On July 15, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly rejected an amendment to H.R. 8595 that would have eliminated funding for the Fulbright Program by a vote of 79-348. 

To those who spent the past few weeks writing emails, making phone calls, meeting with congressional offices, and sharing your Fulbright story on social media, we sincerely thank you. 

The vote demonstrates that support for Fulbright remains deeply bipartisan. Members from both parties recognize what generations of participants, educators, institutions, businesses, and communities already know: the Fulbright Program is an investment in American leadership, education, national security, and diplomacy. 

For 80 years, Fulbright has changed lives. It opens doors for students, advances groundbreaking research, strengthens our colleges and universities, and connects communities around the world. Every Fulbright exchange represents an investment in people, partnerships, and the future of the United States. 

Help Build on This Momentum 

Yesterday’s vote recognizes our legacy. But our work is not finished. The Senate will now continue its work before Congress negotiates a final funding package. The Fulbright Association will continue working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to ensure the program receives the strong bipartisan support it has earned. 

One lesson from the past several weeks is clear: advocacy works best when it is personal and the strongest advocates for Fulbright are you as local constituents. 

If you want to help protect and strengthen the Program’s legacy, now is the perfect time to get involved with one of our local Fulbright Association chapters, who work year-round to build relationships with Members of Congress, highlight the impact of Fulbright in their communities, and help ensure policymakers understand the value of international exchange. 

Whether you’re a Fulbright alum, supporter, student, educator, or friend of the program, your voice matters. 

Thank you to everyone who has helped build bipartisan support for Fulbright. Together, we will continue working to ensure this extraordinary program remains strong for generations to come.