HR-6428-119
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 3.
Sponsored by Ami Bera (D-CA)
What it does
This bill would require the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress on participation in U.S. educational and cultural exchange programs. The bill does not create, modify, or eliminate any exchange program, nor does it appropriate funds. It establishes a reporting obligation for the executive branch to provide Congress with data on program participation.
Who benefits
Congress, which would gain structured information to conduct oversight of exchange programs. Researchers, journalists, and the public who may access the report. Current and prospective participants in exchange programs (such as students, scholars, and cultural visitors) who may benefit from increased congressional attention and accountability. Advocacy organizations that support exchange diplomacy.
Who is hurt
The Department of State, which would bear the administrative cost and staff time of compiling and submitting the report. Taxpayers who indirectly fund the reporting requirement. There are no direct programmatic cuts or restrictions imposed on any group.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that Congress cannot effectively oversee or fund exchange programs without reliable, standardized data on who participates and how programs are performing. They contend that a formal reporting requirement ensures transparency and accountability, enabling lawmakers to identify gaps in participation — such as underrepresented countries or demographics — and make evidence-based funding decisions.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that the bill adds a bureaucratic reporting burden on the State Department without guaranteeing any policy action or program improvement. They contend that participation data on exchange programs may already be available through existing reporting mechanisms, making a new statutory mandate duplicative and an inefficient use of limited diplomatic staff resources.