US Steps Up Global Education and Language Programs with New 2025 Resolutions

In a strong show of bipartisan support for global education, U.S. lawmakers are stepping up efforts to improve learning access- both internationally and within the country. Two key initiatives introduced in 2025 signal America’s renewed commitment to inclusive education and global competitiveness.

US Reaffirms Global Role in Crisis Education
On the International Day of Education (January 24), U.S. Representatives Grace Meng, Mike Quigley, and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a bipartisan resolution supporting access to education for children and youth worldwide, particularly in conflict and crisis zones.

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As Business Today reported, the resolution emphasizes that education plays a key role in reducing poverty, improving peace and security, and increasing economic prosperity. It also outlines specific actions the U.S. government must take, including:

Integrating education into all humanitarian responses- both bilateral and multilateral

Meeting its commitments to international basic education through budget requests

Using all available means to ensure access to quality, inclusive education for children in emergencies

Congresswoman Meng emphasized, “Millions of children do not have access to quality education. The U.S. must invest in both bilateral basic education and multilateral mechanisms like the Global Partnership for Education and Education Cannot Wait.”

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Representative Quigley, a member of the International Basic Education Caucus, noted that the pandemic and ongoing global conflicts highlight the need for strong U.S. leadership in this space. “Education is the gateway to a successful future,” he said.

The resolution was welcomed by the International Parliamentary Network for Education (IPNEd). Its Executive Director, Joseph Nhan-O’Reilly, stated, “This resolution reinforces Congress’s political support for the Biden-Harris Administration to strengthen U.S. education efforts globally.”

Jennifer Rigg of the Global Campaign for Education-US also voiced support, adding, “With 617 million children unable to read or do basic math, strong U.S. backing for global education programs is more important than ever.”

New Bill Aims to Strengthen U.S. Language Education
Separately, in June 2025, Representatives Deborah Ross, Valerie Foushee, and Jimmy Panetta introduced the Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act. As Economic Times reported, this bill would reauthorize Title VI of the Higher Education Act through 2030, strengthening foreign language and international studies programs across U.S. universities.

The legislation supports efforts such as National Resource Centers, Language Resource Centers, Foreign Language Fellowships, and international business training programs. It also proposes creating a national database on international education.

Congresswoman Ross highlighted that only 10% of Americans speak a second language proficiently—compared to 65% of Europeans. “We must invest in strong language education to remain competitive globally,” she said.

Fellow sponsor Congresswoman Foushee added, “This legislation helps prepare students for success in global markets and multilingual environments.”

Representative Panetta, co-chair of the America’s Languages Caucus, echoed that view: “Language skills open doors. This bill ensures the U.S. has a workforce ready to lead globally.”