BEC affirms the critical role of USG foreign assistance, and international basic education programs in particular, in making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. These programs equip young people with essential skills, reduce instability, and create economic opportunities that benefit both the United States and its allies. Targeted investments in education contribute to stronger diplomatic ties, reduced migration pressures, and a more secure world — reinforcing U.S. leadership in an era of growing geopolitical competition.
International basic education enjoys long standing bipartisan support, as demonstrated by the passage of the READ Act Reauthorization Act, passed in December 2024 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation mandates U.S. support for literacy and stronger education systems and underscores the link between education, economic stability, and national security. In the past five years under the READ Act, USG-funded international education initiatives have supported over 34 million learners, trained 3 million educators, and distributed 176 million textbooks — enhancing global stability while reinforcing U.S. influence.
Given this success, and the risk to America’s safety, strength, and prosperity if interrupted, BEC urges the Administration and Congress to expeditiously resume funding for foreign assistance programs, especially international basic education programs. Any interruption to these vital programs is a threat to global stability and our national security, undermines our diplomacy and alliances, and opens the door for our adversaries to fill the resulting gaps in leadership and influence. In the words of Secretary Rubio, "Foreign aid is not charity. We must make sure it is well spent, but it is less than 1% of [the] budget and critical to our national security."
The Basic Education Coalition is committed to the Administration’s priorities of making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous through the continued implementation of USG-funded international education programs.