Press Releases

WASHINGTON—This week, House Republicans will pass legislation aimed at protecting students from Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence and ensuring federal funding goes only to institutions that uphold our democratic values.

“Under President Biden, CCP influence in our country—including our schools—grew unchecked,” said House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.). “Republicans are reversing that damage and making clear that institutions which fail to protect students will not receive federal funding. This is a good reminder that federal funding is a privilege, not a right.”

Rep. Dave Joyce’s H.R. 1005 prohibits public schools from accepting funds from the Chinese government or entering a contract with the CCP or their proxies:

“American classrooms and what is taught in them should be guided by Americans, not by foreign influences,” said Rep. Joyce. “The Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to interfere with our curriculum and students is a direct threat to our national security that must be addressed. Protecting our children is a top priority, and this legislation is a vital step in preventing the CCP’s influence from spreading through the American education system. Thank you to Representative Rulli for his support in protecting our young minds in Ohio and across the country.”

Rep. Kevin Hern’s H.R. 1069 prohibits the availability of federal education funds for elementary and secondary schools that have received direct or indirect support from the Government of China:

“The CCP’s malign influence in our educational institutions is a serious and growing threat,” said Rep. Hern. “Today’s students are our future leaders, and we must ensure their learning environments are free from anti-American, foreign influence. I look forward to the passage of my PROTECT Our Kids Act this week so we can put an end to CCP money and propaganda infiltrating our K-12 schools and protect our children.”

Rep. Aaron Bean’s H.R. 1049 requires each local educational agency (LEA) to ensure that each elementary and secondary school served by the LEA notifies parents of their rights to request and receive information regarding foreign influence (e.g., influence by China) in schools:

“American schools are for education, not espionage,” said Rep. Bean. Yet this is what happens when our institutions of learning accept the Trojan horse of foreign funding. The TRACE Act puts parents back in charge, exposes foreign influence for what it is, and slams the door on hostile nations trying to reach America’s youth. Now it’s up to the Senate to pass the TRACE Act to solidify parents' rights, defend our classrooms, and keep our schools rooted in freedom.”