As part of Peace Corps Week 2013, Fourth District Congressman Joe Kennedy III (D-Brookline) yesterday introduced his first bill since being sworn in to Congress. 

Kennedy introduced the Peace Corps Commemoration Act, which allows the non-profit Peace Corps to establish a "commemorative work" on federal land in Washington, D.C., according to a press release issued yesterday by Kennedy's office.

The Peace Corps was founded by Kennedy's great uncle, President John F. Kennedy, in 1961.

“At a time when the international community was fractured by the Cold War, the founding of the Peace Corps reminded America of the best it had to offer: service to others for the common cause of global peace, mutual understanding, prosperity, and progress,” Kennedy said in the press release.  “Commemoratives in our nation’s capital celebrate the seminal moments in American history. Given the lasting impact of the Peace Corps at home and abroad, it is fitting that its legacy be honored in Washington.”

Kennedy served with the Corps from 2004-2006 in the Dominican Republic.

The legislation is cost-free, the press releases said, as the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation will be responsible for financing the commemorative work.

The bill was previously introduced in the 112th Congress and was met with strong bipartisan support, the press release said.