Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Great News: the US Senate passed the Kate Puzey Act last night!!!

We are very pleased to announce that last night the US Senate passed the 'Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011' - or S 1280 - by unanimous consent. This follows earlier passage of bill by the House Foreign Affairs Committee last week on September 21st, and by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in August.

This huge step forward was made possible by your strong grassroots support, as well as the tireless efforts of the staff of Senator Isakson and Senator Boxer, and other dedicated advocates who are working in coalition with Kates Voice, including Dr. Karestan Koenen and First Response Action.

Here are the press releases by the offices of Senator Isakson and Senator Boxer, and a news article sample.

The transcript of the Senate passage can also be viewed here. (link may expire, but can be renewed from website)

THE FINAL STEP: the full floor of US House of Representatives! 


Please help us by continuing to ask Representatives for their support, contacting the House leadership to ask for a vote on the bill, and by thanking those who are already supporting the bill


Thank you so much as always for your support in helping pass this important legislation to better protect Peace Corps Volunteers and properly support those who become victims of rape or sexual assault.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Upcoming Vote in House Foreign Affairs Committee!

Next Wednesday - September 21st - the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) will vote on the "Kate Puzey Peace Corps Protection Act" [more info]

Please help us ensure the legislation passes by contacting members of the HFAC and asking them to support the bill and become a cosponsor!

You can contact members by sending an email on their website, or by calling the phone numbers provided on this site - for a list of HFAC Members who are not cosponsors of the legislation, click here.

Finally, in addition to gaining more cosponsors on the HFAC, another objective is for the legislation to pass without amendments that could jeopardize its chances of becoming law - if you contact representatives who seem supportive, please also request that they offer no amendments to the original bill.

Thank you so much for your support - it is continuing to make a huge difference in this effort to win better protection and support for our nation's Peace Corps Volunteers.