The House of Representatives voted last Thursday to approve legislation that would authorize State Department educational and cultural exchanges at a level of $428.9 million in FY 2006, and $438.5 million in FY 2007. For FY 2006, this level is $1.5 million lower than the $430.3 million requested by President Bush. The President will request a funding level for the FY 2007 programs when he presents his FY 2007 budget early next year.