What This Bill Does · Plain English
Summary · Congress.gov
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 Management and Budget (OMB) related to the functions that are transferred under this bill, including that OMB must ensure that this bill does not create a net increase in full-time equivalent employees at the State Department or ED. Further, OMB must certify compliance with the bill to specified cong
Action Timeline
2026-07-15
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 16.
2026-07-15
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2026-07-09
Introduced in House
2026-07-09
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the juris
2026-07-09
Introduced in House
Frequently Asked Questions
Did HR.9603 pass?
HR.9603 is still alive. Current stage: REPORTED. Pass likelihood: pending.
What does HR.9603 do?
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 …
Who sponsored HR.9603?
HR.9603 was sponsored by Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina).
Full Bill Text
Full text not yet indexed for this bill. Check Congress.gov for the official text.
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