S. 1694: DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

This bill, titled the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act, aims to impose restrictions on institutions of higher education in the United States that have relationships with Confucius Institutes or specific Chinese entities deemed concerning due to their involvement with the Chinese government and military.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Definitions:
  • A Confucius Institute is defined as a cultural institute funded by the Government of the People's Republic of China.
  • A Chinese entity of concern includes Chinese universities or colleges participating in military-civil fusion, working with the Chinese defense industry, and receiving funding from Chinese military-related organizations.
• Funding Restrictions:
  • The bill states that starting one year after the law is enacted, institutions that have a relationship with a Confucius Institute or a Chinese entity of concern will be ineligible to receive federal funds from the Department of Homeland Security.
  • If an institution terminates its relationship with such entities, it may then become eligible to receive these funds again.

Implementation Timeline

The funding restrictions would take effect at the beginning of the first fiscal year that follows 12 months after the legislation is enacted.

Implications for Institutions

• Higher education institutions will need to evaluate their relationships with Confucius Institutes and Chinese entities that may be considered concerning under this bill.
• Failure to terminate such relationships could lead to significant financial implications due to the loss of federal funding.

Reporting and Oversight

Although the bill itself does not specify details on reporting requirements or oversight mechanisms, the involvement of the Department of Homeland Security indicates that there will likely be a level of monitoring regarding compliance with the funding restrictions.

Relevant Companies

• None found