Just got this email from Rajeev. Please read and act if you are in the right districts. Nepal is on the list of new programs.

This week, the Congress reopened after a month-long recess. As you know, we have been pushing hard for a $46 million increase next year in 2011, which would modernize recruitment, open new programs in Vietnam, Haiti, and Nepal, and enable the agency to reach 10,000 volunteers worldwide for the first time since 1968. However, the Senate continues to support $26 million less, which would mean 500 fewer volunteer positions.

If you are a constituent of any of the Majority Democrat Senators below, please call them next week and say you are disappointed that the Senate recently voted to cut this figure by $26 million, at a time when the Obama Administration, Democrats and Republicans in Congress, and millions of ordinary Americans want the Peace Corps to double in size. Ask your Senator to support $446.15 million to honor Sargent Shriver, who will celebrate his 95th birthday this year, and the Peace Corps, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Please look for our advocacy video, “BUILD A BETTER WORLD” which we will be sending early next week. Please help us spread the word by forwarding the video to all the former volunteers you know.

DEMOCRATIC SENATORS ON THE STATE AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE (WHICH FUNDS THE PEACE CORPS)

1. Senator Patrick Leahy (Chairman) (VT)
202-224-4242
802-863-2525 (Burlington District Office)

2. Senator Daniel Inouye (HI)
202-224-3934

3. Senator Tom Harkin (IA)
202-224-3254

4. Senator Barbara Mikulski (MD)
202-224-4654

5. Senator Richard Durbin (IL)
202-224-2152

6. Senator Tim Johnson (SD)
202-224-5842

7. Senator Mary Landrieu (LA)
202-224-5824

8. Senator Frank Lautenberg (NJ)
202-224-3224