Bill Overview
Title: Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes the Peace Corps program through FY2027 and addresses other issues related to the program. For example, the bill (1) increases the readjustment allowances for returning Peace Corps volunteers; (2) provides statutory authority to an executive order that provides returning volunteers with noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment purposes (i.e., eligibility to be noncompetitively appointed to a competitive federal position); and (3) requires the Peace Corps to take all reasonable measures to prevent and address reprisal or retaliation against a volunteer by any person with supervisory authority over the volunteer, such as a Peace Corps officer.
Sponsors: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Target Audience
Population: Current and prospective Peace Corps volunteers
Estimated Size: 30000
- The Peace Corps has a global presence, with operations in over 60 countries, meaning it recruits individuals from these regions, impacting populations in each.
- Approximately 240,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps since its inception, and there are thousands of new volunteers each year.
- The bill may indirectly impact individuals in communities served by the Peace Corps through project development and support, improving local conditions.
- The bill enhances protections and benefits for returning volunteers, which impacts those who are currently serving or will serve in the future.
- The reauthorization and increased allowances make Peace Corps service more attractive, potentially increasing interest and participation globally.
Reasoning
- The Peace Corps directly engages a specific segment of the American population, primarily those interested in international development and volunteerism.
- The policy does not affect the general population, focusing instead on volunteers and prospective volunteers, currently estimated at 30,000 Americans.
- The reauthorization could potentially increase the appeal of joining the Peace Corps, due to enhanced benefits and employment opportunities.
- Many people in the US are not directly affected at all, as the policy specifically pertains to those involved with the Peace Corps.
Simulated Interviews
Recent college graduate (New York, NY)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a great opportunity for people like me who are interested in social work and international development.
- The job prospects after serving are quite appealing, given the competitiveness in international NGO work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think this policy affects me personally.
- It's good for my friends who had a hard time finding jobs after returning, but it doesn't change my life.
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 | 8 | 8 |
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I wish these benefits were available when I returned, but I'm glad future volunteers will have it better.
- The boost in federal job prospects is a key improvement.
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 |
College student (Austin, TX)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The idea of having a secure transition back into the workforce is reassuring.
- Increased readjustment allowances would make it financially feasible for me to join.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
High school teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always encouraged students to consider the Peace Corps, and these changes make it more attractive for them.
- It's great to see volunteers being supported more.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Denver, CO)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This would have helped me a lot when I returned.
- I'm glad it'll assist others, but it doesn't affect my current situation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
University professor (Boston, MA)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a positive step for future volunteers but doesn't impact me directly.
- I see it as a move that might make the Peace Corps a more interesting field of study.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
NGO project coordinator (Seattle, WA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new benefits make joining the Peace Corps more feasible.
- I appreciate the improved job prospects post-service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Human Resources Specialist (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This makes the volunteers stronger candidates in the job market.
- It's a beneficial policy but largely doesn’t affect my personal life.
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 (Houston, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I mentor many who face challenges transitioning back to the US job market, so this policy could make those transitions smoother.
- It's a welcome change but doesn't significantly affect me directly.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $40000000)
Year 2: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $40000000)
Year 3: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $40000000)
Year 5: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $40000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The policy enhances benefits for volunteers, potentially increasing volunteer supply.
- There is a need for mechanisms to ensure effective management of retaliation cases which can be costly to administer.