DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act
Sponsored by August Pfluger
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Sep 12, 2024
This bill restricts federal funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to colleges and universities that have relationships with Confucius Institutes (cultural institutes funded by the Chinese government). Institutions can regain funding eligibility by terminating such relationships. The bill also requires colleges and universities seeking or receiving specified DHS funds to disclose any relationships with Chinese entities of concern, defined as universities or colleges involved in China's military, police, or intelligence activities. DHS may grant case-by-case waivers for up to one year if determined to be in the national security interests of the United States, and must provide outreach and technical assistance to institutions regarding compliance.
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DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act This bill restricts funding to an institution of higher education (IHE) that has a relationship with a Confucius Institute (a cultural institute directly or indirectly funded by the Chinese government). It also requires certain disclosures related to Chinese entities of concern (generally, universities or colleges 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 is ineligible to receive specified funds from DHS, unless the IHE terminates the relationship. The IHE may regain eligibility for these funds upon termination of the relationship. DHS may waive this funding restriction, on a case-by-case basis and for a period of not more than one year, if it is in the national security interests of the United States. Additionally, an IHE that has a relationship with a Chinese entity of concern and is seeking to receive or receives specified DHS funds must notify DHS about the relationship. DHS must provide outreach and, upon request, technical assistance to IHEs related to compliance with this bill.