| The US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is eliminating the funding through the US Department of State that would have supported ARIT programs beginning 10/1/2025. The loss of 2025 State funding is an immediate blow to ARIT’s programs and operations. We ask that those of you with US addresses, please contact your Congressional delegation and ask them to support funding for US international research and exchanges. A communication link is below. A draft letter to your representative may read:
“As your constituent, I urge you to take action to save State Department international exchange programs, like the American Overseas Research Centers including ARIT, which are in immediate danger of being eliminated
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has targeted at least 22 Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) programs whose FY25 awards it intends to cut, which amounts to approximately $100 million in funding. Without these funds, the Bureau is put in an existential crisis.
I’m asking you to contact OMB Director Russ Vought immediately and demand that OMB release ECA’s Congressionally authorized and appropriated FY25 funds that OMB plans to eliminate.
Without these funds, ECA will be unable to implement its international exchange programs – including programs like the American Overseas Research Centers, which have a meaningful impact in my community.
If OMB is allowed to cut these programs and this funding now, it may be allowed to continue to act with impunity, and there is a risk of:
• Destroying 75+ years of international exchange programming, as well as Senator Fulbright’s legacy and vision for spreading American influence and values around the world.
• Eliminating the majority of international exchange programs that enable more than 55,000 students, scholars, and professionals to participate each year, including 15,000 Americans traveling abroad.
• Stranding 7,500+ American high school and college students and professionals who are currently abroad on ECA programs. Eliminating ECA funding for FY25 immediately puts them at risk of not receiving the critical support they require.
• Endangering the livelihoods of 8,000+ Americans who work for U.S.-based ECA-partner organizations.
• Significantly diminishing the prosperity of American host businesses, organizations, and schools that benefit from the presence of exchange participants.
• Forfeiting billions of dollars to the American economy every year that are generated by international exchange programs.
ECA international exchange programs make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, a fact long recognized through strong bipartisan support for exchange program funding in the House and Senate. Our programs benefit constituents in every US state. Just last month, the House FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs bill proposed funding ECA at $700 million.
Please contact Director Vought immediately and demand that OMB release the ECA funds it is planning to eliminate.
Thank you for your consideration.” |
