U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) on Feb. 6 sponsored bipartisan legislation to improve and encourage innovation in international education.
The Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act, S. 342, cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), would ensure that American students have access to quality, high-demand international and foreign language education programs to help them remain globally competitive, according to a summary provided by Sen. Young’s office.
“We must also ensure that our institutions of higher education can successfully prepare students,” Sen. Young said. “This legislation will equip universities across the country with resources to help develop innovative international programs and ensure our students are prepared for success.”
If enacted, S. 342 would amend Title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which provides competitive grants for U.S. universities across the country to develop quality and innovative international programs of strategic interest related to the Middle East, East and Central Asia, Russia, Eastern Europe, and Africa, among others, according to the text of the bill.
Sen. Young also said that S. 342 would result in advanced national security, more global competition and increased access to such programs for underserved students.
“We must continue to strengthen international programs that foster innovation and enhance our local economies and help satisfy the increasing demand for qualified workers in an increasingly interconnected world,” added Sen. Baldwin.
Indiana University President Michael McRobbie and Guido Podestá, vice provost and dean of the International Division at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, voiced support for the bill.
“This legislation will ensure continued investment in languages and area studies programs that have had a lasting impact and play a vital role in our nation’s understanding of strategically important parts of the world,” McRobbie said.
Podestá agreed, saying that S. 342 “will strengthen the essential role Title VI plays in training individuals who make essential contributions to our nation’s security, defense and international relations.”
“This bill will ensure that universities like UW–Madison can continue producing experts who are skilled in strategic languages and foreign area studies, enabling them to fill vital roles in the state, nation and world,” he said.
S. 342 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.