By Mark Overmann
On Monday, April 14, The Washington Post broke the news that a leaked internal Administration memo proposed cutting the State Department by 48% and eliminating the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and its exchange programs.
While the memo is concerning and must be taken seriously, context is key: the memo is a proposal of a potential proposal and doesn’t mean the imminent elimination of ECA and exchange programs.
This memo is a part of an annual process for creating the President’s Budget Request, or PBR. The memo is the State Department’s response to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) request for input on funding levels as it creates the PBR for FY26. And ultimately, it’s Congress that determines final funding numbers. If you’re interested in learning more about this process, I highly encourage you to read Alliance Assistant Director and Head of Advocacy and Government Relations Adrienne Jacobs’ excellent analysis here.
Exchange programs aren’t going anywhere, not if we have anything to say about it. We at the Alliance, along with our members, supporters, and partners, are working tirelessly to promote and protect international exchange programs. For those interested in staying up to date on the latest policy news and advocacy opportunities, visit our 47th Presidential Administration webpage.