Reps. Bera, Wilson Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Promote U.S. Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06) and Joe Wilson (R-SC-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster America’s global engagement by requiring the State Department to submit a comprehensive report on participation in U.S. and People’s Republic of China (PRC) sponsored educational and cultural exchange programs.

The legislation calls for strengthening U.S. international exchange and study abroad programs to enhance national security, diplomatic ties, and global influence in response to China’s efforts to expand its own influence. The bill directs the Secretary of State to provide Congress with detailed data on participation in U.S. exchange programs—such as the Fulbright Program and the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program—as well as those funded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The report will also include information on participation by country, funding levels, participant demographics, and the long-term impact on perceptions of the United States.

“Educational and cultural exchange programs are among our most effective tools for building goodwill among the next generation of leaders, strengthening our alliances, and advancing American values and strategic interests,” said Representative Bera. “This bipartisan bill ensures we have the data to evaluate and strengthen these critical programs, especially as countries like China actively work to expand their global influence efforts.”

"America recognizes the benefits from educational and cultural exchange programs with other countries,” said Representative Joe Wilson. "However, countries such as the People’s Republic of China, are expanding their influence in America putting our national security at risk. This bipartisan bill will ensure transparency while increasing the presence of American values internationally. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Congressman Bera.” 

In addition to program metrics, the legislation calls for an assessment of how these initiatives impact U.S. diplomatic standing and a comparative analysis of China’s growing investment in global exchange programs.

The report will be submitted to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, with updates required every five years.

Read the full text of the legislation here.