Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes to Block Chinese Government Influence in American Schools

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted to pass H.R. 1069, the PROTECT Our Kids Act, legislation that prevents federal education funds from going to any elementary or secondary school that receives direct or indirect support from the Chinese Communist Party. The bill ensures federal dollars do not subsidize foreign influence in American classrooms and gives schools a clear path to compliance.

"Beijing is not a neutral actor. The Chinese Communist Party views the United States as a strategic adversary, and they invest in American institutions to advance their interests, not ours," said Congressman Harrigan. "When they get a foothold in a school, even through something as simple as curriculum materials or cultural programs, it is designed to shape narratives, limit what can be taught, and normalize their influence. Parents deserve to know when a foreign government that openly works against the United States is trying to reach into their child's classroom. If a school chooses to partner with the CCP, it can answer to its community, but it will not do it with American taxpayer money."

The PROTECT Our Kids Act bars federal education funds from going to schools that host Confucius Institutes, operate Confucius Classrooms, or receive personnel, materials, or financial support from entities acting on behalf of the Chinese government. The bill also requires full disclosure of existing contracts, establishes a waiver process for schools with preexisting agreements, and directs the Secretary of Education to issue guidance to ensure full compliance within one year.

With House passage, the legislation now moves to the Senate. Congressman Harrigan is urging swift action so parents can be confident that decisions in the classroom are made by American educators and American communities, not the Chinese Communist Party.