WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) pushed for the U.S. State Department to reform, but continue to support and implement, initiatives that help address global food security and promote cultural exchanges, including the Fulbright Program.

During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs hearing to review the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of State, Boozman questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio about his vision for how it will coordinate with other agencies in reforming but continuing certain foreign assistance. 

“I know you’ve been very supportive of the American farmer, as has the president,” Boozman, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said.

“We do foreign aid across other agencies. In the case of food aid, we’ve done a lot of reform and a lot of change over the last few months. But I think the intent is to find a way we can leverage what USDA is already doing to enhance how we provide food assistance around the world in a way that benefits the American farmer but also fulfills our desire to provide assistance where needed and where it furthers our national interests,” Rubio said.

Boozman has championed the Fulbright Program, America’s flagship educational exchange program created by former Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946, and recounted the effective diplomatic pathway it creates for participants.

“Forty-four Fulbright alumni have served as heads of state and government. Eighty-nine foreign governments contribute over $90 million annually. It seems like every time you’re in a foreign country and visiting with the cabinet members, half of them are Fulbright scholars and they’re very, very proud,” Boozman said.

Boozman urged Rubio to work collaboratively on a solution that strengthens the program while addressing modern challenges. 

“I think that’s most certainly going to be a part of our process. We understand that and will work very closely with you on those priorities. I do think what we want to do is share the same goal. We’re going to be engaged with you in this appropriations process,” Rubio said.