A group of teachers listen to Volunteer Michael during a four-day English teacher development workshop. (Photo courtesy of the Peace Corps)
This story may be updated after the vote on the proposed amendments.
Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry (R-10) has proposed amendments to the U.S. House Appropriations Act that would reduce funding for the Peace Corps and other foreign aid programs in fiscal year 2027.
The amendments are scheduled to be considered by the chamber’s Rules Committee on Tuesday afternoon.
Perry’s spokesman did not respond to Capital-Star’s questions about why he is seeking to eliminate funding for the programs. He was a Republican supporter of vocals other foreign aid cuts led by billionaire Elon Musk at the beginning of the Trump administration.
The appropriations bill on national security, Department of State, and related programs is one of 12 appropriations bills that Congress should enact each year to directly appropriate government spending. Under this measure, $410.5 million has been allocated to the Peace Corps in fiscal year 2027, which is $20 million less than the organization’s initial request.
But Perry’s amendment would eliminate the funding.
Carla Brown, president of the National Peace Corps Association, a nonprofit organization representing nearly 250,000 Americans who have served in the Peace Corps, told the Capital-Star: “It is saddening and disappointing to question the value of volunteering. The return on investment in the US is exponential. Nearly 25% of returning Peace Corps volunteers go on to launch successful business ventures. 86% remain active volunteers in their communities…Each year, the economic impact on our economy is estimated at $752-1.1 billion annually.”
Brown noted that the Peace Corps represents less than 1% of the country’s international affairs and foreign aid budget, which has historically represented less than 1% of the total U.S. federal budget.
According to a spokesman, the Peace Corps currently has more than 3,100 volunteers and trainees serving in 61 countries. In 2025 105 volunteers were from Pennsylvania. Founded by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the independent agency sends volunteers to work in developing countries on projects to improve education, agriculture, health, economic development, youth empowerment and environmental sustainability.
A Peace Corps spokesman said their initial funding request “reflects the growing global demand for volunteers from world leaders and underscores the enduring value of the trusting relationships they build as the face of America in some of the world’s most remote communities.”
Acting Director of the Peace Corps Richard E. Swarttz wrote in: note in support of the $430.5 million request, “Volunteers strengthen U.S. national security by fostering goodwill, building mutual understanding, and countering adversarial influence. Returning volunteers also restore leadership and entrepreneurial skills that improve American business and civic life.”
Former DOGE champion
Perry also proposed an amendment to the National Security Appropriations and State Department Act that would cut funding for the Millennium Challenge Corporation, an independent government agency that works with penniless countries committed to democracy to invest in projects that reduce poverty and develop infrastructure.
According to its 2026 budget request, the agency says it helps “create new opportunities for American investment, trade and jobs, opening up valuable opportunities for American businesses while effectively countering the growing influence of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.”
In its current form, the bill would authorize $830 million to be spent on the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Perry calls for it to be reset.
Another Perry amendment would eliminate the $205.2 million proposed for the Democracy Fund, which is administered by the State Department’s Office of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Affairs. The fund was initially intended to respond to crises in emerging democracies or in areas where democracy is retreating.
He also proposed eliminating $17 million for the Asia Foundation and $16.7 million for the East-West Center and language relating to the Middle East-West Dialogue Trust Fund.
The former Freedom Caucus chairman’s proposals come after a year of Trump administration cuts to foreign aid programs, including the effective elimination of USAID.
Perry championed the work of the Department of Government Efficiency at the beginning of the second Trump administration. He repeated his claims about fraud and waste in foreign spending, many of which were unverified, but he finally expressed frustration with DOGE’s shoddy record keeping and lack of transparency with lawmakers.
Spokespeople for Millennium Challenge Corporation and the U.S. Department of State did not respond to requests for comment from Capital-Star by publication.
Even if the amendments are adopted, it is unclear what will happen in future negotiations with the Senate. Despite the Sept. 30 deadline for filing appropriations bills, it’s also unclear when they might become law.
If lawmakers cannot agree on spending plans, they can adopt a continuing resolution or shut down the government.
In November, Perry faces a tough re-election fight against Democratic rival Janelle Stelson. According to the Cook Political Reportthe race is a “toss up.” The result could determine which party controls Congress next year.
Perry narrowly defeated Stelson in 2024, when Democrats faced stiff headwinds from disapproval of incumbent President Joe Biden and penniless performance at the top of the field. This year’s general polls favor Democrats and Stelson have proven to be among the strongest fundraisers of any congressional candidate in Pennsylvania.
