Proposed Restrictions on DHS Funding for Colleges Linked to Confuci…

Where This Stands

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Signed

Currently in_committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Last action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.May 8, 2025

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

View official text →

The Frame

What this does

If enacted, this bill would force colleges to choose between maintaining partnerships with specific Chinese-funded entities and receiving federal research or security grants from the Department of Homeland Security starting 12 months after the law's passage.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Institutions of higher education

Colleges and universities must choose between maintaining specific international partnerships or remaining eligible for Department of Homeland Security funding.

Department of Homeland Security

The agency is tasked with enforcing funding restrictions and submitting reports to Congress regarding institutional relationships.

What changed

Current stage: in_committee.

What's next

Floor Vote.

Background

Confucius Institutes are cultural and educational partnerships funded by the Chinese government that have faced increasing scrutiny in the U.S. over concerns regarding academic freedom and foreign influence. context

Summary

This bill would prohibit colleges and universities from receiving Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding if they maintain contracts, agreements, or receive gifts from Confucius Institutes, the Thousand Talents Program, or specific Chinese entities of concern. Institutions could regain eligibility for federal funds by terminating these relationships.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a college has a partnership with a Confucius Institute?

Under this bill, the college would become ineligible to receive any funding from the Department of Homeland Security starting one year after the law is enacted, unless they terminate that partnership.

Can a college get its funding back if it cuts ties with these entities?

Yes, the bill explicitly states that upon termination of the relationship, the institution shall be eligible to receive funds from the Department of Homeland Security.

Why It Matters

If enacted, this bill would force colleges to choose between maintaining partnerships with specific Chinese-funded entities and receiving federal research or security grants from the Department of Homeland Security starting 12 months after the law's passage.