H.R. 6428: To require the Secretary of State to submit a report on participation in educational and cultural exchange programs.

This bill, known as H.R. 6428, aims to enhance the United States' educational and cultural exchange programs by requiring the Secretary of State to report on these activities in relation to programs funded by China. The main points of the bill include:

Promotion of Educational and Cultural Exchanges

The bill recognizes the importance of international exchange and study abroad programs. It states that:

• These programs are vital for U.S. national security and diplomatic relations.
• They help build influence with future leaders in other countries.
• The U.S. must strengthen its exchange programs to counteract China’s expanding influence in this area.

Reporting Requirements

The Secretary of State is mandated to produce a detailed report:

• Within 180 days of the bill's enactment and every five years thereafter.
• The report will include:
• A list of individuals who participated in Chinese-sponsored educational and cultural exchange programs, organized by country.
• A list of participants in U.S. exchange programs.
• Details on each program sponsored by the U.S., such as:
• Funding amounts.
• Number of participants.
• Age demographics of participants.
• Effects on participants' views of the U.S. government and culture.
• Recommendations for studying in the U.S.
• An assessment of participation trends and their implications for U.S. diplomacy and strategy.
• An analysis comparing the influence of U.S. and Chinese programs in different countries.

Programs Covered

The report will discuss several specific educational and cultural exchange programs, including:

• The Fulbright Program.
• The Young African Leaders Initiative, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
• The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative.
• The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program.
• The Future Leaders Exchange Program.
• Any previously reported U.S. exchange program.
• At least ten additional U.S. exchange programs not covered in earlier reports.

Report Format

Reports must be submitted in an unclassified format, but they may include a classified annex if needed.

Definition of Appropriate Congressional Committees

The 'appropriate congressional committees' for the reports are defined as:

• The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
• The Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.

Relevant Companies

None found