Paul Coverdell: “Mr. President, Peace Corps volunteers are some of our best ambassadors to the world. They represent the finest…”

“Mr. President, Peace Corps volunteers are some of our best ambassadors to the world. They represent the finest characteristics of the American people: a strong work ethic, generosity of spirit, a commitment to service, and an approach to problems that is both optimistic and pragmatic. The people-to-people nature of the Peace Corps, and its separation from the formal conduct of the foreign policy of the United States, has allowed Volunteers to establish a record of service that is respected and recognized globally. Furthermore, the Peace Corps is helping to prepare America's workforce with overseas experience by training Volunteers to use skills that are increasingly important to America's participation in the international economy. Volunteers worldwide learn more than 180 languages and dialects, and they receive extensive cross-cultural training that enables them to function effectively at a professional level in different cultural settings. Returned Volunteers often use these skills and experiences to enhance careers in virtually every sector of our society--Congress, the Executive branch, the Foreign Service, education, business, finance, industry, trade, health care, and social services. The Peace Corps has emerged as a model of citizen service and of practical assistance to people in 132 developing countries, as my colleague mentioned.”