H.R. 9971

Congressional Research Service summary, version: Introduced in House (Jul 27, 2026)

Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act

This bill reauthorizes through FY2032 and revises international education programs. These programs provide grants to institutions of higher education and related entities to (1) enhance instruction in international and foreign language studies, and (2) promote international business skills and education.

First, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international and foreign language studies. Specifically, it extends (1) the Graduate and Undergraduate Language and Area Centers and Programs, which include the National Resource Centers program; (2) the Language Resource Centers; (3) the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Programs; and (4) the American Overseas Research Centers.

Next, the bill reauthorizes the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships program. It also revises the program to permit graduate students to receive a stipend for the beginning, intermediate, or advanced study of a foreign language related to the student's area of specialization.

Further, the bill extends the Technological Innovation and Cooperation for Foreign Information Access program. It also modifies the program, such as by (1) revising the types of available grants, and (2) allowing the Department of Education to establish a national database on international and foreign language education.

Finally, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international business skills and education. Specifically, it reauthorizes the Centers for International Business Education program. It also reauthorizes and revises the Business and International Education program, including by (1) renaming the program; and (2) mandating certain program activities, such as incorporating specified programs and studies into professional education and technical training curricula.