Whereas 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (referred to in this preamble as CBYX ); Whereas CBYX was established by Congress to allow participants and communities to benefit from mutual understanding and the sharing of ideas; Whereas CBYX participants represent the spirit, values, and diversity of the United States on an international stage; Whereas CBYX provides high school students and young professionals in the United States and Germany with a valuable opportunity to live and study in the other country for an academic year; Whereas, for the youth of the United States and Germany, CBYX strengthens ties between them, improves their career skills through formal study and work experience, and expands their perspectives and awareness of the culture, society, history, and politics of each other; Whereas maintaining a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with Germany, a key ally, remains a top priority for the United States; Whereas, since 1983, more than 29,000 students have participated in CBYX; Whereas 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the Future Leaders Exchange (referred to in this preamble as FLEX ); Whereas FLEX was established by Congress after the fall of the Soviet Union to allow students from former Eastern Bloc nations to live and study in the United States; Whereas FLEX students gain leadership skills, learn about the society and values of the United States, and teach the people of the United States about their home countries and cultures; Whereas FLEX students perform community service in their United States communities and act as ambassadors of their home countries; Whereas FLEX produces world leaders, including Rustem Umierov, the current Minister of Defense of Ukraine, who go on to promote democratic values on the world stage