Less Bureaucracy, Better International Education Oversight Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9603
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T10:23:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to consolidate oversight of certain international education and foreign language programs by transferring them from the Department of Education to the Department of State. The goal is to reduce administrative layers and improve coordination with foreign policy objectives.
Key Provisions
- Transfer of functions: All responsibilities for international education programs under Title VI of the Higher Education Act and Fulbright-Hays fellowships are moved to the Secretary of State.
- Repeal: Part C of Title VI, which covers the Institute for International Public Policy, is eliminated.
- Transfer of resources: Personnel, assets, contracts, records, and unspent funds related to these programs shift to the Department of State, with limits on how the funds may be used.
- Oversight by Office of Management and Budget: The Director must ensure no net increase in federal full-time employees across affected agencies and certify compliance to Congress.
- Delegation and continuity: The Secretary of State may delegate duties but remains accountable; existing legal documents, proceedings, and lawsuits continue without interruption.
- Transition period: Early implementation is allowed starting on enactment, with full effect 6 months later.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Moves administration of Title VI international education and foreign language programs and Fulbright-Hays activities from the Department of Education to the Department of State.
- Eliminates the Institute for International Public Policy.
- Updates references in other laws and documents to reflect the new managing agency.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The Department of Education loses these programs and related staff; the Department of State gains them, potentially allowing better alignment with diplomatic efforts but requiring internal reorganization.
- Citizens and institutions: Universities, colleges, and participants in international studies or exchange programs may experience changes in grant administration or oversight.
- International relations: Programs could integrate more closely with U.S. foreign policy, though day-to-day operations for students and scholars are designed to continue smoothly.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Education and Department of State.
- Higher education institutions receiving Title VI funding.
- Recipients of Fulbright-Hays fellowships and scholarships.
- Congressional committees on education and foreign affairs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The transfer relies on standard executive reorganization authority and includes savings clauses to preserve ongoing legal rights and proceedings.
- No major constitutional issues are raised in the text, as functions remain within the executive branch.
- The measure emphasizes administrative efficiency and reduced bureaucracy through consolidation, while requiring OMB to prevent workforce growth.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-07-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-07-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Less Bureaucracy, Better International Education Oversight Act — issued 2026-07-09 — PDF (9 pages)