HR 881119th CongressIn Committee

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

Introduced: Jan 31, 2025

Defense & National SecurityEducation

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill would restrict funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to colleges and universities that maintain a relationship with Confucius Institutes (cultural institutes funded by the Chinese government), the Thousand Talents Program, or any Chinese entity of concern. A “relationship” includes contracts, gifts, or in‑kind support. If a qualifying institution does not terminate such a relationship within 12 months after enactment, it would be ineligible for DHS funds. The act allows DHS to grant limited, case‑by‑case waivers (up to one year) if safeguards are in place and the relationship serves national security interests or poses no risk. The bill also requires DHS to assist institutions with compliance, and to produce periodic reports to Congress on implementation and affected institutions.

Key Points

1Definition framework:
2- Chinese entity of concern: PRC universities or colleges involved in military‑civil fusion, defense bases, CCP/PRC security or intelligence support, undermining U.S. relations with Taiwan, Uyghur-related abuses, disinformation campaigns, or affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
3- Confucius Institute: PRC‑funded cultural institute.
4- Thousand Talents Program: PRC program managed by the PRC Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
5- Relationship: any contract, agreement, donation, or in‑kind support between an institution and a Confucius Institute or a Chinese entity of concern.
6DHS funding ban: Starting in the first fiscal year after 12 months from enactment, any institution with a relationship described above would be ineligible for DHS funds until it terminates the relationship. After termination, the institution becomes eligible again for DHS funds.
7Waivers: DHS may grant a one‑year waiver on a case‑by‑case basis after consulting the Director of National Intelligence, provided robust safeguards exist to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive research and one of two conditions is met (national security interest or no security risk). Waivers may be renewed annually with DNI input; effective date is 30 days after issuance/renewal; DHS must notify relevant congressional committees with justification.
8Compliance assistance: DHS must provide outreach and technical assistance to help institutions comply.
9Reporting: DHS must report to Congress not later than 18 months after enactment and annually thereafter, detailing which institutions have relationships and receive DHS funds, and how subsections (b)–(d) are being implemented.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Institutions of higher education (colleges and universities) that have any relationship with Confucius Institutes, the Thousand Talents Program, or Chinese entities of concern. They would risk losing DHS funding unless they terminate the relationship or receive a waiver.Secondary group/area affected- DHS grant/contract/funding recipients within higher education, including research centers and labs that rely on DHS funding, as well as faculty and researchers involved in affected collaborations.Additional impacts- Potential shifts in international collaborations and research opportunities with Chinese partners; increased compliance and monitoring burdens on universities; heightened congressional and national security oversight; possible chilling effect on academic partnerships and exchange programs involving Chinese entities.- The waiver process creates a potential pathway for certain collaborations to continue under strict safeguards, potentially affecting how universities screen and manage partnerships with Chinese entities of concern.

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