Bill would shift foreign gift oversight from Education to State Department
In markupH.R. 9602Latest action
Sponsor: Michael Baumgartner · Representative · WA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Less Bureaucracy, Better International Foreign Gift Transparency Act
119th Congress
Topics: Education
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 9602 would move oversight of foreign gifts to U.S. colleges from the Department of Education to the State Department.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill transfers responsibility for tracking foreign gifts and contracts given to U.S. colleges and universities from the Department of Education to the Department of State, including the staff, records, funding, and legal authority needed to do the job. It also includes technical provisions to keep ongoing legal cases and contracts uninterrupted, requires OMB to confirm the change doesn't increase total federal employees, and updates legal references from "Secretary of Education" to "Secretary of State." The change takes effect six months after enactment, though early steps could begin sooner.
Who does it affect?
Colleges and universities receiving foreign funding, gifts, or contracts would report to a new agency. Department of Education employees who currently handle this program would see their jobs and records moved to the State Department.
Why does it matter?
The general public would likely notice little direct change, though the shift could affect how foreign gift oversight is managed and by whom.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 9, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Jul 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 16.