The Alliance for International Exchange, on behalf of its more than 90 U.S.-based members who implement international exchange programs is launching a campaign to urge Members of Congress to reject the President’s FY26 budget proposal and support funding for international exchange programs.
On Friday, May 2, the Trump Administration released its FY26 “skinny” budget, which is a high-level overview of the president’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget process. The budget proposes to cut State Department international exchange programs by 93%. If Congress enacts this budget proposal, it would essentially eliminate the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and leave exchange programs, the U.S. organizations that implement them, and the jobs of more than 8,000 exchange professionals around the country at risk.
Exchange programs are a proven investment in America – an investment in the economy, in American communities, and in the U.S.’ foreign policy influence and interests. They are vital to making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous and should continue to be funded as such.
We encourage all exchange champions to take action today and urge Congress to support thousands of Americans and communities by ensuring funding for international exchange programs.