National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill funds exchanges at $667 million for FY26
On Sunday, January 11, the House Appropriations Committee introduced the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026. This bill is the product of negotiations between House and Senate appropriators, and key to advancing full-year funding for FY26. The legislation provides $667 million for educational and cultural exchanges, a significant signal of Congress’ continued support for ECA exchange programs amid a broader environment of sweeping funding cuts.
The Alliance for International Exchange appreciates the substantial work and bipartisan compromise reflected in this package. While the $667 million allocation falls below the FY24 enacted level of $741 million and the $700.95 million included in last summer’s House bill, it nonetheless represents a strong commitment to sustaining exchange programs. The bill’s inclusion of specific topline funding levels for programs such as Fulbright, Gilman, IVLP, and the Young Leaders Initiatives is an especially encouraging sign.
The Alliance also applauds the inclusion of strengthened oversight language (see below and page 194 of the bill text) to ensure close cooperation between Congress and the State Department on program funding and implementation.
Secretary consultation: “That not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the allocation of funds made available under this heading by program, project, and activity.”
Substantive modification: “That any substantive modifications from the prior fiscal year to programs funded under this heading in this Act, including program consolidation and closures, changes to eligibility criteria and geographic scope, and implementing partners, shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations
Apportionment: “That funds appropriated under this heading shall be apportioned to the Department of State not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.”
The bill was marked up in a House Rules Committee hearing, which is the first step in Congress’ committee consideration of a bill after the two chambers have agreed on text. The hearing was held on Tuesday, January 13 at 2:00 PM ET. The Alliance is continuing to monitor the bill’s progress and its impact on exchange programs. If the bill passes, it will ensure funding for the Department of State and ECA programs through September 30, 2026.
Read the full bill text, along will statements and supplementary documents, below:
Bill text is available here (ECA section on page 194).
An explanatory statement for the bill is available here (pages 8-9 outline exchange program funding and additional considerations).
A summary of the bill is available here.
House Appropriations Committee press release
