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Bill

HR 9603

Less Bureaucracy, Better International Education Oversight Act

119th Congress Introduced by Joe Wilson

Transfers all international education and Fulbright-Hays programs from the Department of Education to the Department of State to streamline oversight.

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
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Bill Summary · HR 9603

Overview

  • Bill: HR 9603
  • Session: 119th Congress (2026)
  • Title: Less Bureaucracy, Better International Education Oversight Act
  • Primary aim: Transfer all international education and foreign language programs under Title VI of the Higher Education Act, and all Fulbright-Hays activities, from the Department of Education to the Department of State. The goal stated is to streamline oversight and reduce bureaucracy.

Purpose and intent

  • To consolidate management of international education and foreign language study programs under the Department of State.
  • Specifically transfers:
    • International Education Programs under Title VI of the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.)
    • Fulbright-Hays programs (section 102(b)(6) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961)
  • Repeals Part C of Title VI of the Higher Education Act (in effect, ending the division that placed these programs under the Department of Education).

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 2: Transfer of Functions
    • All functions previously exercised by the Department of Education regarding international education under Title VI and the Fulbright-Hays program are transferred to the Secretary of State.
  • Section 3: Exercise of Authorities
    • The Secretary of State gains the authorities necessary to perform transferred functions (as they were available to the Secretary of Education prior to the transfer).
  • Section 4: Transfers of Resources
    • Personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records, and unexpended appropriations related to the transferred functions are transferred to the Secretary of State.
    • Unexpended funds must continue to be used for their original purposes.
  • Section 5: Oversight and Compliance
    • the Director of the OMB must ensure there is no net increase in federal full-time equivalent employees as a result of the transfer.
    • If needed, the Director can determine and facilitate necessary incidental transfers of personnel and related resources.
    • The OMB director must certify compliance with the act to relevant congressional committees.
  • Section 6: Delegation
    • The Secretary of State may delegate transferred functions within the Department of State, while remaining ultimately responsible for administration.
  • Section 7: References
    • Legal references to the Department of Education or Secretary of Education are treated as references to the Department of State or Secretary of State, for transferred functions.
  • Section 8: Savings Provisions
    • Existing legal documents, regulatory actions, and ongoing proceedings related to transferred functions remain in effect unless modified by appropriate authority.
    • Ongoing proceedings initiated before enactment continue under the original framework unless changed.
  • Section 9: Transition
    • The Secretary of State may use Department of Education personnel, assets, and funds for the transfer period to facilitate orderly implementation.
  • Section 10: Definition
    • Defines “function” broadly to include duties, powers, responsibilities, and programs.
  • Section 11: Effective Date
    • General effective date is six months after enactment.
    • Early implementation allowed: transfers can begin on the date of enactment but must be completed by the effective date.

Affected parties

  • Primary: Department of Education (transferred functions)
  • Department of State (receives transferred functions)
  • Federal workforce and contractors involved in international education and Fulbright-Hays programs
  • Relevant higher education and foreign language stakeholders, including institutions participating in Title VI programs and Fulbright-Hays components

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction date: July 9, 2026
  • Committee actions: Referred to Education and Workforce and Foreign Affairs; amended-markup in July 2026
  • Transition timeline:
    • Effective date: six months post-enactment
    • Early implementation: transfers may begin immediately on enactment but must be completed by the six-month mark
  • Transition tools:
    • Transition authority for personnel, assets, and funds
    • Certification of compliance by the OMB to Congress

Potential impact (high-level)

  • Streamlined management of international education and foreign language programs under a single department (State), potentially reducing duplicative oversight and administrative steps.
  • Administrative realignment may affect funding processes, grant administration, and fellowship management (e.g., Fulbright-Hays) with shifting operational leadership to State.
  • Workforce and contracting implications as functions, personnel, and assets move between agencies, subject to compliance and transition planning.
  • Ongoing legal and regulatory alignment will be required to reflect the new administrative structure.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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