Pennsylvania US Rep. Scott Perry (R-10) has proposed amendments to a US House appropriations bill that would axe funding for the Peace Corps and other foreign aid programs in the 2027 fiscal year.
The chamber’s Rules Committee, which sets rules for debate, voted to allow the bill and Perry’s amendments to come before the House
A spokesperson for Perry did not respond to questions from the Capital-Star about why he was seeking to eliminate funding for the programs. The Republican was a vocal proponent of other cuts to foreign aid spearheaded by trillionaire Elon Musk early in the Trump administration.
The appropriations bill on national security, the Department of State and related programs is one of 12 appropriations bills Congress is supposed to pass each year to direct government spending. The measure allocates $410.5 million to the Peace Corps in FY2027, $20 million less than the organization had initially requested.
But Perry’s amendment would eliminate funding.
Carla Brown, President of the National Peace Corps Association, a non-profit that represents nearly 250,000 Americans who have served in the Peace Corps, told the Capital-Star, “it is saddening and disappointing to see the value of volunteer service questioned. The return on investment for the US is exponential. Nearly 25% of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers start successful business ventures. 86% remain active volunteers in their communities … And each year, the economic impact on our economy is estimated between $752 million and $1.1 billion per year.”
Brown noted that the Peace Corps represents less than 1% of the country’s international affairs and foreign aid budget, which has historically been less than 1% of the total US federal budget.
The Peace Corps currently has more than 3,100 volunteers and trainees serving in 61 countries, according to a spokesperson. In 2025, 105 volunteers were from Pennsylvania. Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the independent agency sends volunteers to work in developing countries on projects aimed at improving education, agriculture, health, economic development, youth empowerment and environmental sustainability.
A spokesperson for the Peace Corps said their initial funding request “reflects the growing global demand for volunteers from world leaders and underscores the enduring value of the trusted relationships they build as the face of America in some of the world’s most remote communities.”
Peace Corps Acting Director Richard E. Swarttz wrote in a memo justifying the $430.5 million request, “Volunteers strengthen US national security by fostering goodwill, building mutual understanding, and countering the influence of adversaries. Returned Volunteers also bring back leadership and entrepreneurial skills that enhance American businesses and civic life.”
A former champion of DOGE
Perry also offered an amendment to the national security and State Department appropriations bill that would cut funding for the Millennium Challenge Corporation, an independent government agency that partners with poor countries committed to democracy to invest in poverty-reducing and infrastructure-expanding projects.
According to its 2026 budget request, the agency says it helps “create new opportunities for US investment, trade, and jobs, opening valuable opportunities for American businesses while effectively countering the growing influence of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.”
As it stands, the bill would allow $830 million in spending for the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Perry is calling for it to be zeroed out.
Another Perry amendment would eliminate $205.2 million proposed for the Democracy Fund, which is managed by the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. The fund was initially intended to respond to crises in nascent democracies or areas with democratic backsliding.
He’s also proposed eliminating $17 million for the Asia Foundation and $16.7 million for the East-West Center, and language referencing the Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund.
The former Freedom Caucus chairman’s proposals come after a year of cuts by the Trump administration to foreign aid programs, including the effective elimination of USAID.
Perry was a champion of the work of the Department of Government Efficiency early in the second Trump administration. He echoed its claims about fraud and waste in foreign spending, many of which were unverified, but ultimately expressed frustration with DOGE’s shoddy record keeping and lack of transparency with lawmakers.
Spokespeople for the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the US State Department did not respond to requests for comment from the Capital-Star by publication.
Even if the amendments are adopted, it is unclear what will happen in future negotiations with the Senate. Despite a September 30 deadline for appropriations bills, it’s also unclear when it might become law.
If lawmakers can not agree on spending plans, they can pass a continuing resolution or shut down the government.
Perry faces a tough reelection fight in November against Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson. According to Cook Political Report, the race is a “toss up.” The outcome could be decisive in determining which party controls Congress next year.
Perry narrowly defeated Stelson in 2024, a year when Democrats faced strong headwinds due to disapproval of incumbent President Joe Biden and weak performances at the top of the ticket. This year, generic ballot polls favor Democrats and Stelson has proved one of the strongest fundraisers among all Pennsylvania congressional candidates.
