II
Calendar No. 630
104TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. J. RES. 158
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
MARCH 27 (legislative day, MARCH 26), 1996
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
SEPTEMBER 25, 1996
Reported by Mr. HELMS with amendments, an amendment to the preamble,
and an amendment to the title
[Omit the part struck through and insert the part printed in italic]
JOINT RESOLUTION
To recognize the Peace Corps on the occasion of its 35th
anniversary and the Americans who have served as Peace
Corps volunteers.
Whereas the Peace Corps has become a powerful symbol of
America’s commitment to expand hope, create oppor-
tunity, and encourage development at the grass roots
level in the developing world;
Whereas more than 140,000 Americans have served as Peace
Corps volunteers in more than 125 countries in Africa,
Asia and the Pacific, Central Asia, Eastern and Central
Europe, and the Western Hemisphere since 1961, and
have strengthened the ties of friendship and understand-
HJ 158 RS
ing between the people of the United States and those of
other countries;
Whereas Peace Corps volunteers have made significant and
lasting contributions around the world in agriculture,
business development, education, the environment, health,
and youth development, and have improved the lives of
individuals and communities around the world;
Whereas Peace Corps volunteers, enriched by their experi-
ences overseas, have brought to their communities
throughout the United States a deeper understanding of
other cultures and traditions;
Whereas Peace Corps volunteers embody and represent many
of America’s most enduring values, such as service, com-
mitment to the poor, and friendship among nations;
Whereas the Peace Corps continues to receive broad, biparti-
san support in Congress and from the American people;
Whereas members of the House and Senate were greatly
saddened by the recent death of Loret Miller Ruppe,
the longest serving director of the Peace Corps;
Whereas Loret Ruppe’s inspirational vision, dedication
and leadership revitalized the Peace Corps as she
began or revived programs in Sri Lanka, Haiti, Bu-
rundi, Guinea-Bissau, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and
the Cape Verde Islands; energized a new generation of
Americans to accept the challenge of serving in the
Corps; refocused the Corps on its mission of develop-
ment to achieve world peace and did a great service
to America and to the millions of the world’s citizens
touched by her efforts; and
Whereas March 1, 1996 will mark the 35th anniversary of
the founding of the Peace Corps: Now, therefore, be it
HJ 158 RS
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That the achievements and contributions of the Peace
Corps over the past 35 years be celebrated; that the dedi-
cation and sacrifice of Peace Corps volunteers and of the
organization’s longest serving director, Loret Ruppe be rec-
ognized and their the volunteers’ continued contributions
be acknowledged not only for their service in other coun-
tries but in their own communities; and that the President
is requested to honor Peace Corps volunteers and the
memory of their great leader Loret Ruppe and reaffirm our
Nation’s commitment to international peace and under-
standing.
Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘A Joint Resolution
to recognize the Peace Corps on the occasion of its 35th
anniversary and the Americans who have served as Peace
Corps volunteers and to honor the memory of former
Peace Corps director Loret Ruppe.’’
Passed the House of Representatives March 26,
1996.
Attest:
ROBIN H. CARLE,
Clerk.