Supporting Title VI International Education Programs

Floor Speech

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Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 126, recognizing the 50th anniversary of title VI international education programs within the Department of Education.

Title VI was originally authorized as title VI of the National Defense Act in 1958 in response to the launch of Sputnik and the U.S. Government's recognition that a stronger and broader capacity in foreign language and area studies was needed to create a body of experts competent in foreign languages and cultures who could serve the government, especially our defense and intelligence agencies and the Foreign Service.

Three programs that were included in the original 1958 legislation continue today as the National Resource Centers program, the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship program, and the International Research and Studies program. These programs support language area centers for expansion of postsecondary instruction in languages that are less commonly taught, as well as foreign language fellowships, research supporting language learning methodology, and language institutes to provide advanced language and training.

Over time, additional programs have been added to title VI in order to address the Nation's growing interest in international education. Title VI programs also help to address business needs for international expertise, strengthening undergraduate education, international as well as area studies, advancement of technology use, and overall improvement of foreign language training and assessment.

Today, as intended by the program's creators, title VI programs help to provide for our national defense by ensuring a Federal investment in ensuring a supply of citizens with international expertise. Title VI programs help to support American experts in, and citizens' knowledge about, world regions, foreign languages, and international affairs, as well as those with a strong research base in these areas.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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