Bill Summary
This resolution acknowledges the significance of international education and exchange programs in promoting national security, foreign policy goals, economic competitiveness, and mutual understanding among nations. It recognizes the large number of students who participate in these programs and the positive impact of international students studying in the US and Americans studying abroad. The resolution also encourages the promotion and support of these programs to increase language skills, cultural awareness, and global competitiveness. It commends all those involved in these programs and celebrates the important role they play for the US and its citizens.
Possible Impacts
1. Students: The legislation recognizes the positive impact that international education and exchange programs have on students, encouraging them to study overseas and gain valuable experiences. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding and interacting with people from different cultures, promoting diversity and cultural awareness among students.
2. Employers: The legislation acknowledges the value of international education and exchange programs in developing skills, such as foreign language proficiency and cultural understanding, that are sought after by employers in today's globalized economy. This could potentially benefit employers by providing a larger pool of qualified job candidates.
3. Communities: The legislation recognizes the role of international education and exchange programs in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among nations, and encourages their support and participation. This could potentially lead to more diverse and culturally aware communities, fostering greater understanding and respect for different cultures.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 845 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 845
Recognizing that international education and exchange programs further
national security and foreign policy priorities, enhance economic
competitiveness, and promote mutual understanding and cooperation among
nations.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 11, 2020
Mr. Bishop of Utah (for himself, Mr. Himes, Mr. Lowenthal, Mr. Peters,
Mr. Keating, Mr. Meeks, Mr. DeFazio, Mr. Pappas, Mr. Welch, Mr. Smith
of Washington, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Rodney Davis of Illinois, and Mr.
Grijalva) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on Foreign Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing that international education and exchange programs further
national security and foreign policy priorities, enhance economic
competitiveness, and promote mutual understanding and cooperation among
nations.
Whereas hundreds of thousands of secondary and higher education students study
overseas each year, coming from congressional districts across all 50
States and United States territories;
Whereas according to the Department of State, more than one million
international students and other international education and exchange
participants annually help create mutual understanding by living,
studying, and working in local communities throughout the United States;
Whereas international education and exchange programs serve an effective and
proven diplomatic function with countries key to foreign policy and
national security priorities, encouraging goodwill toward the United
States;
Whereas promoting the United States as a destination for international students
and professionals, while also encouraging students and professionals to
gain international experience abroad, are wise investments in our
country's economic competitiveness;
Whereas it is imperative that students understand how to interact with their
colleagues from around the world and operate in multicultural
environments;
Whereas it is important to diversify the pool of citizens participating in
international study and exchange experiences;
Whereas students and other young people are the world's future leaders and
innovators;
Whereas there are multitudes of privately organized and funded exchange
programs, while many others are funded by the Government;
Whereas international education and exchange programs exist at multiple levels--
high school, college, graduate, educator, citizen, cultural, and sport
programs;
Whereas international students consistently have a positive impact on the
economy and job creation in every State and congressional district,
according to economic analysis by NAFSA: Association of International
Educators using international student enrollment data by the Institute
of International Education in partnership with the Department of State
and tuition data from the Department of Education;
Whereas this analysis shows that international students studying at United
States colleges and universities contributed nearly $41 billion to the
economy and supported 458,290 jobs during the 2018-2019 academic year;
Whereas their exchange experiences enable international visitors to become
informal ambassadors both for their home countries while they are in the
United States and for the United States when they return home, sharing
an appreciation for common values, counteracting stereotypes, and
enhancing respect for cultural differences;
Whereas research indicates that the United States needs to encourage more
students to graduate with expertise in foreign languages, cultures, and
politics to fill the demands of business, government, and universities;
Whereas international education and exchange programs are a singularly effective
way for American students to develop foreign language capability and
cultural awareness, skills that employers seek in order to remain
globally competitive; and
Whereas international education and exchange programs shape the views and
opinions of participants, many of whom are, or will become, leaders in
their communities, both in the United States and abroad: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes that international education and exchange
programs enhance national security, significantly further
United States foreign policy goals and economic
competitiveness, and promote mutual understanding and
cooperation among nations;
(2) encourages international education and exchange
programs to ensure that the United States maintains a broad
international knowledge base;
(3) supports international education and exchange programs
as a means to strengthen foreign language skills and foster a
better understanding of the world by United States citizens,
especially youth;
(4) commends the American and international education and
exchange participants, volunteers, educators, program alumni,
host families, high schools, institutions of higher education,
and host communities for their involvement in such programs;
and
(5) celebrates the integral role international education
and exchange programs play for the United States and its
people.
<all>