Urging Congress to Support Exchanges

I am pleased to share with you an excerpt from the written testimony I recently submitted to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs in support of the Department of State exchanges budget. Even in this current budget environment, it is critical to continue to invest in these programs which bring manifold benefits to US taxpayers. I strongly encourage you to find out more and contact your representatives in Congress to voice your support as well.

Written Testimony:

As a former ambassador who also served thirty years in the US Foreign Service, I am writing in strong support of the Department of State exchanges budget at a level of $598 million for FY13. This key public diplomacy tool for the American people cannot be underestimated. When I was ambassador to Turkey, I saw first-hand the importance of exchanges in strengthening the ties among people, universities, and communities in ways that normal state-to-state diplomacy could not accomplish.  Now, as President of IREX, I continue to see how this critical investment by US taxpayers reaps long-term benefits for US communities across the nation and on the global stage. For nearly 45 years, IREX has been privileged to act abroad on behalf of the American people.  As a leading international nonprofit organization with a broad global presence, working inover 120 countries, we have seen that international exchanges change lives and change minds to more fully appreciate the inestimable contribution of the United States to a safer America and a more democratic world.

Importance of Exchanges
Let me outline for you below a few of the reasons why international exchanges are critical:

• Exchanges build allies: With the many challenges that face our country in the 21st century, we need allies across a spectrum of key sectors (business, government, media, NGOs) in strategic countries that are willing to engage with the United States.  Exchange programs are a cost-effective tool that build and nurture those relationships with unparalleled success.

• Exchanges bring resources to US communities:  Virtually the entire State Department exchanges budget is spent in the United States or on American participants, and exchange visitors spend substantial personal funds here.

• Exchanges change minds:  State Department evaluations regularly demonstrate that international exchange participants complete their programs with a better impression of the United States and its people.  US ambassadors consistently rank exchange programs among the most useful catalysts for long-term political change and mutual understanding.