Bill Summary
The "DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act" is legislation aimed at limiting funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to institutions of higher education that maintain relationships with Confucius Institutes or specific Chinese entities deemed to be of concern.
Key provisions of the act include:
1. **Definitions**: The bill defines important terms, such as "Chinese entity of concern," which includes Chinese universities involved in military-civil fusion or affiliated with defense organizations, and "Confucius Institute," which refers to cultural institutes funded by the Chinese government.
2. **Funding Restrictions**: Starting one year after the enactment of the law, institutions that have a relationship with these entities will be ineligible for DHS funding, unless they sever those ties.
3. **Eligibility for Funding**: If an institution terminates its relationship with a Confucius Institute or a Chinese entity of concern, it will again qualify for DHS funding.
The intent of this legislation is to address national security concerns regarding educational partnerships with organizations linked to the Chinese government or military.
Possible Impacts
The proposed legislation, the "DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act," could have several implications for individuals and institutions. Here are three examples:
1. **Financial Impact on Educational Institutions**: Colleges and universities that currently host Confucius Institutes or have relationships with Chinese entities of concern may face significant financial challenges. If they do not terminate these relationships, they will become ineligible for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, which could lead to cuts in programs, research funding, or other financial resources that are crucial for their operations and student services.
2. **Cultural and Academic Exchange Limitations**: The restrictions could limit opportunities for students and faculty to engage in cultural and educational exchanges with Chinese institutions. This could hinder the development of language skills, cultural understanding, and collaboration on research projects that involve international perspectives, ultimately impacting the global readiness of students.
3. **Political and Social Tensions**: The enactment of this legislation may create a divisive atmosphere on campuses, leading to increased scrutiny and stigma around Chinese students and faculty members. It could foster an environment of mistrust towards individuals associated with China, affecting community relations and potentially leading to discrimination or isolation of those who are Chinese nationals or of Chinese descent.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1694 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1694
To establish Department of Homeland Security funding restrictions on
institutions of higher education that have a relationship with
Confucius Institutes, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 8, 2025
Mr. Scott of Florida (for himself, Mr. Budd, and Mr. Cruz) introduced
the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish Department of Homeland Security funding restrictions on
institutions of higher education that have a relationship with
Confucius Institutes, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``DHS Restrictions on Confucius
Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act''.
SEC. 2. LIMITATIONS ON CONFUCIUS INSTITUTES' HOST SCHOOLS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Chinese entity of concern.--The term ``Chinese entity
of concern'' means any university or college in the People's
Republic of China that--
(A) is involved in the implementation of military-
civil fusion;
(B) participates in the Chinese defense industrial
base;
(C) is affiliated with the Chinese State
Administration for Science, Technology, and Industry
for the National Defense;
(D) receives funding from any organization
subordinate to the Central Military Commission of the
Chinese Communist Party; or
(E) provides support to any security, defense,
police, or intelligence organization of the Government
of the People's Republic of China or the Chinese
Communist Party.
(2) Confucius institute.--The term ``Confucius Institute''
means a cultural institute funded by the Government of the
People's Republic of China.
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1002).
(4) Relationship.--The term ``relationship'' means, with
respect to an institution of higher education, any contract
awarded, or agreement entered into, as well as any in-kind
donation or gift, received from a Confucius Institute or
Chinese entity of concern.
(b) Restrictions on Institutions of Higher Education.--
(1) In general.--Beginning with the first fiscal year that
begins after the date that is 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
ensure that an institution of higher education that has a
relationship with a Confucius Institute or Chinese entity of
concern is ineligible to receive any funds from the Department
of Homeland Security, unless the institution of higher
education terminates the relationship between the institution
of higher education and such Confucius Institute or Chinese
entity of concern, as the case may be.
(2) Termination.--Upon the termination of a relationship
described in paragraph (1), the institution of higher education
at issue shall be eligible to receive funds from the Department
of Homeland Security.
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