Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Congressmen Announce Support of Peace Corps Equity Act of 2014

Press Release

Four returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Congressmen Mike Honda (D-CA17), Sam Farr (D-CA20), John Garamendi (D-CA03), and Joe Kennedy (D-MA04), today announced their support for the Peace Corps Equity Act of 2014, introduced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY17).

This legislation will ensure that basic health care benefits are offered to female Peace Corps volunteers comparable to the same standard of health care that virtually all other women with federal health coverage currently receive. The act would reverse a Congressional mandate that denies coverage for abortion services--in cases of rape, incest, and life endangerment of the woman--for female Peace Corps volunteers. This mandate is in direct contrast with all other federal health plans.

"It is long past time that we treated our Peace Corps Volunteers like everyone else covered in a federal health plan," Congressman Honda said. "These volunteers are devoting their time, and in many cases risking their health and lives, to help people in foreign lands. The least we can do is afford them the same rights as everyone else." Congressman Honda was a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador for two years.

"Peace Corps Volunteers serve on the frontlines in our efforts to promote peace around the globe," said Congressman Farr. "Yet because of a Congressional mandate, female Peace Corps Volunteers are denied the same basic health care options afforded to other female federal employees. This bill would fix that inequality so that all federal employees have access to safe health care no matter where in the world they choose to serve our country." Congressman Farr served in Colombia for the Peace Corps for two years.

"Peace Corps volunteers strive to bring peace, pride, and growth to communities around the world, and they deserve the same access to health care and treatment as all other federal employees," Congressman Kennedy said. "I'm proud to join my colleagues in cosponsoring the Peace Corps Equity Act." Congressman Kennedy was a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic for two years.

"As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, I was proud to serve side-by-side with brilliant and capable women," said Congressman Garamendi. "The Peace Corps' mission improves lives and presents the best of American values to volatile parts of the world. Women in the Peace Corps are contributing a great service, and they deserve access to comprehensive health coverage. I'm proud to cosponsor the Peace Corps Equity Act." Congressman Garamendi was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia for two years with his wife Patti.