Federal department would work to prevent violence at home and abroad

A Department of Peacebuilding would work to prevent violence through peaceful means. Its work would cover the United States and other countries, including support for community violence prevention programs. The President would appoint its leader with Senate approval. Congress would still need to provide money; the bill authorizes funding but does not set aside money.

The department would offer peace education grants and run a four-year Peace Academy. Grants would support schools from preschool through college and nongovernmental groups running school and neighborhood programs. Academy graduates would have to serve five years in public programs devoted to settling conflicts without violence. Congress would still need to provide money for these programs.

State and Defense leaders would have to consult the peacebuilding secretary about conflicts involving the United States. A formal consultation process would also cover military personnel used within the United States and proposed or actual military equipment transfers to police or other recipients. Consultation would address violence prevention and peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. The peacebuilding secretary would also serve on the National Security Council. The formal process would require consultation before policies or resource withdrawals that may lead to violence and before armed conflict with another country.