Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2307-2308)
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 establishes the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program within the Department of State. The program aims to increase the number of United States undergraduate students who participate in study abroad opportunities. It specifically targets increasing access for low-income students, students of color, and other underrepresented groups. The initiative also seeks to encourage more students to study in nontraditional destinations, particularly developing countries. To achieve this, the Secretary of State will award competitive grants to institutions of higher education.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +5
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The bill increases access to study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students.
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill prioritizes increasing access to study abroad for low-income students.
- Scored +5
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
The bill targets increasing participation rates for minority students.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased access for underrepresented groups: The bill aims to ensure more low-income students, students of color, first-generation college students, community college students, and students with disabilities have access to study abroad opportunities (Section 2, Section 3).
-
Enhanced global skills and economic success: By increasing study abroad participation, the bill intends to provide students with international knowledge, world language skills, and cultural understanding essential for success in the global economy (Section 2).
-
Support for direct student costs: The program is directed to use grant funds to support the direct costs faced by students (Section 4(b)(4)(A)).
-
Focus on critical skills: The program includes provisions for learning world languages, including those determined to be critical to national security interests (Section s 4(a)(7)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Dependency on available funding: The establishment and enhancement of the program are subject to the availability of appropriations (Section 4(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 Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill targets increasing participation rates for minority students. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill targets increasing participation rates for minority students. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes increasing access to study abroad for low-income students. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill aims to ensure students with disabilities have better access to study abroad opportunities. Would students be better off under this? — The bill provides financial support and expanded opportunities for undergraduate students. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill increases access to study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill aims to increase access for students with disabilities to study abroad opportunities. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill specifically targets increasing study abroad participation among students of color.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill seeks to equip students with skills essential for the modern global economy. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to prepare students for success in the global economy through international experience.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make college cost less? — The bill directs grant funds to support direct student costs associated with studying abroad.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill promotes international knowledge and cultural understanding through study abroad programs.
- 5/14/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2307-2308)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi