To require the Secretary of State to submit a report on participation in educational and cultural exchange programs.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6428
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-26: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 3.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-04T19:21:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to promote U.S. educational and cultural exchange programs by requiring the Secretary of State to report on participation in such programs, both those sponsored by the United States and by the People's Republic of China (PRC). It emphasizes these programs as tools for advancing U.S. national security, diplomacy, and global influence, particularly in countering PRC efforts.
Key Provisions
- Sense of Congress: Expresses congressional support for expanding U.S. exchange programs, recognizing their role in building diplomatic ties, fostering leadership skills, and competing with PRC influence as a "soft power" strategy.
- Reporting Requirements:
- The Secretary of State must submit a report to congressional committees within 180 days of enactment and every 5 years thereafter.
- Report contents include:
- A country-by-country list of participants in PRC-sponsored educational or cultural exchange programs from the previous year.
- A similar list for specified U.S.-sponsored programs (e.g., Fulbright Program, Young African Leaders Initiative including Mandela Washington Fellowship, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program, Future Leaders Exchange Program).
- For each U.S. program: Funding amounts, participant numbers and demographics (e.g., countries of origin, ages), evaluation metrics (e.g., percentage reporting more favorable views of the U.S. government, increased understanding of U.S. culture, support for democratic values, expanded networks with U.S. citizens), and awareness that the program is State Department-sponsored.
- Analysis of participation trends and their implications for U.S. diplomatic and strategic interests.
- Assessment of how these programs affect the diplomatic influence of the U.S. and PRC in each country.
- Future reports must include at least 10 new U.S. programs not previously covered.
- Form and Submission: Reports are unclassified but may include a classified annex; submitted to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new mandatory reporting requirement that did not previously exist in statute. It builds on existing U.S. exchange programs by adding periodic oversight and evaluation metrics, without altering program operations or funding directly.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of State will face increased administrative burden for data collection, evaluation (in coordination with its Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Innovation Unit), and reporting, potentially leading to more evidence-based program management.
- Citizens and Participants: U.S. and foreign participants in exchange programs may indirectly benefit from improved program effectiveness through data-driven enhancements; no direct impact on citizens' rights or obligations.
- International Relations: Could strengthen U.S. soft power by highlighting and addressing gaps in influence compared to PRC programs, informing strategies to expand exchanges in strategically important regions (e.g., Africa, Southeast Asia), and fostering better diplomatic ties via tracked outcomes like favorable opinions and networks.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government: Secretary of State and Department of State (primary implementer); congressional foreign affairs committees (recipients of reports for oversight).
- Program Participants: Individuals (especially youth and emerging leaders) from partner countries involved in U.S. or PRC exchange programs, whose experiences will be analyzed.
- Foreign Governments and Entities: PRC and partner nations (e.g., in Africa, Southeast Asia), as trends in their citizens' participation and program impacts are scrutinized.
- U.S. Educational Institutions and Organizations: Administrators of listed programs (e.g., Fulbright, YALI), who may need to provide data for evaluations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a recurring reporting obligation enforceable through congressional oversight, with no new funding authorized—relying on existing State Department resources. Unclassified reports promote transparency, while classified annexes protect sensitive diplomatic information.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers over foreign affairs and appropriations, enhancing legislative branch insight into executive branch diplomacy without infringing on executive authority.
- Political: Signals bipartisan concern (introduced by Reps. Bera and Wilson) over PRC global influence, potentially shaping future funding or policy debates on U.S. cultural diplomacy; may encourage expansion of programs to counter geopolitical competition, but could strain resources if not paired with budget increases.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-26: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 3.
- 2026-03-26: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-12-04: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-12-04: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-04: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To require the Secretary of State to submit a report on participation in educational and cultural exchange programs. — issued 2025-12-04 — PDF (6 pages)