H.R. 9603 · In committee · Education

Less Bureaucracy, Better International Education Oversight Act

What it does

Transfer all international education programs from the Department of Education to the Department of State, including National Resource Centers, Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships, and International Research an
Transfer the Fulbright-Hays Program from the Department of Education to the Department of State.
Repeal the Institute for International Public Policy.
Transfer all personnel and appropriations related to the transferred functions to the Department of State, with OMB required to ensure no net increase in full-time equivalent employees across both departments.

Official summary

Less Bureaucracy, Better International Education Oversight Act This bill transfers specified functions relating to international and foreign language studies programs from the Department of Education (ED) to the Department of State. Specifically, the bill transfers to the State Department all the functions and authorities exercised by ED before the bill's effective date related to international education programs in higher education (e.g., programs including National Resource Centers, Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships, and International Research and Studies) and the Fulbright-Hays Program. (On November 18, 2025, ED announced an interagency agreement with the State Department for the State Department to manage competitions, provide technical assistance, and integrate ED's programs with the State Department's existing programs, while ED must maintain its statutory responsibilities and program oversight.) The bill also repeals the Institute for International Public Policy. Additionally, the bill transfers to the State Department all personnel and appropriations related to the functions that are transferred under this bill. The bill outlines the authority of the Office of…

Latest action

Jul 15, 2026: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 16.

Committee: House Education and Workforce