Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act
Latest action (27 Jul 2026): Introduced
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
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 27, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
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?
- Not yet. As of 27 Jul 2026, H.R. 9971 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9971?
- H.R. 9971 was sponsored by Rep. Deborah Ross [D-NC2] (Democrat-NC), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9971?
- Introduced (27 Jul 2026).
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