U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Todd Young Reintroduce Legislation to Ensure American Students Remain Globally Competitive

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Todd Young (R-IN) reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to reauthorize Title VI of the Higher Education Act. The Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act will ensure that American students have access to quality international and foreign language education programs that meet the needs of our nation and help our students remain globally competitive. 

“Wisconsin is home to world class universities and our international education system lives up to our state motto, ‘Forward.’ That’s why I’m joining Senator Young to support the reauthorization of critical Title VI programs that support language and area studies education,” said Senator Baldwin. “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.”

“In order to remain globally competitive in the 21^st century economy, it’s important that Hoosier students are equipped with the international skills that are in demand. We must also ensure that our institutions of higher education can successfully prepare students. This legislation will equip universities across the country with resources to help develop innovative international programs and ensure our students are prepared for success,” said Senator Young. 

Title VI provides resources for universities across the country, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to develop quality and innovative international programs of strategic interest related to the Middle East, East and Central Asia, Russia, Eastern Europe, Africa and other world areas. This bill advances national security, invigorates global competition and expands access to underserved students. Partnerships between universities and government strengthen and preserve our national and international foreign language education infrastructure.

“This bill will strengthen the essential role Title VI plays in training individuals who make essential contributions to our nation’s security, defense, and international relations. UW–Madison graduates who have benefitted from Title VI are using their expertise to support innovation, bolster business, raise community awareness, strengthen national security, and develop key diplomatic relationships. 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,” said Guido Podestá, Vice Provost and Dean of the International Division at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

“Title VI programs are central to ensuring that Hoosier and other students are globally ready and that they graduate with the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills they need to be leaders in an international economy that is constantly growing even more interconnected,” said Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie. “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.”

The full text of the legislation is available here.