Rep. Ilhan Omar Reintroduces the Department of Peacebuilding Act, Continuing the Legacy of Dennis Kucinich, Mark Dayton, and Barbara Lee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) is proud to reintroduce the Department of Peacebuilding Act, legislation to establish a cabinet-level Department of Peacebuilding (DoP) dedicated to preventing violence and fostering a culture of peace at home and abroad. This bill carries forward the vision of former Representatives Dennis Kucinich and Barbara Lee, as well as Minnesota Senator Mark Dayton, who championed this cause before her.
“For decades, Senator Dayton and Representatives Kucinich and Lee stood on the side of peace, despite immense political pressure to do otherwise,” said Rep. Omar. “It is the greatest honor to pick up this mantle and continue the work they began. Violence is not only destroying lives, but it is draining our resources. Every dollar we invest in peacebuilding saves countless more by reducing crime, conflict, and instability. My hope is that our future generations inherit a world that values peace more than we have valued war.”
The proposed department would coordinate national strategies and initiatives to reduce violence, support conflict prevention efforts, and promote peace education. The Secretary of Peacebuilding would work across agencies to fund and facilitate violence reduction programs, support community policing and restorative justice initiatives, and elevate nonviolent solutions in both domestic and international policy.
The legislation will facilitate collaboration between governmental entities, experts, NGOs, community organizations, and Tribal, State, and local leaders to develop and implement peace-focused policies. This includes advancing conflict resolution strategies, promoting anti-violence initiatives, addressing racial and ethnic tensions, and combating gender-based violence.
Cosponsors of the bill include Representatives Bonamici, Carson, Chuy Garcia, Grijalva, Jackson, J., Johnson, H., Kelly, McGovern, McIver, Moore, Norto, Ramirez, Schakowsky, Swalwell, Tlaib, S. Turner, and Velazquez.
The full text of the legislation is available here.
###