Senators Booker and Boozman were joined by representatives Van Drew and Bera in announcing the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus on May 12.
They aim to raise support for US study abroad initiatives, particularly those administered by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) after the President’s FY27 Budget Request proposed cutting federal funding by 68%.
Senator Cory Booker said he was “thrilled” to launch the initiative and “proud to continue the long tradition of bipartisan support for international exchanges”.
He emphasised the benefits of exchange programs in strengthening American society and local communities, bolstering economic growth and enhancing national security by “dramatically” increasing the US’s global reach.
The caucus will provide a platform for members of congress to hear directly from constituents about the impact of international exchange programs on their states and districts.
Its wider goal is to ensure ECA’s long-term sustainability and success by offering insights on the latest topics impacting the study abroad sector, with exchange organisations encouraged to share information, attend caucus events and urge their senators to join.
The caucus comes amid turbulent times for US study abroad, threatened by President Trump’s proposal to slash federal funding for cultural exchange by nearly 70% next year, which would eliminate or drastically reduce many flagship initiatives including Fulbright.
Stakeholders are urging Congress to reject Trump’s request – emboldened by the fact that last year the President’s proposed 93% funding cuts were reduced to 5.5% after record-breaking sector mobilisation.
Exchange programs strengthen all parts of American society and give back to local communities around the country
Cory Booker, US Senate
Leaders have welcomed the caucus as “excellent news”, calling it a “big win for exchanges at this challenging moment”. They expressed their commitment to working with the congressmen to protect and promote study abroad for years to come.
“International exchange programs have long been an issue that unites leaders across party lines and across both chambers of Congress,” Mark Overmann, executive director of the Alliance for International Exchange told The PIE.
Representative Van Drew called international exchanges a “smart investment” in America’s future, highlighting the impact of BridgeUSA supporting the summer economy in South Jersey “giving small businesses the workforce they need during our busiest time of year”.
Elsewhere, senator John Boozman encouraged greater investment in cultural exchange to boost diplomacy and create “mutually beneficial relationships for generations to come”.
