PROTECT Our Kids Act
PROTECT Our Kids Act
Plain Language Summary
# PROTECT Our Kids Act Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would prohibit federal education funding to elementary and secondary schools that receive support from the Chinese government. Specifically, it targets schools that partner with Chinese government-funded cultural or language institutes (such as Confucius Institutes), operate Chinese learning centers, or accept teaching materials, personnel, funds, or other resources from Chinese government entities or their representatives. The Department of Education can grant waivers for schools with existing contracts if they demonstrate the arrangement benefits the school. **Who it affects:** Public and private K-12 schools that currently have partnerships with Chinese government-funded educational or cultural programs would need to end those relationships to maintain federal funding eligibility.
This could impact schools offering Chinese language instruction and cultural exchange programs. **Current status:** The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is now pending action in the Senate. It was introduced by Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Promoting Responsible Oversight To Eliminate Communist Teachings for Our Kids Act or the PROTECT Our Kids ActThis bill prohibits federal education funding for any elementary or secondary school that directly or indirectly receives support from the Chinese government.Specifically, the bill prohibits such funding for any school that (1) has a partnership in effect with a cultural or language institute funded by the Chinese government, including a Confucius Institute; (2) operates a learning center supported by the Chinese government (commonly referred to as a Confucius Classroom); or (3) receives support from an individual or entity acting on behalf of the Chinese government, including support in the form of teaching materials, personnel, funds, or other resources. However, the Department of Education (ED) may issue a waiver of the prohibition if a school has an existing contract with one of these entities and the school demonstrates that the contract is for the benefit of the school and promotes the security, stability, and economy of the United States.The bill directs ED to provide notice of the bill's requirements to schools, as well as guidance for achieving compliance with the requirements.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.