HI HR237

Urges Peace Corps Washington to reopen the Peace Corps East Timor program as soon as practicable for mutual benefit of volunteers and East Timorese people.

Notes that Peace Corps East Timor was the first new Peace Corps program of the 21st century, established in 2002 and evacuated in 2006 due to civil unrest.

States that East Timor has since stabilized and is now safer than when the program was first established, with volunteers previously working in community development, health, agriculture, and education sectors.

Highlights that East Timor remains one of Asia's poorest countries with 40% of the population surviving on less than $1 per day and nearly half the population under age 15.

Directs transmission of certified copies of the resolution to Peace Corps Washington, the government of East Timor, the Embassy of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, the U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste, and USAID offices.