NAFSA is urging Congress to retain key international education provisions in H.R. 4521, the America COMPETES Act of 2022 (passed by the House of Representatives on February 4, 2022) and S.1260, the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) of 2021 (passed by the Senate on June 8, 2021) in advance of bill reconciliation.

These provisions will make the United States stronger and more competitive globally by ensuring U.S. students have access to critical international education and foreign language programs and by enhancing the ability of the U.S. to attract and retain the world's best and brightest students and scholars, particularly in STEM fields. 

On April 7, U.S. congressional leadership named the 106 members (House Democrats, House Republicans, Senate Democrats, Senate Republicans) who will serve on the conference committee to iron out the differences between H.R. 4521, the America COMPETES Act and S.1260, the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA).  

Policy Recommendations

Policy & Advocacy Resources

  • On May 12, the conference committee formed to finalize legislation related to U.S. innovation and competition had their first meeting. A recording of the full proceedings can be viewed online.  
  • On March 25, NAFSA Executive Director and CEO Esther Brimmer sent a letter to U.S. congressional leaders urging them to retain key international education provisions in the final U.S. competitiveness package. 
  • NAFSA also joined 21 other higher education associations in urging Senate and House leadership to support and improve provisions related to research security, foreign gifts and influence, and international education in the final package.
  • More information about the international education provisions of the America COMPETES Act is available in a bill summary for NAFSA members.

Take Action

  • With just a few clicks, urge your lawmakers to retain key provisions in the final legislation related to U.S. innovation and competition. If they have been named to the conference committee tasked with reconciling the House and Senate versions of the legislation, the sample message will automatically reflect that. Please customize the message to reflect your unique perspective on the value of international education and exchange to U.S. students, society, and the economy.