Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (27 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
What this bill does
H.R. 9971, the Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act, would reauthorize and update Title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the federal program supporting international and foreign-language education at colleges and universities. The bill expands what graduate language and area studies grants can cover to include foreign-language study tied to a graduate student's specialization. It replaces existing "international research" provisions with a new section authorizing grants for research, data collection, and innovation projects aimed at assessing and strengthening U.S. capacity in international and foreign-language education, including creation of a national database and periodic public reports. It also renames and revises the "business and international education" program as "Global Business and Professional Education Programs," broadening its focus beyond business to other professional and technical fields, and rewrites the section on professional and technical education to fund programs integrating foreign-language study, global coursework, and international internships into fields such as science, health, law, and engineering.
The bill primarily affects institutions of higher education, libraries, nonprofit educational organizations, and their partnerships, which could apply for competitive federal grants under these programs. It could also affect students, faculty, and employers connected to international education, language study, and global workforce needs, including minority-serving institutions and community colleges, which may receive matching-fund waivers under certain conditions.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 27, 2026, by Rep. Deborah Ross with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, House and Senate approval, and the President's signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act
This bill reauthorizes through FY2032 and revises international education programs. These programs provide grants to institutions of higher education and related entities to (1) enhance instruction in international and foreign language studies, and (2) promote international business skills and education.
First, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international and foreign language studies. Specifically, it extends (1) the Graduate and Undergraduate Language and Area Centers and Programs, which include the National Resource Centers program; (2) the Language Resource Centers; (3) the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Programs; and (4) the American Overseas Research Centers.
Next, the bill reauthorizes the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships program. It also revises the program to permit graduate students to receive a stipend for the beginning, intermediate, or advanced study of a foreign language related to the student's area of specialization.
Further, the bill extends the Technological Innovation and Cooperation for Foreign Information Access program. It also modifies the program, such as by (1) revising the types of available grants, and (2) allowing the Department of Education to establish a national database on international and foreign language education.
Finally, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international business skills and education. Specifically, it reauthorizes the Centers for International Business Education program. It also reauthorizes and revises the Business and International Education program, including by (1) renaming the program; and (2) mandating certain program activities, such as incorporating specified programs and studies into professional education and technical training curricula.
Timeline
27 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9971 do?
- H.R. 9971, the Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act, would reauthorize and update Title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the federal program supporting international and foreign-language education at colleges and universities. The bill expands what graduate language and area studies grants can cover to include foreign-language study tied to a graduate student's specialization. It replaces existing "international research" provisions with a new section authorizing grants for research, data collection, and innovation projects aimed at assessing and strengthening U.S. capacity in international and foreign-language education, including creation of a national database and periodic public reports. It also renames and revises the "business and international education" program as "Global Business and Professional Education Programs," broadening its focus beyond business to other professional and technical fields, and rewrites the section on professional and technical education to fund programs integrating foreign-language study, global coursework, and international internships into fields such as science, health, law, and engineering. The bill primarily affects institutions of higher education, libraries, nonprofit educational organizations, and their partnerships, which could apply for competitive federal grants under these programs. It could also affect students, faculty, and employers connected to international education, language study, and global workforce needs, including minority-serving institutions and community colleges, which may receive matching-fund waivers under certain conditions. The bill was introduced in the House on July 27, 2026, by Rep. Deborah Ross with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, House and Senate approval, and the President's signature to become law.
- Has H.R. 9971 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9971. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9971?
- H.R. 9971 was sponsored by Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2] (D-NC), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9971?
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. (27 Jul 2026).
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