Release: HILL, BERA, VAN DREW, Sherman Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing 80TH Anniversary of Fulbright Program

Rep. French Hill (R-AR-02), Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA-06), Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA-32) yesterday introduced H. Res. 1501 , a bipartisan House companion to S. Res. 830, Recognizing the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, introduced by Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). Rep. French Hill said , “The Fulbright Program is one of Arkansas’s great contributions to the world. For 80 years, Senator J. William Fulbright’s vision has brought students, scholars, and professionals from around the globe together to learn from one another, strengthen international partnerships, and build greater understanding between nations. I'm proud to recognize this important milestone, celebrate the program’s enduring contribution to American leadership around the world, and reaffirm Congress’s support for its important work.” Rep. Ami Bera said , “The Fulbright Program represents the very best of American leadership by giving our nation’s best and brightest the opportunity to experience other cultures, pursue world-class academic opportunities, and build lasting relationships abroad. I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing this historic anniversary and reaffirming bipartisan support for the Fulbright Program and other educational and cultural exchanges that advance American interests abroad.” Rep. Jeff Van Drew said , “South Jersey is home to incredible students and educators who understand that some of the best learning happens when you get outside of your comfort zone and experience the world firsthand. For 80 years, the Fulbright Program has given Americans that opportunity while allowing us to share our values with people around the world. I am proud to recognize this milestone and the generations of Americans who have represented our country through this program.” Rep. Brad Sherman said , “If Senator J. William Fulbright were with us today, he would be proud of the international scholarship and friendships that the Fulbright Program has made possible since he established it in 1946. Today, the Fulbright Program’s modest investments in educational exchanges continue to yield incalculable goodwill towards the United States around the world. I am proud to help recognize 80 years of this important program.” Resolution overview : Recognizes the 80 th anniversary of the Fulbright Program. Encourages Congress to support the work of the Fulbright Program and other educational and cultural affairs programs. Congratulates current and previous Fulbright award recipients. Encourages students, scholars, and professionals globally to engage and promote international understanding and partnership. Background on Fulbright Program : On Aug. 1, 1946, President Harry Truman signed former Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright’s legislation into law. That legislation created the Fulbright Program, which is an international exchange program designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. The Fulbright Program has educated more than 370,000 students from 165 countries, including 54 Nobel Laureates and 33 heads of state. In 2016, Rep. French Hill led the House effort to recognize the 70th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, introducing a resolution commemorating the milestone and encouraging continued support for the program. Hill also sponsored the planting of an American elm on the U.S. Capitol Grounds in honor of the anniversary, joining members of the Arkansas congressional delegation, Fulbright scholars, and Harriet Fulbright for the dedication ceremony. The tree was planted in view of Senator Fulbright’s former office in the Russell Senate Office Building. Hill’s resolution complemented a Senate effort led by fellow Arkansan Sen. John Boozman, whose resolution passed the Senate in July 2016.