Bill Overview
Title: Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 and modifies operations of the Peace Corps. Changes include increasing the readjustment allowance paid to volunteers when their service terminates and providing statutory authority for an executive order that grants returned volunteers noncompetitive eligibility for federal civil-service positions. Additionally, the bill entitles returned volunteers to sixty days of health care benefits. The Peace Corps must also provide volunteers with information about enrolling in U.S. health plans before service termination and mental health care during and after service. The bill also includes provisions to address involuntary termination of Peace Corps service in emergencies, including by expediting re-enrollment of involuntarily terminated volunteers. The Peace Corps must also adequately insure volunteers' safety and must coordinate with the Department of State to periodically update agreements concerning the security of Peace Corps volunteers and staff abroad. The bill also authorizes Peace Corps to recruit domestically based volunteers to serve in the United States at the request of another agency or to provide services in a host country virtually, modifies the Peace Corps National Advisory Council's membership and functions, expands whistleblower protections for volunteers, increases the rate of pay that applies to a volunteer's workers compensation claim, requires Peace Corps to implement a zero tolerance drug use policy regarding volunteer involvement with illegal drugs, and emphasizes the use of the internet in Peace Corps programs. Furthermore, the bill requires reporting, including on the provision of mental health services to volunteers.
Sponsors: Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-3]
Target Audience
Population: people impacted by the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2022
Estimated Size: 14000
- The Peace Corps consists of approximately 7,000 volunteers at any given time, but as volunteers return and new ones are recruited, the total number impacted directly by the reauthorization will be larger over time.
- The bill's implications also extend to future volunteers who will benefit from improved health care, mental health services, and other enhanced benefits.
- Returned Peace Corps volunteers are entitled to specific benefits such as health care and noncompetitive federal employment eligibility, impacting all current returned volunteers and those returning in the future.
- The bill also allows for virtual volunteering, enabling more people potentially to serve as Peace Corps volunteers from their home country, thereby expanding the pool of impacted individuals.
- The bill affects Peace Corps staff, who will need to implement new policies related to safety, drug use, and mental health services.
Reasoning
- The Peace Corps program directly affects a specific segment of the population, primarily current, returning, and future volunteers as well as staff members. However, its impact is limited by a budget, meaning enhancements must be judiciously applied across these groups.
- Returned volunteers can significantly benefit from noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs and health care provisions, potentially improving their wellbeing. This is critical for their transition into post-service life.
- Increased safety measures and health services address pressing concerns about volunteer experiences abroad, improving potential recruitment and retention rates.
- The inclusion of virtual volunteering options potentially expands involvement beyond traditional trekkers, tapping into a broader range of skill sets and life situations where physical relocation isn't feasible.
- Given the scale of the budget and the specific allocations, wide-ranging impacts on general US wellbeing are unlikely, focusing instead on improving the Peace Corps' targeted program areas.
Simulated Interviews
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The increase in the readjustment allowance will help me financially while I look for a job.
- Noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs is a huge advantage and something I'm planning to use.
- Sixty days of health care coverage would relieve a lot of stress while I transition back to life in the US.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Current Peace Corps Volunteer (Denver, CO)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm pleased that safety measures are being increased during my service.
- Mental health support will be useful, as being away from home can be difficult.
- The zero tolerance drug policy provides clarity, but it's strict.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Prospective Peace Corps Volunteer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The promise of health coverage and job eligibility after service is encouraging.
- I feel more confident applying, knowing mental health is being prioritized.
- Remote service options could allow me to contribute without having to relocate.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Federal Government Employee (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Noncompetitive federal employment eligibility post-service was crucial for my career.
- I believe the greater emphasis on volunteer safety improves the program's reputation.
- Expanded whistleblower protections are necessary and build trust.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Peace Corps Administrator (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new policy initiatives align with our ongoing efforts to ensure volunteer safety and support.
- Increased administrative demand leads to more work, but necessary for improvements.
- I'm seeing more interest in the program due to enhanced benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
University Student (Houston, TX)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being able to serve virtually solves my concerns about being away from family.
- I think the new job eligibility prospects post-service enhance Peace Corps' value.
- I feel unsure if the financial benefits before returning are adequate.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Health Policy Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the expanded mental health services for volunteers.
- Improvements in safety measures resonate with broader governmental health trends.
- The direct impact on my life is negligible, but professional interest leads to positive sentiments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Federal Worker (Washington, DC)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's heartening to see the Peace Corps lean into modern needs like health coverage and virtual service.
- I personally don't receive benefits anymore, but I support current reforms hitting the right notes.
- I hope these programs encourage more diverse volunteer profiles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Peace Corps Volunteer Applicant (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy eases many transition concerns post-service with job and health benefits.
- I'm worried about the increase in bureaucratic procedures due to operational changes.
- Virtual volunteering provision might have eased my concerns if applied earlier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired Academic (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These updates certify the Peace Corps' adaptation to new challenges.
- My benefit is indirect, but seeing policy progress helps alleviate international security concerns.
- Academic work often intersects with developments in governmental agencies like Peace Corps.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $45000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $55000000)
Year 2: $46000000 (Low: $36000000, High: $57000000)
Year 3: $47000000 (Low: $37000000, High: $58000000)
Year 5: $49000000 (Low: $39000000, High: $60000000)
Year 10: $52000000 (Low: $42000000, High: $65000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Key Considerations
- The logistical and administrative expansion necessary for virtual volunteering and improved safety measures could require additional resources not fully encapsulated in direct budgetary costs.
- Changes in volunteer worker compensation and allowances may lead to unforeseen expense fluctuations as claims and volumes vary annually.
- Potential cost offsets from improved volunteer retention and satisfaction, leading to enhanced productivity and reduced turnover in federal positions obtained by volunteers.