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Ami Bera launches bipartisan exchange caucus
The new caucus aims to strengthen congressional support for U.S. international educational and cultural exchange programs.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 14, May 2026
- 18:19 EDT
- 40
Rep. Ami Bera / Wikimedia commons
Indian American Congressman Ami Bera spearheaded the launch of a bipartisan, bicameral caucus in Congress aimed at strengthening support for international educational and cultural exchange programs administered by the U.S. Department of State.
Bera, a Democrat from California, announced the formation of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus on May 12 alongside Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew and Senators John Boozman and Cory Booker.
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The caucus has been established to bolster congressional engagement with international exchange programs, particularly those overseen by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
“Educational and cultural exchange programs are among our most effective tools for building goodwill, strengthening our alliances, and advancing American values and strategic interests,” Bera said in a statement. “These programs create lasting people-to-people ties that build mutual understanding and open doors for cooperation on shared challenges.”
Bera said the bipartisan caucus would help ensure Congress continues supporting and strengthening such initiatives so they remain “effective, sustainable, and central to America’s global leadership.”
Van Drew described exchange initiatives as “a smart investment in America’s future,” saying they help strengthen international relationships while showcasing American values abroad.
“In South Jersey, the impact is clear,” Van Drew said. “Programs like BridgeUSA help support our shore economy each summer, giving small businesses the workforce they need during our busiest time of year.”
Boozman said cultural exchange programs are “foundational to effective diplomacy” and noted Arkansas has played “an outsized role” in such efforts over the years.
Booker said exchange programs strengthen communities across the United States, support economic growth, and enhance national security.
“They help the United States remain internationally competitive, bolster our nation’s economy, and dramatically increase the United States’ global reach while enhancing national security,” Booker said.
According to the lawmakers, the caucus will serve as a platform for members of Congress to hear directly from participants and constituents about the impact of exchange programs in their districts and states. It will also facilitate engagement with administration officials on issues affecting international exchange initiatives.
Alliance for International Exchange executive director Mark Overmann welcomed the caucus, calling international exchange programs “major contributors to the U.S.’ success at home and on the world stage.”
AFS-USA president and CEO Tara Hoffman said the bipartisan initiative recognizes exchange programs as “a cornerstone of American national security.”
Hoffman said such initiatives strengthen American soft power by bringing emerging global leaders to the United States while also enabling Americans to study, work, and live abroad in strategically important regions.
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