Benjamin Gilman: “Mr. Speaker, we all can agree on the bipartisan strength of the Peace Corps in the 104th Congress. Founded under…”

“Mr. Speaker, we all can agree on the bipartisan strength of the Peace Corps in the 104th Congress. Founded under President Kennedy and its first Director, Sargent Shriver, the Peace Corps grew through the 1960's and 1970's but really came to the crossroads in the 1980's. I want to make a special note for the longest serving Peace Corps Director, Ms. Loret Ruppe, whose energy, drive, and dedication set the Peace Corps' goal that we still support today: 10,000 volunteers by the year 2000. Loret is now struggling with cancer but her mission and her impact on the Corps is still felt today. As Loret used to say, ``Peace Corps volunteers are working today to help the African farmer and her husband * * *.'' Last month, we debated a highly controversial State Department bill on the House floor. I think that one provision of that bill we could all support was the funding levels for the Peace Corps. The House conferees and especially former Peace Corps Director, Senator Paul Coverdell of Georgia, joined together to ensure funding for the Peace Corps, even in these tough budgetary times. Under its new Director, Mark Geran, I think this Congress is expecting a lot from the Peace Corps in its next 35 years. I recommend this resolution to the House and urge its support.”