The President’s FY26 budget request proposes to cut State Department international exchange programs by $691 million, or by 93%. Given the current budget is $741 million, this would leave only $50 million for all ECA programs and operations.  

If this proposal were to be enacted, it would decimate the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). It would essentially eliminate an array of time-honored exchange programs that enhance American safety, security, and prosperity. And it would leave all exchange programs and organizations, and the jobs of more than 8,000 exchange professionals around the country, at extreme risk.  

We need your help to tell Congress to reject this budget proposal and to fully fund State Department exchange programs at no less than the current level of $741 million. Please take the additional step of customizing your messages to Congress with specific examples of how exchanges positively impact your organization, institution, company, school, family, and community. 

Thank you for taking action at this pivotal moment for international exchange programs. Please share this call to action widely across your networks!