Bill · H.R. 8834· House(119-HR-8834)
Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/14/2026
- Last activity
- 5/14/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Bradley Schneider
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes the establishment of the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program within the Department of State. The program aims to increase the number of undergraduate students participating in study abroad opportunities to better prepare them for the global economy. It seeks to expand access for underrepresented groups, including low-income students and students of color. The initiative also intends to encourage study in nontraditional destinations, particularly developing nations. To achieve this, the Secretary of State will award competitive grants to institutions of higher education. These grants are intended to support institutional leadership and cover direct student costs.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+5
The bill provides grants to expand study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically aims to increase access to study abroad for low-income students through grant-supported costs.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+5
The bill seeks to increase the participation rate of students with disabilities in study abroad programs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased access to global skills: The bill aims to ensure more students graduate with international knowledge, world language skills, and cultural understanding necessary for the global economy (Section 2, Finding 2).
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Support for underrepresented groups: The program specifically targets increasing participation among low-sincome students, students of color, minority students, first-generation college students, community college students, and students with disabilities (Section 2, Finding 3; Section 3, Purpose 1).
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Financial assistance for students: Grant funds are intended to be used to support direct student costs (Section 4, subsection (b)(4)(A)).
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Expanded destination options: The program seeks to increase study abroad opportunities in nontraditional destinations, with a focus on developing countries (Section 3, Purpose 3; Section 4, subsection (b)(2)(C)).
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Priority for specific institutions: The Secretary of State may prioritize grants for minority-serving institutions and eligible institutions qualifying for the Strengthening Institutions Program (Section 4, subsection (b)(3)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Requirement of available funds: The establishment and enhancement of the program are subject to the availability of appropriations (Section 4, subsection (b)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+5Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Students+5Good For Young Adults+5Good For Hispanic Americans+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+5Improves Racial Equity+5
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+1Increases Job Creation+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+2
- 5/14/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania