PROTECT Our Kids Act

This bill would prohibit federal education funding for elementary or secondary schools that receive direct or indirect support from the Chinese government, including partnerships with Confucius Institutes or similar learning centers. The prohibition would also apply to schools receiving resources such as teaching materials, personnel, or funds from individuals or entities acting on behalf of the Chinese government. The Department of Education would be authorized to issue waivers for existing contracts if a school demonstrates the agreement benefits the institution and promotes U.S. security and economic interests.

This bill affects elementary and secondary schools that receive federal education funding while also receiving direct or indirect support from the Chinese government, such as through Confucius Institutes or similar learning centers. The Department of Education is also affected, as it is tasked with issuing compliance guidance and evaluating waiver requests for schools with existing contracts. Additionally, individuals or entities acting on behalf of the Chinese government to provide teaching materials, personnel, or funds to U.S. schools are impacted by the funding prohibitions.

• Prohibition on federal funding for schools with Chinese government ties. The bill bars elementary and secondary schools from receiving federal education funds if they have partnerships with Chinese government-funded cultural or language institutes, such as Confucius Institutes.
• Restriction on schools operating Chinese government-supported learning centers. Federal funding is prohibited for schools that operate learning centers supported by the Chinese government, often referred to as Confucius Classrooms.
• Ban on receiving resources from entities acting for the Chinese government. Schools are ineligible for federal funding if they receive support—including teaching materials, personnel, or funds—from individuals or entities acting on behalf of the Chinese government.
• Waiver process for existing contracts. The Department of Education may grant a waiver to the funding prohibition if a school demonstrates that an existing contract with a restricted entity benefits the school and promotes U.S. security, stability, and the economy.
• Agency guidance and notification requirements. The Department of Education is required to notify schools of these new requirements and provide guidance on how to achieve compliance.

• H.R. 1069, PROTECT Our Kids Act
  Feb 20, 2025 · As ordered reported by the House Committee on Education and Workforce on February 12, 2025

The bill places new restrictions on the distribution of federal education funding to elementary and secondary schools based on their financial or operational ties to the Chinese government. It also authorizes the Department of Education to waive these prohibitions for schools with existing contracts that meet specific national security and economic criteria.

The bill aims to eliminate Chinese government influence in American elementary and secondary education by prohibiting federal funding for schools that maintain partnerships with Chinese-funded cultural institutes, learning centers, or entities acting on behalf of the Chinese government.