International Education Leadership Act of 2008

On January 29th, 2008, Representative Rush Holt (D-12th NJ), along with Rep. Hinojosa (D-15th TX), Rep. Ehlers (R-3rd MI), and Rep. Markey (D-7th MA), introduced the International Education Leadership Act of 2008, H.R. 5179.  The bill amends the Department of Education Organization Act (20 U.S.C. 3412(b)(1)) to establish the position of Assistant Secretary for International and Foreign Language Education within the Office of International and Foreign Language Education in the Department of Education.

Beyond performing functions affecting international and foreign language education within the department, the legislation directs that the Assistant Secretary would:

"(1) have responsibility for encouraging and promoting the study of foreign languages and the study of cultures of other countries at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels in the United States;

(2) carry out the administration of all Department programs on international and foreign language education and research;

(3) coordinate with related international and foreign language education programs of other Federal departments and agencies; and

(4) administer and coordinate the Department of Education’s activities in international affairs."

View the International Education Leadership Act of 2008, H.R. 5179.