The Global Campaign for Education–US (GCE‑US) welcomes the release of the bipartisan, bicameral conference agreement for the FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill, which includes not less than $691.5 million for the Nita M. Lowey Basic Education Fund, with $152 million designated for multilateral partnerships that support global education.

This funding represents an important commitment by Congress to advancing access to quality education for children and youth around the world. However, the conference agreement falls short of the House‑passed FY26 level of $737.6 million for the Nita M. Lowey Basic Education Fund, which also included $152 million for multilateral partnerships.

As the bill moves toward passage, GCE‑US urges the Administration to implement these resources to ensure that the United States continues to lead in supporting education systems, strengthening multilateral partnerships, and reaching the most marginalized learners globally. Investing in global education isn’t only the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do and has immediate and long-term benefits for American strength, security, and prosperity.

Giulia McPherson, Executive Director of GCE‑US, stated:

“We applaud Congress for prioritizing global education in the FY26 conference agreement, especially at a time of unprecedented need. At the same time, we strongly urge the Administration to allocate these resources without delay. Timely action is essential to ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has access to safe, inclusive, quality education.”

GCE‑US remains committed to working with Congress and partners across the education community to secure robust, sustainable funding that reflects the scale of global need and the transformative power of education.