This summer, the House Appropriations Committee advanced the FY 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill, which includes $700.964 million for Educational and Cultural Exchange (ECE) programs. While this amount is ~$41 million less than the current enacted level for FY 2025 ($741 million), it represents a substantial improvement over the Administration’s earlier proposal to reduce funding to just $50 million. 

As the bill moves to the House floor for a vote (timing yet TBD), the Global Ties Network is mobilizing to advocate for its passage to ensure the $700.964 million proposed for State Department-sponsored exchange programs is secured.  

On the Senate side, you will see a companion action alert for FY 2026 appropriations – urging flat funding of $741M for ECE programs, and within that specifically $105M for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).   

With an eye on both chambers in Congress, we continue to advocate for FY 2026 funding to secure the highest possible level for ECE and IVLP.