The Global Campaign for Education-US (GCE-US) welcomes continued support for the International Basic Education Caucus as it is renewed for the 119th Congress. Led by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Mike Quigley (D-IL), this bipartisan caucus has actively advanced quality education for children and youth around the world since it was first launched in 2015. 

“As U.S. foreign assistance programs currently face an existential threat, entities like the International Basic Education Caucus will play a significant role in making the case for why the U.S. should continue to invest in these life-saving programs,” said Giulia McPherson, Executive Director. “Supporting our allies through education programs helps them and it helps us as we work towards a safer more stable world.”  

The Caucus has been instrumental in leading initiatives that have spotlighted the importance of U.S. investments in these critical programs. This has included developing annual Dear Colleague letters calling for robust funding for the international Basic Education account in the State and Foreign Operations and Related Programs bill; leading and supporting resolutions and legislation related to international basic education including the READ Act and its reauthorization; engaging with key stakeholders on issues related to international basic education; and hosting briefings and events related to international basic education. 

“GCE-US looks forward to working with Reps. Fitzpatrick and Quigley and their staff to build support for the Caucus in the 119th Congress and continue its important work,” said McPherson. “We urge Congress to stand firm in its bipartisan commitment to U.S. engagement abroad and to continue to champion the effectiveness of these programs.”  

Members of the House of Representatives who are interested in joining the Caucus or learning more should contact clare.dentner@mail.house.gov (Fitzpatrick) or jaelyn.evans@mail.house.gov (Quigley).