Rep. Barbara Lee (D- CA) introduced a bill (HR 808) that would create a Department of Peacebuilding and a corresponding cabinet-level secretary position on Feb. 15, 2013.  In a press release, Lee said peacebuilding encompasses “both activities that target the root causes of violence and broad measures used to prevent violent conflict and create sustainable peace.” Co-sponsors of HR 808 (“The Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2013”) include Reps. Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), John Conyers, Jr (D-MI), Janice Hahn (D-CA), James McGover (D-MA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Jared Polis (D-CO). The bill is similar to the legislation introduced by the former Rep. Dennis Kucinich in 2011.

“Working across agencies, the Secretary of Peacebuilding would sponsor conflict prevention and dispute resolution initiatives, facilitate peace summits between conflicting parties, encourage community policing, and support efforts by local community and religious groups,” stated the press release.