House · HR 881 · 119th Congress
DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act
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Summary
This bill blocks colleges and universities from getting money from the Department of Homeland Security if they have ties to Chinese government-funded groups like Confucius Institutes. Schools can get their funding back if they cut those ties. A waiver is available for schools that prove the relationship is safe or useful to national security.
In Favor
China has used programs like Confucius Institutes to gain access to American research and campuses. This bill gives schools a clear choice and protects sensitive work from foreign interference. Cutting off funding until ties are severed gives colleges a real reason to act.
Against
Some schools rely on DHS grants for research and student programs that have nothing to do with China. Losing that money could hurt programs and staff while schools sort out their ties. The broad definition of a covered relationship could punish schools for minor or old connections.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
The bill blocks Department of Homeland Security money from colleges that hold contracts, agreements, or gifts with Confucius Institutes or certain Chinese programs. It aims to address concerns about Chinese government ties to American campuses.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill stays focused on its main goal. All provisions relate to cutting or restoring DHS funding based on a college's ties to the named Chinese programs or institutions.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
Colleges and universities with ties to the listed Chinese programs face loss of DHS funding until they end those ties. DHS must create an outreach program and write annual reports, adding new duties for the agency.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill does not authorize or appropriate a specific dollar amount. It works by blocking existing DHS funds from reaching colleges that keep the named ties, and it requires DHS to provide outreach and technical help using its own resources.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
DHS must review relationships at many colleges within 12 months of the bill becoming law. The bill requires DHS to define and verify qualifying ties, which may be hard to confirm without clear reporting from the colleges themselves.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026