Stop the Destruction of Valuable US-Sponsored International Exchange Programs

Urge Immediate Restoration of Exchange Funding I write to urge immediate congressional action to reinstate the $100 million in FY2025 funding unlawfully withheld by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from 22 State Department cultural and educational exchange programs. These programs—including the Community College Initiative, YES and YES Abroad, Mandela Washington Fellowship, TechWomen, Virtual Exchange Initiative, and many others—have been congressionally authorized, and their defunding risks devastating the future of U.S. global engagement. OMB’s Actions Threaten Congress’s Authority This sleight of hand by the OMB is more than a budget maneuver—it is an existential threat to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and a dangerous precedent for executive overreach. Stakeholders warn it sets the stage for elimination of these programs and undermines Congress’s appropriations authority. Strategic Value to U.S. Interests • Soft power and national security: Programs like the YES initiative, established post-9/11 to build ties with youth from predominately Muslim countries, foster long-term goodwill toward the United States. Its cancellation would isolate us, just when we need bridges the most. • Economic and diplomatic dividends: Exchange students, scholars, and professionals reverse “brain drain” by returning home with U.S. values and networks. Alumni become global influencers, making our society more secure and prosperous. • Legitimacy and values: U.S.-funded international exchange is an enduring symbol of American leadership and values. Undermining it damages both our credibility and the legacy of programs like Fulbright, which span over 75 years. • Congressional authority: This attack on broadly supported, congressionally approved programs is a direct assault on the constitutional power of the purse. It cannot be tolerated. Four Immediate Actions for Congress 1. Force OMB to release the appropriated FY2025 funds without delay. 2. Ensure oversight to prevent executive agencies from circumventing grants approved by Congress. 3. Reject any further executive defunding of exchange programs, including in FY2026 budgets. 4. Reaffirm bipartisan support for the full funding of ECA programs—as reflected in FY2026 appropriations bills providing $700+ million for ECA, far above White House proposals. I appreciate your service to our nation and willingness to listen to constituents on issues that affect America’s global standing. I trust you will recognize the importance of these programs and act to ensure they remain a vital part of U.S. foreign policy.