What does Preamble of HR 4199 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To clarify the Department of State's exclusive regulatory authority over the au pair cultural exchange program, and for other purposes,' aims to clarify the Department of State's regulatory authority. The bill's stated purpose is to address the au pair cultural exchange program.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 4199 do?

This bill is formally titled the Modernize the Au Pair Program Act of 2025.

What does FINDINGS. of HR 4199 do?

This section outlines findings related to the Federal au pair program. The program originated from the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act) and involved partnerships between the U.S. government and private organizations. A pilot au pair program was launched in 1986, allowing foreign students to live with American families, provide childcare, and pursue academic credits. Congress clarified the USIA's role in administering the program in 1994 and authorized it permanently in 1997. Regulatory authority for the program was transferred from the USIA to the Department of State in 1999. The au pair program is considered an important public diplomacy tool and provides affordable childcare for American families. The lack of access to childcare costs the U.S. economy an estimated $122 billion annually. A significant portion of host families are active duty military personnel, first responders, single parents, and those with non-traditional work schedules. The findings emphasize the need for national uniformity and affordability in Federal regulations pertaining to the au pair program. The section asserts that Federal law should exclusively regulate the au pair program to ensure it fulfills its foreign affairs purpose.

What does CLARIFICATION OF EXCLUSIVE FEDERAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY. of HR 4199 do?

This section prohibits states and political subdivisions of states from enacting or enforcing laws, regulations, or other provisions with the force of law. The prohibition applies to matters related to the au pair program administered by the Department of State.

What does REVISED PROPOSED RULE ON AU PAIR PROGRAM. of HR 4199 do?

This section requires the Secretary of State to submit a proposed rule to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget within 90 days of the Act's enactment. The proposed rule must provide a uniform national modification to the stipend and educational stipend provided to au pairs by host families. The modification should not make the program prohibitively expensive and should reflect the costs borne by host families. The rule aims to enhance flexibility in the au pair program to accommodate diverse work schedules, including those of military families, first responders, single parents, and shift workers. The proposed rule must promote au pair immersion into the family life of their host families, aligning with the cultural exchange goals of the program.

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Modernize the Au Pair Program Act of 2025 — HR. 4199

Last updated: 6/26/2025 · Introduced: 6/26/2025

Author: Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill clarifies that federal law exclusively regulates the au pair program, preventing states from enacting conflicting laws.
It mandates the Secretary of State to propose a rule revising au pair stipends and educational benefits to ensure affordability and accommodate diverse host family schedules.
The proposed rule aims to enhance au pair cultural immersion within host families.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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