1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to oppose any effort to eliminate or substantially cut funding for the Fulbright Program in the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) State Department appropriations bill, and support full funding when the bill reaches the floor. FULBRIGHT HAS EARNED BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR NEARLY EIGHTY YEARS The Fulbright Program has operated since 1946 as one of the United States’ most cost-effective tools of international engagement. Established by Senator J. William Fulbright and signed into law by President Harry Truman, it has long enjoyed bipartisan support because it strengthens America’s standing at a modest cost. FULBRIGHT DELIVERS CONCRETE BENEFITS TO THE UNITED STATES Since its founding, the program has involved nearly 450,000 students, scholars, scientists, teachers, and professionals in exchanges spanning more than 160 countries. American participants return with language skills, professional relationships, and firsthand knowledge of foreign societies that benefit U.S. businesses, universities, and government agencies throughout their careers. Fulbright alumni have earned major honors and served at the highest levels of American diplomacy, academia, and public service. Universities benefit as returning scholars bring back research, publications, collaborations, and grant-writing experience. The program also improves how people around the world view the United States. International participants who study here often return home with a deeper understanding of American society and values, creating lasting goodwill at far lower cost than many other foreign-policy tools. FULBRIGHT FUNDING IS AGAIN AT RISK In recent budget cycles, Fulbright funding has repeatedly faced proposals for elimination or significant reduction. Although Congress has preserved it each time, continued support remains essential during the FY27 appropriations process. WHO IS HARMED IF FUNDING IS CUT If funding is eliminated or substantially reduced, American students and scholars will lose valuable international opportunities, relationships built over generations will weaken, and the United States will surrender influence to nations expanding their own educational exchange programs. The cost of cutting Fulbright is measured not only in dollars saved, but also in influence lost. PLEASE PROTECT FULBRIGHT FUNDING IN THE FY27 BILL Cutting Fulbright would save relatively little while weakening one of America’s most durable tools for building trust, influence, and long-term international relationships. (1) OPPOSE CUTS. Oppose any amendment or provision that eliminates or substantially reduces funding for the Fulbright Program in the FY27 State Department appropriations bill. (2) MAINTAIN FUNDING. Support maintaining or restoring Fulbright funding at levels consistent with historical appropriations. (3) SPEAK PUBLICLY. Make a public statement, if possible, affirming your support for the program before any floor vote. Thank you.