Boxer, Isakson Praise Unanimous Senate Passage of 'Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011'

Bipartisan Legislation Named After Georgia Peace Corps Volunteer Murdered in Africa

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) today praised the unanimous Senate passage of the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011. The legislation would provide better security and protection measures for Peace Corps volunteers.

The legislation is named in honor of Kate Puzey, a 24-year-old Peace Corps volunteer from Cumming, Georgia, who was murdered in 2009 in the West African village of Badjoude, Benin, soon after she had reported a colleague for allegedly molesting some of the young girls they taught.

Senator Boxer said, "I am so proud to have joined Senator Isakson in sponsoring this important legislation to ensure that we have an effective system in place to protect our Peace Corps volunteers serving overseas."

Senator Isakson said, "Kate Puzey was an extraordinary young woman who lived her life in service to others and strived to make a difference in parts of the world that are desperate for hope. She is an inspiration to me and many others. To that end, I am incredibly pleased that this piece of legislation, named in Kate's honor, passed in the Senate today. It is my hope that this bill soon becomes law because it will provide Peace Corps volunteers, who have the same passion for service to others as Kate did, the increased safety and protections so they can carry out their mission."

The legislation provides whistleblower protection for Peace Corps volunteers, a safeguard that is not in place for Peace Corps volunteers. This would have afforded Kate greater protection when she reported the allegations.

In addition, the bill requires the Peace Corps to develop sexual assault risk-reduction and response training and protocol in consultation with experts that complies with best practices in the sexual assault field. The training also is to be tailored to the specific countries in which volunteers serve.

Senators Boxer and Isakson, both of whom serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the legislation, S.1280, in July. The bill now awaits action by the full House.

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