Protecting Higher Education from Foreign Threats Act
The Protecting Higher Education from Foreign Threats Act would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to bar any institution of higher education from receiving federal funds in an award year if it employs an instructor who is funded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Under the bill, an institution could regain eligibility in a future award year only after proving to the Secretary that it no longer employs a CCP-funded instructor. The definition of a CCP-funded instructor covers anyone who provides direct instruction to students and has received funds from the CCP while employed by the institution. The new prohibition would take effect 180 days after enactment. The bill aims to limit CCP influence in U.S. higher education by tying federal funding to the absence of CCP-funded instructors.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition on eligibility: An institution cannot receive federal funds for an award year if it employs a CCP-funded instructor.
- 2Reinstatement of eligibility: An institution that loses eligibility can regain it in a subsequent award year by demonstrating that it no longer employs a CCP-funded instructor.
- 3Definition of CCP-funded instructor: A person who provides direct instruction to students and has received funds from the CCP (directly or indirectly) while employed by the institution.
- 4Effective date: The new prohibition takes effect 180 days after enactment.
- 5Legislative status: Introduced in the House (H.R. 455) on January 15, 2025, sponsored by Mr. Steube and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.