WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), the only returned Peace Corps volunteer serving in Congress and Co-Chair of the Congressional Peace Corps Caucus, introduced a bipartisan concurrent resolution with Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (American Samoa) to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Peace Corps. 

The resolution officially honors the service, legacy, and ongoing global impact of the nearly 250,000 Americans who have answered the call to service since President John F. Kennedy founded the agency in 1961. 

“Patti and I answered President John F. Kennedy’s call to service fresh out of college, serving together in a small village in western Ethiopia. That experience changed our lives and inspired a lifetime of public service for us for several of our children who also answered the call,” said Congressman Garamendi (CA-08). “Sixty-five years later, the Peace Corps remains one of America’s most vital instruments of soft power, food security, and international goodwill. As we celebrate this 65th anniversary, Congress must continue to support a stronger, modernized Peace Corps that is fully prepared to face the global challenges of the 21st century.” 

“Thank you to 65 years of Peace Corps volunteers that have made a difference for millions of people throughout the world, and congratulations to the Peace Corps on this milestone,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa). “This Resolution provides congressional recognition for a proven program built on lasting values of serving others. It’s a pleasure to work with returned volunteer Congressman Garamendi to encourage Peace Corps volunteers for many years to come. I have fond memories of my time as a Peace Corps staffer, as does my daughter, a returned volunteer.” 

Read the concurrent resolution here. 

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