectively.13 In recent years, the Peace Corps has been particularly concerned with threats of terrorism, crime, and civil strife, and has responded by upgrading communications, testing emergency action plans, and other security measures. Evacuations and closure of missions to insure the well-being of volunteers in cases of political instability and civil unrest have constrained the growth of the Peace Corps. In the past 10 years, volunteers have been evacuated from at least 27 countries for these reasons, including three attributed to the events of September 11—Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic (they have since returned to the latter two countries). 12 Peace Corps, Safety of the Volunteer 2009: Annual Report of Volunteer Safety. General Accounting Office, Peace Corps: Initiatives for Addressing Safety and Security Challenges Hold Promise, but Progress Should be Assessed, page 40, GAO-02-818, July 2002. 13 Peace Corps Statement Issued to ABC News’ 20/20, January 11, 2011. Congressional Research Service 11 The Peace Corps: Current Issues 6 Peace Corps: Meeting the Challenges of the 1990s, May 1990, NSIAD-90-122 Peace Corps 2010 Annual Volunteer Survey, October 2010, p. 20. 8 “A resignation is a decision made by the volunteer and trainee who no longer wish to continue in the Peace Corps.” Assessment Report, pp. 171-172. 7 Congressional Research Service 8 The Peace Corps: Current Issues Safety and Security Issues The safety and security of volunteers has long been a prime concern of the Peace Corps. Because of where they live and work, Peace Corps volunteers appear to many Americans to be especially vulnerable to crime. The threat of anti-American terrorism in the years following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, has increased that perception. Fears were further raised in 2003 when the Dayton (Ohio) Daily News ran a series of reports suggesting that the Peace Corps was failing in its obligation to provide adequate security; a congressional hearing was held and legislation was approved by the House (H.R. 4060, June 2004) that sought to address this concern.9 In January 2010, the issue of safety and security received renewed public attention due to two reports on the ABC television newsmagazine 20/20, one concerning the 2009 murder of volunteer Kate Puzey in Benin and the other addressing the rape of volunteers. The stories catalogued incidents illustrating failure of some Peace Corps staff to maintain whistleblower confidentiality, inaction in response to volunteer reports of threatening behavior, a lack of compassion for victims of crime, a tendency to blame the victim, and insensitivity to the parents of a crime victim. Since the 20/20 reports and a House hearing on the subject held on May 11, 2011, more rape victims have come forward with stories further suggesting disregard for the victims and a possible institutional failure to offer adequate support. While expressing support for the Peace Corps mission, First Response Action, an organization representing volunteer victims, sought stronger actions to reduce assault incidents and better address the needs of victims where assaults occur. In 2011, several pieces of legislation were introduced in the House and Senate that sought to answer this call. On November 21, 2011, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 was signed into law (P.L. 112-57). Peace Corps IG report. The concerns generated by the 20/20 reports and victims’ accusations followed on the heels of a Peace Corps IG report on volunteer safety and security released in April 2010.10 While noting that the Peace Corps had made significant changes in its safety and security program since 2002 and “maintained a much larger safety and security workforce than comparable international non-governmental organizations,” the IG “identified multiple areas where Peace Corps needed to improve” (page i), mostly including a lack of effective processes, standardized training, and skilled personnel to manage and implement discrete aspects of its safety and security programs. Perhaps most troubling, the IG found numerous instances between FY2004 and FY2009 of re-occurring evaluation findings, such as posts not thoroughly completing housing/site inspections, volunteers engaged in unsafe behaviors, various cities where volunteers were in locations considered unsafe, and inadequate emergency action plans, suggesting problems in safety and security program compliance over the long-term.11 The IG report made 28 recommendations. Among these are that the Peace Corps Director should establish clear lines of authority to ensure that the Office of Safety and Security can manage the safety and security program; that the Director adequately track Safety and Security Officer recommendations to make sure they are being met; that the chief compliance officer establish a 9 ACasualties of Peace,@ Dayton Daily News, October 26-November 1, 2003. 10 Peace Corps, Office of the Inspector General, Final Audit Report: Peace Corps Volunteer Safety and Security Program, IG-10-08-A, April 2010. 11 Peace Corps, Office of the Inspector General, Final Audit Report: Peace Corps Volunteer Safety and Security Program, IG-10-08-A, April 2010, page 17. Congressional Research Service 9 The Peace Corps: Current Issues process to identify re-occurring problems and take steps to address them; that the role, number, and salaries for Safety and Security Coordinators be reviewed to ensure agency needs are met; that the Office of Safety and Security develop and implement a training program for Officers and Coordinators based on needed skills; that the Office of Safety and Security develop a comprehensive plan that includes the agency’s safety and security strategy, risks, and policies to mitigate those risks; and that volunteers be provided with a consolidated handbook on the basic principles of volunteer safety during the recruitment and staging process and be required to sign a code of conduct on basic security principles before departure.12 On April 12, 2010, the Peace Corps Director responded to the IG recommendations, concurring with 27 of the 28, and partially concurring with the remaining recommendation.13 The agency reports that implementation of these recommendations is ongoing. Twenty-five recommendations have been closed, and agency responses to the others had been submitted to the IG for review. The remaining recommendation, regarding the need for formal documentation to clarify the roles of the Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security and Peace Corps, has resulted in a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU), currently under review by the Department of State. The Peace Corps response to the 20/20 stories and victims’ charges. Following the television programs, the Peace Corps Director issued statements noting that the programs did not accurately reflect Peace Corps policy and practice regarding the safety and security of volunteers. The Peace Corps immediately issued a formal Commitment to Sexual Assault Victims, which included, among other things, promises to treat victims of sexual assault with dignity and respect, to take appropriate steps to provide for their safety, to support volunteers in their recovery, and to work closely with them in decisions regarding continuation of service. The Director of the Peace Corps also offered apologies to the family and friends of the murder victim if the agency could have been more compassionate.14 In addition to noting its ongoing efforts to improve on its safety record and better serve volunteers, the Peace Corps points out that volunteers themselves in their annual survey have reported feeling “usually safe” or “very safe” where they live and where they work, respectively 87% and 91% in 2010.15 The Peace Corps asserts that its operating procedures in response to sexual assault and training offered to volunteers have resulted in “a significant decline in the incidence of rape and major sexual assault among Volunteers over the past 14 years.”16 According to the Peace Corps, between 1997 and 2009 there was a 27% decline in the incidence of rape and attempted rape and a 34% decline in the incidence of major sexual assault.17 12 Ibid., p. 49-51. The Director only partially concurred with the recommendation regarding presentation of safety and security information to volunteers at the staging (pre-departure) step, noting that security mitigation would be better conveyed in-country as the information is post-specific. 14 Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams’ Response to ABC News’ 20/20, January 14, 2011 and January 27, 2011. 15 Peace Corps Statement Issued to ABC News’ 20/20, January 11, 2011. 16 Peace Corps Fact Sheet: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, January 2011. 17 Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams’ Response to ABC World News, January 27, 2011. 13 Congressional Research Service 10 The Peace Corps: Current Issues A statement issued by the Peace Corps claimed that there are procedures in place “to respond quickly and compassionately to Volunteers.”18 Further, the Peace Corps has taken a number of steps to improve its procedures in the months following the 20/20 reports. These are discussed below. PC processes to address safety and security. The Peace Corps has always had in place various procedures and processes to address the issues of volunteer safety and security, but such efforts have been particularly pronounced in the past decade. Following a 2002 Government Accountability Office (GAO) finding that APeace Corps efforts to ensure effective implementation of its safety and security policies have produced varying results,@ the Peace Corps launched numerous initiatives—including establishment of a stand alone Safety and Security Office to direct and oversee all security programs, deployment of U.S. direct hire field-based safety and security officers and local hire safety and security personnel, and appointment at headquarters of regional desk officers and a chief compliance officer to monitor compliance with new security rules and procedures.19 Nonetheless, GAO reported on March 24, 2004, that some “unevenness” in compliance with procedures mandated by headquarters likely remained.20 Peace Corps has taken additional steps to improve safety and security, most notably, in 2008, establishing a Sexual Assault Working Group to examine risk factors, analyze training, and adopt best practices to reduce risk and address victims’ needs. In late 2010, the agency approved establishment of a victim’s advocate position in response to suggestions from returned volunteers. The advocate supports volunteer victims of crime, from the crime through post-Peace Corps service, including helping them sort through the red tape to receive post-service health benefits. In February 2011, the Office of Safety and Security issued a document on Guidelines for Responding to Rape and Major Sexual Assault that captures the policies and procedures in place to assist and respond to volunteer rape or major sexual assault. Peace Corps staff are expected to serve as advocates for the volunteer and ensure “that what happens next is in the Volunteer’s best interest.”21 This includes ensuring a safe environment and emotional stability, providing medical care and counseling, and helping preserve a volunteer’s right to prosecute. Political instability and terrorism. The Peace Corps has been particularly concerned in recent years with threats of terrorism and civil strife and has responded by upgrading communications, testing emergency action plans, and other security measures. The Peace Corps addresses these larger security concerns, including natural disasters or civil unrest, through country-specific Emergency Action Plans (EAP) that are to be in place in each Peace Corps country. The plan, to be tested and revised annually, defines roles and responsibilities for staff and volunteers, explains standard policies and procedures, and lists emergency contact information for every volunteer in country. Evacuations and closure of missions to insure the well-being of volunteers in cases of political instability and civil unrest have constrained the growth of the Peace Corps. In the past 10 years, volunteers have been evacuated from at least 27 countries for these reasons, including three 18 Peace Corps Fact Sheet: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, January 2011. 19 Government Accountability Office, Peace Corps: Initiatives for Addressing Safety and Security Challenges Hold Promise, but Progress Should be Assessed, GAO-02-818, July 2002, p. 2. 20 Testimony of Jess T. Ford, Director, International Affairs and Trade, General Accounting Office, before the Committee on International Relations, Peace Corps: Status of Initiatives to Improve Volunteer Safety and Security, GAO-04-600T, March 24, 2004. 21 Peace Corps, Office of Safety and Security, Guidelines for Responding to Rape and Major Sexual Assault, February 2011, p.12. Congressional Research Service 11 The Peace Corps: Current Issues attributed to the events of September 11—Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic (they have since returned to the latter two countries). In a possibly related development, however, the Peace Corps suspended its 117 volunteer program in Kazakhstan in mid-November 2011 “based on a number of operational considerations,” according to an agency press release. Volunteer reports suggest that recent rapes and terrorist attacks may be the specific cause.22 Due to concerns regarding the prevalence of drug and organized crime-related violence in Central America, the Peace Corps announced in December 2011 that it would send no new volunteers to Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador while it conducted a review of its operations and the security environment in those locations. In the case of Honduras, currently serving volunteers were withdrawn on administrative leave and completed service while the review was ongoing. The review was completed in February 2012, and a decision on the future of the Honduras program is pending. Volunteers in Guatemala and El Salvador are continuing to serve, and the Peace Corps will resume sending new volunteers to those countries in 2013. To address safety concerns in Guatemala and El Salvador, volunteer operations are being consolidated in safer geographical areas, alternative volunteer transportation is being devised, and training and support is being enhanced. Despite the appeal of using Peace Corps volunteers to convey U.S. culture and values directly to the grassroots of Islamic countries, many of these countries of U.S. foreign policy interest might be considered unsafe for Americans over the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, it should be noted that, according to the Peace Corps, about 25% of all volunteers, at this time, are serving in 16 countries with Muslim populations of over 40%. In FY2010, the Peace Corps launched a program in Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world. In general, the Peace Corps has argued that the close interpersonal relationship between volunteers and members of their host country community helps to make them safe. Legislative Proposals on Safety and Security Congress has responded to the recent safety and security concerns withissue by holding a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on May 11, 2011,; a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on October 6, 2011; and by introducing several pieces of legislation amending the Peace Corps Act—, most notably S. 1280, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011, ordered reported on July 26, 2011, by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Title X of H.R. 2583, the Foreign September 21, 2011, by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, approved by the Senate on September 26, 2011, and by the House on November 1, 2011, and signed into law on November 21, 2011, as P.L. 112-57. In addition, Congress considered a companion bill to S. 1280, H.R. 2337, ordered reported by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on September 21, 2011; Title X of H.R. 2583, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2012, reported on July 21, 2011, by the House Foreign Affairs Committee; and H.R. 2699, the Peace Corps Volunteer Service Improvement Act of 2011, introduced by the Chair of the reported by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on July 29September 21, 2011. S. 1280 and H.R. 2583 mostly share the same language on , as approved by Congress and signed into law, pulls together most of the language on safety and security issues. Both specify as is contained in these other bills. It specifies that volunteers receive sexual assault risk reduction and response training, including training tailored to the country of service covering safety plans in the event of an assault, medical treatments available, medevac 22 See Peace Corps OnLine, November 18, 2011, at http://peacecorpsonline.org/. Congressional Research Service 12 The Peace Corps: Current Issues procedures, and information on the legal process for pressing charges. Peace Corps applicants wouldare to be provided with a historical analysis of crimes and risks in the proposed country of service. Trainees wouldwill be provided with contact information of the Inspector General for purposes of reporting violations of the sexual assault protocol and of the victims advocate. The legislationbill requires that sexual assault protocols and guidelines be developed by the Peace Corps director and training provided to staff regarding implementation of the protocol. Volunteers couldcan request removal from a site, which would then be evaluated for its safety. Sexual response teams would beare established to respond to reports of sexual assault by volunteers. Alternative reporting systems would beare established that allow volunteer anonymity. A victims advocate position would beis established to assist sexually assaulted volunteers and facilitate access to available services. A Sexual Assault Advisory Council would beis established composed of returned volunteers and experts on sexual assault to review training and policy to ensure they conform to best practices. An annual survey wouldis to be conducted regarding the effectiveness of Peace Corps programs and safety. A process would beis established to allow reports of incidents while protecting the confidentiality of volunteers. In addition to these shared provisions, H.R. 2583 would require It is required that the Peace Corps and State Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security agree to a memorandum of understanding on the duties and obligations of each with respect to protection of Peace Corps volunteers and staff. Other legislation introduced in the House, H.R. 2699, contains provisions on different aspects of Peace Corps policy, including some on safety and security. It repeats the provision on the memorandum of understanding and also requires annual submission to Congress of safety and security reports. Congressional Research Service 12 The Peace Corps: Current Issues volunteers and staff. And, a report on safety and security is to be submitted annually to Congress. Author Contact Information Curt Tarnoff Specialist in Foreign Affairs ctarnoff@crs.loc.gov, 7-7656 Congressional Research Service 13