Rep. Bera Advances Bipartisan Measure to Strengthen U.S. Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs

Washington, D.C. -Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, welcomed the House Foreign Affairs Committee's passage of his bipartisan legislation, H.R. 6428, with Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02) to strengthen American leadership through educational and cultural exchange programs.

The bill requires the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report to Congress on participation in U.S. funded and comparable People's Republic of China-sponsored educational and cultural exchange programs.

The report will include data on participation by country, funding levels, participant demographics, and long-term impact assessments on how these programs shape perceptions of the United States. It will also evaluate how such programs influence U.S. diplomatic standing and provide a comparative analysis of the PRC's expanding investment in these programs.

"Educational and cultural exchange programs are among our most effective tools for advancing U.S. national security, strengthening diplomatic relations, and sustaining American global leadership," Bera said."As the PRC moves to expand its own programs worldwide, the United States must take full advantage of this soft power tool to strengthen our diplomatic standing, influence, and strategic positioning."

H.R. 6428 will help Congress better evaluate and strengthen exchange programs that build enduring partnerships and advance American leadership around the world.