Ami Bera (D-CA)
To require the Secretary of State to submit a report on participation in educational and cultural exchange programs.
A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 6 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 3.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill requires the Secretary of State to submit regular reports regarding participation in educational and cultural exchange programs. The reporting must include data on programs funded by the People's Republic of China and specific United States programs such as the Fulbright Program. It mandates that these reports be submitted within 180 days of enactment and every five years thereafter. The goal is to track the effectiveness of these programs in advancing United States strategic interests and diplomatic influence. Additionally, the Secretary must analyze trends and the impact of these programs on the diplomatic standing of the United States and the People's Republic of China.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +3
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill aims to use exchange programs to strengthen diplomatic ties and influence with future global leaders.
- Scored +3
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
The bill prioritizes the assessment and expansion of cultural and educational exchanges to advance U.S. strategic interests.
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates regular reporting on the effectiveness and reach of U.S. exchange programs to Congress.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Oversight of National Security Interests: By requiring reports on the number of individuals participating in programs sponsored by the People's Republic of China, the bill seeks to monitor influence and protect United States strategic interests (Section 1(a)).
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Improved Evaluation of U.S. Programs: The requirement for detailed data—such as participant demographics, views on the U.S. government, and understanding of U.S. culture—allows for an assessment of how effectively programs like the Fulbright Program or the Young African Leaders Initiative are working (Section 1(b)(1)(C)).
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Strengthening Diplomatic Ties: The bill recognizes that these exchange programs serve as soft power tools to build influence with future global leaders, which can strengthen international relationships (Section 1(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens for individuals or groups are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill prioritizes the assessment and expansion of cultural and educational exchanges to advance U.S. strategic interests. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill aims to use exchange programs to strengthen diplomatic ties and influence with future global leaders. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill seeks to strengthen the impact of U.S. exchange programs which function as soft power tools in partner nations.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — The bill emphasizes the importance of educational and study abroad programs for participant development. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill focuses on maximizing the impact of programs like the Young African Leaders Initiative which target emerging leaders.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates regular reporting on the effectiveness and reach of U.S. exchange programs to Congress.
- 3/26/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 3.
- 3/3/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/7/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 12/18/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Sydney Kamlager-DoveDemocrat · California
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Sarah McBrideDemocrat · Delaware
Johnny OlszewskiDemocrat · Maryland
Brad ShermanDemocrat · California
Joe WilsonRepublican · South Carolina