Senators Booker and Boozman were joined by representatives Van Drew and Bera in revealing the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus on May 12.
They aim to raise support for United States study abroad initiatives, especially those administered by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) after the President’s FY27 Budget plan Request proposed cutting federal financing by 68%.
Senator Cory Booker stated he was “delighted” to launch the initiative and “proud to continue the long custom of bipartisan support for global exchanges”.
He stressed the benefits of exchange programs in enhancing American society and regional communities, reinforcing economic growth and boosting national security by “drastically” increasing the US’s worldwide reach.
The caucus will supply a platform for members of congress to hear directly from constituents about the impact of worldwide exchange programs on their states and districts.
Its larger objective is to ensure ECA’s long-lasting sustainability and success by providing insights on the current subjects impacting the research study abroad sector, with exchange organisations motivated to share details, attend caucus events and advise their senators to join.
The caucus comes amidst rough times for United States research study abroad, threatened by President Trump’s proposal to slash federal financing for cultural exchange by nearly 70% next year, which would remove or dramatically minimize many flagship initiatives including Fulbright.
Stakeholders are urging Congress to decline Trump’s demand– pushed by the truth that in 2015 the President’s proposed 93% funding cuts were decreased to 5.5% after record-breaking sector mobilisation.
Exchange programs reinforce all parts of American society and return to regional neighborhoods around the nation
Cory Booker, Senate
Leaders have welcomed the caucus as “exceptional news”, calling it a “big win for exchanges at this challenging moment”. They expressed their commitment to dealing with the congressmen to safeguard and promote study abroad for several years to come.
“International exchange programs have long been a problem that unites leaders throughout party lines and throughout both chambers of Congress,” Mark Overmann, executive director of the Alliance for International Exchange told The PIE.Agent Van Drew called global exchanges a “smart financial investment” in America’s future, highlighting the impact of BridgeUSA supporting the summertime economy in South Jersey “offering small companies the workforce they need throughout our busiest season”.
Somewhere else, senator John Boozman motivated greater investment in cultural exchange to enhance diplomacy and create “mutually useful relationships for generations to come”.
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