US HB5233

Caps Peace Corps administrative overhead at 15% of annual appropriations, directing the remaining 85% toward volunteer recruitment, training, and support, with savings used to increase volunteer deployments worldwide

Requires the Secretary of State to set country priorities for Peace Corps volunteer deployment aligned with U.S. strategic interests, including countering authoritarian influence and supporting allies

Mandates Peace Corps presence in at least five Pacific Island countries, including Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, with a briefing to Congress within 90 days on expansion plans

Requires U.S. embassies to support and integrate Peace Corps operations, with programs paused and Congress notified if an embassy withdraws support

Establishes within 180 days a Foreign Service pathway for returning Peace Corps volunteers, including mentorship programs, bonus evaluation points equivalent to veterans preference, and counting Peace Corps service toward Foreign Service benefits and tenure requirements