DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act
DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act
Plain Language Summary
# HR 881: DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act **What the Bill Does** This bill would prohibit U.S. colleges and universities from receiving Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding if they have relationships with three types of Chinese organizations: Confucius Institutes (Chinese government-funded cultural centers), China's Thousand Talents Program (educational/tech initiatives), or Chinese universities involved in military, police, or intelligence activities. Schools could regain eligibility by ending these relationships. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily impacts American colleges and universities that currently host Confucius Institutes, participate in Chinese talent recruitment programs, or collaborate with certain Chinese academic institutions. It could also affect students and faculty at these schools who rely on DHS funding. The measure is intended to address national security concerns about Chinese government influence in American higher education. **Current Status** The bill passed the House of Representatives and is sponsored by Republican Rep.
August Pfluger of Texas. It now awaits action in the Senate. The bill reflects broader bipartisan concerns about protecting U.S. research and education from foreign influence, though some argue such restrictions could limit beneficial international academic collaboration.
CRS Official Summary
DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern ActThis bill restricts funding to an institution of higher education (IHE) that has a relationship with a Confucius Institute, Thousand Talents Program, or Chinese entity of concern. The bill defines (1) Confucius Institute as a cultural institute funded by the Chinese government; (2) Thousand Talents Program as any technological or educational program funded or administered by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology; and (3) Chinese entity of concern as generally any university or college in China that is involved in China's military, police, or intelligence activities.Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must ensure that an IHE that has awarded a contract to, entered into an agreement with, or received an in-kind donation or gift from a Confucius Institute, Thousand Talents Program, or Chinese entity of concern is ineligible to receive any funds from DHS, unless the IHE terminates the relationship. The IHE may regain eligibility for these funds upon termination of the relationship.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.