Bradley Schneider (D-IL)
Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes the establishment of the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program within the Department of State. The program aims to increase the number of undergraduate students participating in study abroad opportunities to better prepare them for the global economy. It seeks to expand access for underrepresented groups, including low-income students and students of color. The initiative also intends to encourage study in nontraditional destinations, particularly developing nations. To achieve this, the Secretary of State will award competitive grants to institutions of higher education. These grants are intended to support institutional leadership and cover direct student costs.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +5
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The bill provides grants to expand study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students.
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill specifically aims to increase access to study abroad for low-income students through grant-supported costs.
- Scored +5
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill seeks to increase the participation rate of students with disabilities in study abroad programs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased access to global skills: The bill aims to ensure more students graduate with international knowledge, world language skills, and cultural understanding necessary for the global economy (Section 2, Finding 2).
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Support for underrepresented groups: The program specifically targets increasing participation among low-sincome students, students of color, minority students, first-generation college students, community college students, and students with disabilities (Section 2, Finding 3; Section 3, Purpose 1).
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Financial assistance for students: Grant funds are intended to be used to support direct student costs (Section 4, subsection (b)(4)(A)).
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Expanded destination options: The program seeks to increase study abroad opportunities in nontraditional destinations, with a focus on developing countries (Section 3, Purpose 3; Section 4, subsection (b)(2)(C)).
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Priority for specific institutions: The Secretary of State may prioritize grants for minority-serving institutions and eligible institutions qualifying for the Strengthening Institutions Program (Section 4, subsection (b)(3)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Requirement of available funds: The establishment and enhancement of the program are subject to the availability of appropriations (Section 4, subsection (b)(1)).
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill specifically aims to increase access to study abroad for low-income students through grant-supported costs. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill seeks to increase the participation rate of students with disabilities in study abroad programs. Would students be better off under this? — The bill establishes a program to increase access to international education and skill-building opportunities for students. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill provides grants to expand study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill targets underrepresented groups including students of color to increase diversity in study abroad.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill identifies students with disabilities as an underrepresented group that the program aims to support. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill specifically targets increasing study abroad participation among students of color and minority-serving institutions.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make college cost less? — The bill provides competitive grants that institutions can use to support direct student costs for study abroad.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The program aims to equip students with skills necessary for success in the modern global economy. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to prepare students for success in the global economy through increased international experience.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The program encourages study in developing nations to foster international connections and understanding.
- 5/14/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania