by Mark Overmann | Apr 15, 2025 | 119 Congress, 47 Presidential Administration, Alliance Commentary, Featured Post
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.
by Mark Overmann | Nov 6, 2024 | Alliance Commentary
The country has cast its votes and, as I write this, I find myself focused on two things. We know the value of our programs, the value of engaging across cultures and borders. We know that exchanges bring resources to U.S. communities large and small; that they create and empower leaders in the U.S. and around the world; and that they break down stereotypes that lead to a more inclusive world. I know that the international exchange community will continue doing its important work every single day.
by Mark Overmann | Jun 27, 2024 | Alliance Commentary
On Thursday, June 20, 2024, lawmakers introduced three amendments to the FY25 House State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) funding bill that threatened to cut funding and programming for educational and cultural exchanges (ECE). One amendment was withdrawn and two were voted down.
by Mark Overmann | Jun 6, 2024 | Alliance Commentary
By: Mark Overmann The Alliance and our members are very concerned about the proposed 2.7% cut to educational and cultural exchanges in the House bill advanced by the State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee earlier this week. If enacted, this would further...
by Mark Overmann | Feb 21, 2024 | Alliance Commentary, Au Pair
By Mark Overmann A critical area of the Alliance’s advocacy efforts is engaging in the Department of State’s regulatory processes. When the Department proposes changes to the function and implementation of a program, the Alliance engages impacted members, partners,...
