DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

Key Points

• Congress is considering a law that would stop the Department of Homeland Security from giving money to U.S. colleges that partner with certain Chinese organizations. This includes cultural centers funded by the Chinese government and other groups linked to the Chinese military.
• To keep their federal funding, schools would have to end their contracts, agreements, or gift-receiving relationships with these Chinese groups. The goal is to protect American research and data from being accessed by foreign governments that might use it for military or propaganda purposes.
• The bill targets specific Chinese universities that help their military, participate in cyberattacks, or are involved in human rights abuses. It also covers programs that the U.S. government views as a way for foreign powers to gain access to American technology and sensitive information.
• If a school can prove it has very strong security to protect its research, the Department of Homeland Security can grant a one-year waiver to keep the funding. These waivers would only be given if the partnership is in the best interest of U.S. national security and doesn't pose a risk.
• If this becomes law, the rules would start about a year after it is signed. The Department of Homeland Security would also be required to help colleges understand how to follow the new rules and report to Congress every year on which schools still have these ties.

Impact Analysis

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