Alliance Commentary

With only hours left before government funding expires (tonight at midnight), Congress has not reached an FY25 funding deal. None of the 12 appropriations bills have passed, and progress on extending the current Continuing Resolution (CR) has stalled. A bipartisan agreement to extend funding until mid-March collapsed this week, and a House vote to pass a different CR failed on Thursday evening. It’s not impossible that the situation could change throughout the day but given the current dynamics on the Hill and the late hour, a government shutdown as of Saturday at 12:01 am is looking likely.

This year, the Alliance made a list of commitments to our membership that we prioritized throughout 2024: preparing for the incoming Congress and Administration, communicating and validating impact, and strengthening our position. Together with our members, supporters, and partners, we upheld those commitments to protect and promote exchange programs.

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.