Budget Cuts and Delays Plague Peace Corps

Due to budgetary concerns, the Peace Corps is planning to cut 400 volunteer positions and, as a result, delay the deployment of nominees until next year — or, in some instances, indefinitely — reports the Los Angeles Times.

The Peace Corps has a budget of $330.8-million and is bracing itself for an $18-million shortfall over this fiscal year and the next due to the decreased value of the dollar and higher food and fuel costs.

Furthermore, the House Appropriations subcommittee that approves Peace Corps financing has supported the Bush administration’s request for $343.5-million for the program, but its Senate counterpart has approved $337-million. Until the budget is approved by both committees—which might not be until after the new president is inaugurated—the Peace Corps must make do with its current budget.

Rocio Enriquez, who was supposed to go overseas in September for the Peace Corps, is frustrated by the process. He said, “The Peace Corps application process is kind of like roulette — you don’t know what you’re going to get.”

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