FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Saturday, March 23, 1996

House Passes Resolution Honoring the Peace Corps

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 23, 1996 — The House of Representatives today unanimously approved a joint resolution honoring the Peace Corps as it celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.

Sponsored by Congressman Sam Farr, D-Calif., and five other House members who served in the Peace Corps, the resolution "recognizes the Peace Corps on the occasion of its 35th anniversary and the contributions and achievements of its volunteers."

In supporting H.J. Res. 158 on the House floor this afternoon, Farr said: "The agency is an example of America's commitment to expanding hope, creating opportunity and offering the volunteers an experience that they will remember for a lifetime. At a time when funding for foreign assistance programs is under severe constraints, it is notable that the Peace Corps continues to enjoy strong support in the Congress and among the American people."

Several other Members of Congress also spoke in strong support of the Peace Corps, including Reps.Douglas Bereuter, R-Neb.,Benjamin Gilman, R-N.Y.,James Moran, D-Va. and John Edward Porter, R-Ill.

"The Peace Corps is one of the best things we do in foreign relations, without any question," said Porter, a member of the Foreign Operations subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee. "It is a good program that is people to people, not
 government to government. It is strongly supported by the Congress."

More than 140,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps since it was founded by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Nearly 7,000 Peace Corps volunteers currently serve in 94 countries around the world, providing assistance in education, health and nutrition, agriculture, environment and small business development.

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