The six presidential higher education associations and the association representing international educators (NAFSA) wrote to Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) to express appreciation for the increased funding for international education in the Senate FY15 LHHS-Ed appropriations bill. The bill includes an additional $4M for the core Title VI international education programs and $5M for a new study abroad competitive grants program for colleges and universities. Consistent with the recommendations of the Commission of the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program, the program would focus on significantly expanding the number of U.S. students studying abroad and increasing diversity of participants and destinations including developing nations. APLU and NAFSA: Association of International Educators have been working with Senator Durbin's office for years to authorize the Simon Study Abroad Act and secure appropriations for a study abroad program in the model of the bill.