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

Legislation Will Now Go to the White House for the President’s Signature

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) today praised the House passage of the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011. This legislation, which was named after a Peace Corps volunteer who was murdered in 2009 while serving in Africa, would provide better security and protection measures for those serving in the Peace Corps.

Senators Boxer and Isakson, both of whom serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the legislation, S.1280, in July. The House passed the legislation today by a vote of 406 to zero. The legislation now goes to President Obama for his signature.

Senator Boxer said, “I’m pleased the House passed this important legislation that will help ensure our Peace Corps volunteers serving overseas have the protection they deserve. I look forward to the President signing this bill into law to help make sure that no family will ever again suffer as Kate Puzey’s did.”

Senator Isakson said, “I am overjoyed that Congress approved this legislation, and I am very grateful to everyone who contributed to the team effort that made this day possible. Kate was a remarkable young woman who unselfishly went to Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer and was tragically murdered while helping others. Through the Kate Puzey Volunteer Protection Act, Kate’s life will be memorialized by this new law to provide added protections, victims’ rights and whistleblower status for Peace Corps volunteers. It is my sincere hope that this day might bring a small bit of comfort to the Puzey family.”

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.