Mr. President, I have come to the floor to recognize an organization that serves on the front lines of our Nation’s Smart Power efforts…the United States Peace Corps.

This week the Peace Corps celebrates their 48th anniversary during National Peace Corps Week.

Since the early 1960s, more than 195,000 Peace Corps volunteers have fostered positive relationships between the United States and nations across the globe through its grassroots efforts.

At present, 7,500 plus Peace Corps volunteers are active in over 75 countries around the world.

These volunteers are exposed to a diverse array of different cultures and languages during their time abroad.

Approximately 22 percent of Peace Corps volunteers are currently working in 16 predominantly Muslim countries.

And it is in these countries, in particular, where I believe the efforts of volunteers are positively shaping and improving the much beleaguered and much misunderstood image of America within the Muslim world.

But there is still much work to be done.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting an expansion of the Peace Corps and all of our nation’s Smart Power assets.

Smart Power initiatives are our non-military diplomatic efforts, including educational exchanges, free trade, public diplomacy, economic and agricultural development, humanitarian assistance, and English language teaching just to name a few.

All of these Smart Power initiatives contribute not only to a better life for so many in need, but also help create the conditions for a more stable, and peaceful world.

America and the developing world will benefit together from a greater investment in these initiatives, and in particular, in a revitalized and enlarged Peace Corps.

Over the past few years, the Peace Corps has received numerous inquiries about entering or re-entering countries where volunteers once served.

I have made similar inquiries, particularly with respect to Muslim countries in Southeast Asia like Indonesia.

Engaging moderate, mainstream Muslim countries like Indonesia with our nation’s Smart Power initiatives will enhance the conditions for lasting peace and stability.

Or, as I like to say, putting more sandals and sneakers on the ground will prevent us from having to put more boots and bayonets on the ground.

The work undertaken by Peace Corps volunteers serves as a fine example of the United States reaching out to foreign neighbors to foster a greater understanding and dialogue.
The willingness of Peace Corps volunteers to engage people at the local, community level is exactly how we ought to be providing effective and sustainable development assistance.

We need to get back out among the very people we are trying to help, which is why I also believe we need more USAID Foreign Service Officers as well.

Providing practical, hands-on assistance that is based on listening to the needs of the local population is a recipe for sustainable and lasting development.

Congratulations to all the members, current and past, associated with the Peace Corps on its 48th anniversary.

We thank you for improving the lives of so many and for helping America be a good neighbor to those in need.

Your country is grateful for your service.

Your country is grateful for the goodwill and the seeds of peace that you have sewn or are sewing.

Your country is grateful for your contributions to the safety and long-term security of our nation.

The efforts of you and your volunteers are needed now more than ever.

I will continue to work in supporting your important mission and expanding your ranks.

I can’t stress enough the importance of our Smart Power initiatives and the importance in investing in efforts like the Peace Corps.

I am glad to see the new Administration – particularly Secretary of State Clinton – give these initiatives an important public boos.

I look forward to partnering with the new Administration and leading the effort in Congress to make Smart Power initiatives a cornerstone in our foreign policy and in our efforts to combat extremism and terrorism around the world.

Thank you Mr. President.