WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, after Peace Corps Director Dr. Jody Olsen refused to agree to end Peace Corps programs in China during a meeting with Senator Rick Scott, the Senator released the following statement highlighting concerns over the Peace Corps’ involvement in China.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Peace Corps volunteers are charged with promoting freedom and spreading American ideals to developing countries across the globe. But what the Peace Corps shouldn’t be doing is propping up our adversaries with U.S. tax dollars. Let’s remember, China is a wealthy nation that certainly has the resources to fund initiatives. There is no reason the U.S. should be giving millions in foreign aid to China every year, and there is no reason American taxpayers should be sending volunteers to do the work of the Communist government of China.

“China steals our technology and intellectual property, refuses to open up their markets, refuses to allow human rights and supports Maduro’s genocide in Venezuela. China is also militarizing the South China Sea and building its military to compete with the United States on the world stage. I’ve asked the Peace Corps to pull all volunteers and resources from China immediately, and I look forward to their swift cooperation.” 

In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed on the growing influence of China in Latin America and the danger it poses to American families. Senator Scott also wrote a letter to the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget requesting detailed information on funding the United States government provides annually to China and Chinese-affiliated enterprises – read it HERE.

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