DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act
The DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act would bar funding from the Department of Homeland Security to any college or university that has a “relationship” with a Confucius Institute or with a “Chinese entity of concern.” A 12-month grace period after enactment would apply, after which DHS must deny any funds to institutions that maintain such relationships, unless the institution terminates the relationship. If the relationship is terminated, the institution would become eligible to receive DHS funds again. The act defines Confucius Institutes as cultural institutes funded by the government of the PRC, and it defines Chinese entities of concern by a set of criteria related to military, defense, and security ties to the PRC government or CCP. The bill imposes a broad, compliance-driven standard for DHS funding. Because “relationship” includes contracts, agreements, and in-kind gifts or donations, even certain types of normal university sponsorships or collaborations could trigger ineligibility unless terminated. The measure is framed as a national security and influence-containment tool aimed at limiting PRC-linked influence in U.S. higher education through DHS-supported programs.
Key Points
- 1Purpose and scope: Prohibits DHS funding to any institution of higher education that has a relationship with a Confucius Institute or a Chinese entity of concern, with a termination requirement to regain eligibility.
- 2Definitions:
- 3- Chinese entity of concern: PRC universities involved in military-civil fusion, defense industrial base, affiliated with the State Administration for Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense, funded by organizations under the Central Military Commission, or providing support to PRC security/police/intelligence bodies.
- 4- Confucius Institute: A cultural institute funded by the PRC government.
- 5- Relationship: Any contract, agreement, in-kind donation, or gift between the institution and a Confucius Institute or a Chinese entity of concern.
- 6- Institution of higher education: As defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965.
- 7Effective date: Begins the first fiscal year after 12 months from the date of enactment.
- 8Termination and eligibility: If the institution terminates the relationship, it becomes eligible again to receive DHS funds.
- 9Enforcement and scope: DHS is charged with ensuring ineligibility for affected institutions; the text specifies no explicit exemptions or waivers beyond termination of the relationship.