The President’s proposed budget for FY 2026 would cut U.S. Department of State international exchange programs by $691 million, or 93%. With the current budget of $741 million, this would leave only $50 million for all programs and operations funded under Educational and Cultural Exchange (ECE).

If this proposal were to be enacted, it would decimate the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), and programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other public diplomacy and international exchange programs, which make our country safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

We are mobilizing the Global Ties Network and supporters in partnership with the Alliance for International Exchange -- we need your help to urge Congress to fully fund State Department exchange programs at no less than the current level of $741 million in FY 2026. 

We encourage you to use the template on this page, and to customize with your own notes and data points to emphasize local impact.

This action center will be updated as the appropriations process evolves to keep the community-based organizations of the Global Ties Network and their supporters across the United States engaged.