The Senate voted today to approve the conference report to the legislation that will fund the Department of State’s educational and cultural exchange programs at $431.790 million for FY 2006, an increase of $71.04 million over last year’s funding. As previously reported by the Alliance, the funding level for these programs is higher than the $410.4 million approved by the House in mid-June, less than the $440.2 million approved by the Senate in July, and slightly above the $430.4 million requested by the President in his FY 2006 budget. The legislation, which was approved by a vote of 94 to 5, will now be sent to the President for his signature.