After several years of being inactive, Representative Jim Himes (Connecticut) and Representative Rob Bishop (Utah) have relaunched the House Congressional International Exchange and Study Caucus. This bipartisan caucus recognizes that “International education and exchange is one of our most powerful diplomacy and security tools.”
We’re so glad this important caucus is back! Now, we need the help of Greenheart’s American hosts, local coordinators, and supporters to encourage all members of the House of Representatives to support cultural exchanges by joining the caucus.
Relaunching the House Congressional International Exchange and Study Caucus couldn’t have come at a better time: Congress still needs to pass an important appropriations bill that affects State Departement exchanges. We want to make sure this bill to includes two things: (1) a special provision protecting the Exchange Visitor Program from changes made without a transparent review process, and (2) strong funding for scholarship programs, like the Future Leader Exchange (FLEX) high school program.
Ready to call? Find your Representative here.
Not sure what to say? Use this script to ask your member of the House of Representatives to join the new Caucus! You can also use our standard script to ask your Senators to support cultural exchange, too.
Shy? Check out our “Introvert’s Guide to Calling your Member of Congress” on the Greenheart Club. Or click here for help writing a letter.
Big thanks to all those who voice support for cultural exchange and help us build a world with more understanding.