Exchange Programs Take Center Stage in Under Secretary Rogers’ First Appearance Before Congress Since Confirmation

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers appeared before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 5, 2026, where lawmakers on both sides of the aisle brought U.S. Department of State international exchange programs to the forefront of their questioning and remarks.  

In her opening statement, Under Secretary Rogers spoke about the importance of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and praised ECA’s programs as powerful public diplomacy tools. She called ECA “a cornerstone of American public diplomacy” that amplifies U.S. influence and credibility through long-term relationship building. The Under Secretary highlighted exchanges as key to fulfilling this Administration’s goals of spreading U.S. global interests and bolstering national security: 

“These efforts not only expand the reach of U.S. diplomacy but also generate measurable impact — strengthening alliances, opening markets, and supporting American security and prosperity.” 

During her remarks and in responses to questioning, Under Secretary Rogers affirmed that ECA’s international exchange programs benefit American students and scholars and help Americans connect with international leaders. She cited programs like Fulbright, Gilman, and IVLP as programs that achieve U.S. foreign policy goals. 

Numerous Members of Congress highlighted the importance of exchanges in their remarks and asked pointed questions about the status of ECA’s FY25 and FY26 grants and funding and the need to ensure ample J-1 visa appointment availability.  

Reps. Ami Bera (D, CA-6), Johnny Olszewski (D, MD-2), Madeleine Dean (D, PA-4), Gabe Amo (D, RI-1), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D, CA-37) all highlighted the funding and grants challenges that ECA has endured over the past year. Several of them raised the issue of OMB holding the FY25 awards for many of ECA’s exchange programs last year, demonstrating the visibility this issue has gained on the Hill.  

Under Secretary Rogers repeatedly noted that those held programs are “on track,” with specific discussions taking place around the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI). While it’s true that OMB has released its hold on that funding and ECA approved most of the programs for continuation, the programs have yet to see any movement on funding or a resumption of activities. 

Under Secretary Rogers characterized OMB’s involvement in ECA grants as an “interagency process” that she couldn’t comment extensively on. Rep. Dean requested a full report from ECA on the held awards, what their funding amounts will be, and confirmation that the awards will be processed for FY26. 

Several members also raised questions about the FY26 grants process, asking the Under Secretary about her intentions to ensure that ECA’s appropriated funds are distributed in a timely manner and used consistent with Congressional intent. The Under Secretary acknowledged multiple times that she and ECA will “follow the law” as laid out in the FY26 appropriations bill.  

Rep. Bill Keating (D, MA-9) raised the issue of visa appointment availability for BridgeUSA program applicants this year. Rep. Keating noted the importance of BridgeUSA programs on local and seasonal economies, like in his district that encompasses Cape Cod, and expressed his concern about growing reports of limited visa appointment availability. While Under Secretary Rogers did not directly address the question, she signaled strong support for BridgeUSA programs, noting that her office is working with Congress on legislative initiatives designed to strengthen the programs.  

The Alliance extends its thanks to Under Secretary Rogers and all the Members who spoke on the importance of international exchange programs and continue to ask the questions necessary to ensure the future success of these vital programs. 

The full hearing recording can be viewed here.