[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 69 (Monday, May 23, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5788-S5789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. DODD (for himself, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Levin, Mr. Kennedy, 
        and Mr. Akaka):
  S. 1105. A bill to amend title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
regarding international and foreign language studies; to the Committee 
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today with Senators Cochran, Levin, 
Kennedy and Akaka to introduce The International and Foreign Language 
Studies Act of 2005.
  In recent years, foreign language needs have significantly increased 
throughout the Federal Government due to the presence of a wider range 
of security threats, the emergence of new nation states, and the 
globalization of the U.S. economy. Likewise, American business 
increasingly needs internationally experienced employees to compete in 
the global economy and to manage a culturally diverse workforce.
  Currently, the U.S. government requires 34,000 employees with foreign 
language skills across 70 Federal agencies. These agencies have stated 
over the last few years, that translator and interpreter shortfalls 
have adversely affected agency operations and hindered U.S. military, 
law enforcement, intelligence, and diplomatic efforts.
  Despite our growing needs, the number of undergraduate foreign 
language degrees conferred is only one percent of all degrees. Only one 
third of undergraduates report that they are taking foreign language 
courses and only 11 percent report that they have studied abroad.
  At a time when our security needs are more important than ever, at a 
time when our economy demands that we enter new markets, and at a time 
when the world requires us to engage in diplomacy in more thoughtful 
and considered ways, it is extremely important that we have at our 
disposal a multilingual, multicultural, internationally experienced 
workforce. The Dodd-Cochran International and Foreign Language Studies 
Act attempts to do this in a number of ways.
  The Dodd-Cochran International and Foreign Language Studies Act will 
increase undergraduate study abroad as a means to enhance foreign 
language proficiency and deepen cultural knowledge. The bill will 
reinstate undergraduate eligibility for Foreign Language and Area 
Studies Fellowships. The bill will encourage the Department of 
Education to engage in the collection, analysis and dissemination of

[[Page S5789]]

data on international education and foreign language needs so that we 
know and understand exactly what our needs in this area are. Within the 
Institute for International and Public Policy, the bill provides 
scholarships and creates an ``expert track'' for doctoral students in 
critical areas, disciplines and languages. And, most importantly, the 
Dodd-Cochran bill will demonstrate our nation's commitment to 
increasing the foreign language proficiency and international expertise 
of our citizens by increasing the amount appropriated to international 
education, including international business education, to allow for 
more opportunities for more students.
  The Higher Education Act authorizes the Federal Government's major 
activities as they relate to financial assistance for students 
attending colleges and universities. It provides aid to institutions of 
higher education, services to help students complete high school and 
enter and succeed in postsecondary education, and mechanisms to improve 
the training of our emerging workforce. This bill will help fulfill 
that mission.
  Foreign language skills and international study are vital to secure 
the future economic welfare of the United States in an increasingly 
international economy. Foreign language skills and international study 
are also vital for the nation to meet 21st century security challenges 
properly and effectively, especially in light of the terrorist attacks 
on September 11, 2001.
  I hope our colleagues who are not cosponsoring this bill will give it 
serious consideration. By working together, I believe that the Senate 
as a body can act to ensure that we strengthen our Nation's security 
and economy by capitalizing on the talents and dreams of those who wish 
to enter the international arena.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, it is a privilege to join my colleagues 
Senators Dodd, Cochran, Levin and Akaka in introducing the 
International and Foreign Languages Studies Act to increase study 
abroad and increase foreign language study here at home for 
undergraduate and graduate students.
  The study of foreign language and foreign cultures is more important 
than ever. Yet in 2003, the number of fellowships awarded for such 
studies was 30 percent less than the high point in 1967. Only 40 
percent of undergraduates report taking any foreign language coursework 
and only 20 percent have studied abroad.
  Learning another language is more than a desirable educational goal. 
It is a national security goal as well. We need more students to pursue 
other languages, especially the lesser taught languages like Chinese, 
Japanese, Farsi, Dari Persian and Arabic, which will be critical for 
international business as well as for national defense.
  In addition to supporting language studies, the bill builds bridges 
with overseas universities to promote research and training abroad for 
American students. It supports the expansion of the Centers for 
International Business Education, and increases the scope of the 
Institute for International and Public Policy by creating an 
accelerated track for PhD students in key areas.
  This bill is an important part of America's participation in 
globalization, and I urge my colleagues to strongly support it.
                                 ______