The Global Campaign for Education-US (GCE-US) expresses deep disappointment in the President’s FY27 budget request, which proposes a 30% cut to the State Department and international programs and includes no funding for international basic education. At a moment when children and youth around the world continue to face unprecedented barriers to learning, zeroing out these programs would undermine decades of bipartisan progress and jeopardize access to quality education for millions. 

Recent congressional action demonstrates strong and growing support for these investments. A bipartisan House Dear Colleague letter secured 110 sign-ons in support of providing $970 million dollars for international basic education, including $152 million dollars dedicated to multilateral partnerships. This broad backing underscores the recognition that education is foundational to global stability, economic growth, and human dignity. 

“We are grateful to the members of Congress who continue to champion international basic education and recognize its essential role in building a more peaceful and prosperous world,” said Giulia McPherson, Executive Director of GCE-US. “We look forward to working with Congress to ensure that these life-changing programs receive the resources they need.” 

GCE-US thanks Congress for its longstanding bipartisan commitment to international basic education and remains committed to partnering with lawmakers to protect and strengthen these critical programs in the FY27 appropriations process.