Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2025

This bill would create a new Department of Peacebuilding in the executive branch. Its mission is to prevent and reduce violence in the U.S. and around the world, strengthen nonviolent ways to handle conflict, and make peace a national goal. The Department would study what causes violence, test what works, and share yearly progress reports publicly. It would focus on everyday safety issues like suicide, domestic abuse, gun violence, school safety, hate crimes, human trafficking, and better police–community relations, while supporting victims and community programs. It also looks at root causes like poverty, racism, climate pressures, and nuclear risks.

The bill sets up several offices for education and training, community violence prevention, international peacebuilding, technology and media, arms control, research, and human rights. Schools could get grants and a ready-to-use peace curriculum, and a new Peace Academy would offer a four-year program with graduates serving five years in public service. The Department would fund local groups through block grants and offer cultural exchange grants at home and overseas. It would advise national leaders on nonviolent options before conflicts and help reduce dangerous weapons and nuclear waste. It would also study how social media and other tech affect conflict and support tools that build a safer, greener future. At least 85% of its funding would go to domestic peace programs, and the public would be encouraged to mark “Peace Days.”

• Who is affected
  • Families and victims of violence, students and teachers, community groups, and nonprofits
  • Local, Tribal, and state governments and federal agencies working on safety and security
• What changes
  • A new Department focused on violence prevention and conflict resolution
  • Grants for schools and nonprofits; a Peace Academy for public service training
  • Public annual reports on progress toward peace
  • Consultation on nonviolent options before conflicts begin
  • Work on tech, media, arms control, and nuclear cleanup to reduce harm
• When
  • Within one year of appointing the first Secretary, the Department must send Congress recommended updates to laws; most programs would roll out as the Department stands up.