On April 2, 2025, GCE-US Executive Director Giulia McPherson testified before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs. See below for her remarks.

On behalf of the Global Campaign for Education-US, thank you for the opportunity to present our views on the importance of investing in international basic education programs in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations bill.

Specifically, we urge the Subcommittee to recognize the important role that investments in global education play in the strength, security, and prosperity of the United States and to support $970 million for the Nita M. Lowey Basic Education Fund, including at least $150 million in funding for the Global Partnership for Education and $30.4 million in funding for Education Cannot Wait.  

We want to extend our sincere thanks to Chairman Diaz-Balart, Ranking Member Frankel, and members of the Subcommittee for past efforts to protect funding for international basic education programs.

We want to also recognize the recent passing of Chairwoman Lowey who throughout her distinguished career championed access to quality education, both in the United States and globally. Her unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, had the opportunity to learn and thrive has left an indelible mark on the world. Her legacy will continue to guide us in our mission at GCE-US and we hope her enduring contributions will inspire and shape the future work of this Subcommittee. 

Bipartisan Congressional support for international basic education is critical in ensuring that the U.S. remains a global leader for generations to come. The number of out-of-school children reached 251 million in 2024, and three out of four children in developing countries cannot read by the age of 10.

Yet, the power of education is clear. Starting in the early years, education lays the groundwork for lifelong learning and well-being. The overall return on investment for basic education programs is approximately 10 percent and for every extra year of schooling, hourly earnings increase by 9 percent later in life. This is particularly evident when schools address the needs of the whole child and young people receive nurturing care in a school setting that includes health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, and protection from violence. 

The READ Act, reauthorized by Congress this past December, makes access to basic education a priority in U.S. foreign assistance efforts. Since its initial passage in 2017, the READ Act has resulted in improved coordination across the U.S. government to ensure that resources allocated for international basic education are well spent, with significant and meaningful accountability and transparency measures.

The current 2024-2029 U.S. Government Strategy on International Basic Education is an important tool in this effort and notes that the U.S. vision is to “achieve a world where education systems in partner countries enable all individuals to acquire the education and skills needed to be productive members of society.”

We at GCE-US are at the forefront of ensuring that this vision is carried forward as we represent a diverse coalition of over 40 U.S.-based organizations dedicated to ensuring quality, universal education for all children and youth. Given the vast experience across our membership, we can confidently say that investments in international basic education programs serve the national interests of the United States, making us safer, stronger, and more prosperous. 

Thank you.