Sam Farr Peace Corps Enhancement Act

Bill: 114-hr-6037
Sponsor: Rep. Poe, Ted [R-TX-2]
Introduced: 2016-09-15 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Assault and harassment offenses
Crime victims
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Drug therapy
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Health care costs and insurance
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Mental health
National and community service
Peace Corps
Prescription drugs
Public contracts and procurement
Sex offenses
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-15
text: 

Sam Farr Peace Corps Enhancement Act

 
This bill increases the monthly pay rate for Peace Corps volunteers.
 
The Peace Corps shall provide initial medical care to a former volunteer for a service-related condition for 180 days after termination of service, which may be extended under specified circumstances.
 
The bill grants the government jurisdiction over, and imposes penalties upon, persons who commit certain crimes outside of the United States against a volunteer.
 
The bill sets forth provisions regarding the use of mefloquine and other anti-malaria drugs, including appropriate medical officer training. 
 
The Peace Corps Act is amended to authorize the designation of a position as a critical management support position if the position requires specialized technical or professional skills and knowledge of Peace 
 Corps operations. An appointment may not exceed five years.
 
The President shall ensure that each overseas post has appropriate medical services, including by detailing to such a post the licensed medical staff of other U.S. agencies.
 
Each volunteer applicant shall be provided with information regarding crime and health risks and volunteer satisfaction with respect to the country in which the applicant has been invited to serve.
 
The Office of Victim Advocacy in Peace Corps headquarters is made permanent.
 
The bill: (1) expands membership of the Sexual Assault Advisory Council from 8 to up to 14 members, (2) requires at least one council member to have mental health field expertise, (3) extends the council through October 1, 2023, and (4) requires the council to establish an email address to permit volunteers and former volunteers to communicate directly and confidentially with the council. 
 
The President shall conduct annual volunteer surveys through September 30, 2023 (currently through September 30, 2018).
 
The Inspector General of the Peace Corps may hire an expert, consultant, or organization without regard to certain daily salary requirements.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2016-09-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2016-09-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2016-09-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2016-09-15
text: Introduced in House