Bill Sponsor
House Bill 9603
119th Congress(2025-2026)
Less Bureaucracy, Better International Education Oversight Act
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in House on Jul 9, 2026
Overview
Text
Sponsor
Introduced
Jul 9, 2026
Latest Action
Jul 15, 2026
Origin Chamber
House
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
9603
Congress
119
Policy Area
Education
Education
Primary focus of measure is elementary, secondary, or higher education including special education and matters of academic performance, school administration, teaching, educational costs, and student aid.
Sponsorship by Party
Republican
South Carolina
House Votes (0)
Senate Votes (0)
No House votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Less Bureaucracy, Better International Education Oversight Act

This bill transfers specified functions relating to international and foreign language studies programs from the Department of Education (ED) to the Department of State.

Specifically, the bill transfers to the State Department all the functions and authorities exercised by ED before the bill's effective date related to international education programs in higher education (e.g., programs including National Resource Centers, Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships, and International Research and Studies) and the Fulbright-Hays Program. (On November 18, 2025, ED announced an interagency agreement with the State Department for the State Department to manage competitions, provide technical assistance, and integrate ED's programs with the State Department's existing programs, while ED must maintain its statutory responsibilities and program oversight.)

The bill also repeals the Institute for International Public Policy.

Additionally, the bill transfers to the State Department all personnel and appropriations related to the functions that are transferred under this bill.

The bill outlines the authority of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) related to the functions that are transferred under this bill, including that OMB must ensure that this bill does not create a net increase in full-time equivalent employees at the State Department or ED. Further, OMB must certify compliance with the bill to specified congressional committees.

The transfer of these functions does not affect any suits, proceedings, or applications for benefits, services, licenses, permits, certificates, or financial assistance that are pending on the date of this bill's effective date.

Text (1)
Actions (4)
07/15/2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 16.
07/15/2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
07/09/2026
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
07/09/2026
Introduced in House
Public Record
Record Updated
Sep 30, 2026 4:15:10 PM