Congressional Research Service

The Peace Corps Congressional Research Service

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. As of the end of September 2017, about 7,376 volunteers were serving in 65 nations. In 2018, the 115th Congress may consider the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, changes to the Peace Corps authorization legislation, and related issues. On March 23, 2018, the Consolidated Appropriations, 2018 (P. L. 115-141), was signed into law, providing $410 million for the Peace Corps, the same level as in FY2017, 3% above the Administration request of $398.2 million. On February 12, the Trump Administration issued its FY2019 budget request, including $396.2 million for the Peace Corps, a 3% cut from the FY2018 level. The last Peace Corps funding authorization (P. L. 106-30), approved in 1999, covered the years FY2000 to FY2003. Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment, volunteer access to abortion, and other issues.