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S4541119th CongressWALLET

Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

Introduced

Summary

Expand access to study abroad for U.S. undergraduates. This bill would rename the IDEAS Program the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program and create a competitive grant program to boost diversity, world-language learning, and study abroad to nontraditional destinations.

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  • Students: Would set a 10-year objective of 1 million U.S. undergraduates studying abroad annually and prioritize low-income students, students of color, first-generation and community college students, and students with disabilities.
  • Institutions: Would award competitive grants to colleges or consortia that commit to expanding access and measuring progress, with priority for minority-serving institutions and schools eligible for the Strengthening Institutions Program. Grantees must follow health, safety, and security guidance and submit annual reports to the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs committees.
  • Destinations and languages: Would encourage a shift toward nontraditional and developing-country destinations and support study of world languages, including critical, indigenous, and American Sign Language. The program requires implementing Lincoln Commission recommendations and directing funds to reduce direct student costs.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More study-abroad help for students

If enacted, the bill would rename and expand the IDEAS Program as the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program. The State Department would run competitive grants to colleges or consortia to expand undergraduate study abroad. Grants would be used to support direct student costs like program fees, travel, and living expenses. The program would prioritize minority-serving schools, community colleges, language programs, low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities. It would push for more study abroad in nontraditional and developing-country destinations. The Act would aim for not fewer than 1,000,000 U.S. undergraduates abroad each year within 10 years. Funds and grants would only be available if Congress provides appropriations starting in fiscal year 2027. The bill defines "student" to include lawful permanent residents and some noncitizens eligible for federal student aid.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

IL • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

    MS • R

    Sponsored 5/14/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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