Congress·Passed House·H.R. 881

College Funding: Restrictions on Ties to Chinese Government Groups

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

11 months ago·View on Congress.gov

⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

✓ House

266–153

Senate

President

Law

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.

Milestones

6 milestones20 actions

May 8, 2025Senate

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

May 7, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

May 7, 2025House

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 266 - 153 (Roll no. 120). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1891)

May 7, 2025

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 266 - 153 (Roll no. 120). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1891)

May 7, 2025House

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1895-1896)

Vote Results

1 vote

HousePassedPassageMay 7, 2025

On Passage

266

153

Democrat

55 – 153 · 5

Republican

211 – 0 · 9

View full roll call

Related Bills

1 bill

H.Res. 377Procedurally related

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 276) to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America", and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 881) to establish Department of Homeland Security funding restrictions on institutions of higher education that have a relationship with Confucius Institutes, and for other purposes.

May 6 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.