Booker, Boozman, Van Drew, Bera Launch Congressional International Exchanges Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), and U.S. Representatives Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-2) and Ami Bera (D-CA-6) announced the launch of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus. The members are launching this caucus to bolster engagement and support for international exchange programs, particularly those administered by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

"I am thrilled to join my colleagues in launching the first bipartisan, bicameral Congressional International Exchanges Caucus. Exchange programs strengthen all parts of American society and give back to local communities around the country. They help the United States remain internationally competitive, bolster our nation's economy, and dramatically increase the United States' global reach while enhancing national security. Through creation of this caucus, I am proud to continue the long tradition of bipartisan support for international exchanges and look forward to working with my colleagues to secure strong, sustained backing for these proven, cost-effective programs, " said Senator Cory Booker.

"Cultural exchange is foundational to effective diplomacy, and strengthening our nation's investment in these initiatives will encourage greater collaboration and mutually beneficial relationships for generations to come. Arkansas has played an outsized role in those efforts over many years, and we have seen firsthand how it can change the world. I'm proud to help launch the Congressional International Exchange Caucus and look forward to the opportunity to bolster this mission in a bipartisan, bicameral way," said Senator John Boozman.

"International exchange programs are a smart investment in America's future. They strengthen our relationships around the world and give people a firsthand look at our American values and our way of life. In South Jersey, the impact is clear. Programs like BridgeUSA help support our shore economy each summer, giving small businesses the workforce they need during our busiest time of year. I am proud to help launch this bipartisan caucus to support these programs, " said Representative Jeff Van Drew.

"Educational and cultural exchange programs are among our most effective tools for building goodwill, strengthening our alliances, and advancing American values and strategic interests. These programs create lasting people-to-people ties that build mutual understanding and open doors for cooperation on shared challenges. I am pleased to help launch this bipartisan caucus to ensure Congress continues to support and strengthen these critical programs so they remain effective, sustainable, and central to America's global leadership," said Representative Ami Bera.

International exchange programs provide unique opportunities for Americans to experience the world and develop critical skills. The Congressional International Exchanges Caucus is the platform for Members of Congress to hear directly from these Americans, their constituents, about the impact of international exchange programs on their states and districts. Finally, the Caucus enables its members to ensure ECA's long-term programmatic sustainability and success by offering exclusive opportunities to engage with Administration officials on the latest topics impacting international exchange programs.

"International exchange programs are major contributors to the U.S.' success at home and on the world stage and have long enjoyed bipartisan support. The creation of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus reflects that enduring commitment and showcases Congress' continued investment in the success of these programs. The Alliance for International Exchange proudly supports the caucus and looks forward to working with its members to promote and protect international exchange programs," said Mark Overmann, Executive Director, Alliance for International Exchange.

"As Chair of the Board of the Alliance for International Exchange, I am proud to support the establishment of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus. This bipartisan effort recognizes that exchange programs are a cornerstone of American national security. By bringing emerging leaders to our shores and sending Americans to live, work, and study in regions of strategic importance, the U.S. reinforces its position through investment in American soft power. With the caucus now official, we look forward to advancing policies that protect these vital programs, ensuring they continue to serve as a high-return investment in American influence and security," said Tara Hofmann, CEO and President, AFS-USA.