Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB684

Introduced
1/31/23  

Caption

Protecting Higher Education from Foreign Threats Act

Impact

If enacted, HB 684 would significantly impact the eligibility of higher education institutions to receive federal funds, which can be crucial for maintaining and expanding educational programs. By introducing a restriction based on the employment of CCP-funded instructors, this bill could lead to a substantial reduction in faculty diversity and limit the hiring of educators who may have ties to foreign entities. Institutions that employ such instructors would need to take rapid action to reassess their hiring practices to restore their eligibility for federal funding.

Summary

House Bill 684, titled the 'Protecting Higher Education from Foreign Threats Act', seeks to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 by prohibiting institutions of higher education from receiving federal financial assistance if they employ instructors funded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The primary intent of this bill is to address concerns over foreign influences on U.S. education and to protect the integrity of higher educational institutions from potential ideologies that may conflict with American values.

Contention

The bill has generated debates regarding its implications for academic freedom and the autonomy of educational institutions. Proponents argue that it is a necessary measure to safeguard national security and prevent foreign interference in academia. However, opponents raise concerns about potential overreach and the chilling effect it could have on academic discourse and the hiring of educators. They argue that this bill could inadvertently hinder the educational enrichment that comes from diverse perspectives, including those from international scholars.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB455

Protecting Higher Education from Foreign Threats Act This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) from receiving federal funds for an award year in which the IHE employs an instructor who, while employed at the IHE and providing direct instruction to students, received funds from the Chinese Community Party. An IHE may regain eligibility for federal funds by demonstrating to the Department of Education that it no longer employs such instructor.

US SB3443

Protecting Education from Malign Foreign Influence Act of 2023

US HB944

Preventing Malign CCP Influence on Academic Institutions Act

US HB3829

Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2023

US HB4808

Secure our Borders from the CCP Act of 2023

US HB1682

Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act

US HB4108

Protecting Americans' Data From Foreign Surveillance Act of 2023

US HB688

CCP Visa Disclosure Act of 2023 Chinese Communist Party Visa Disclosure Act of 2023

US HB452

Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish a program to provide children with parents on active duty in the uniformed services with funds to pay educational expenses. Specifically, ED must establish a tax-exempt Military Education Savings Account for dependent children of parents in the uniformed services for the payment of the children's educational expenses. Funds in the savings account may be used for specified purposes, including the cost of attendance at a private elementary or secondary school or institution of higher education, private tutoring, or costs associated with an apprenticeship or other vocational training program.

US HB57

Protecting Personal Data from Foreign Adversaries Act This bill authorizes sanctions and other prohibitions relating to software that engages in user data theft on behalf of certain foreign countries or entities. The President may regulate or prohibit transactions using software that engages in the theft or unauthorized transmission of user data and provides access to such data to (1) a communist country, (2) the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), (3) a foreign adversary, or (4) a state sponsor of terrorism. The President may also impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on developers and owners of software that makes unauthorized transmissions of user data to servers located in China that are accessible by China's government or the CCP. The Department of State shall report to Congress a determination regarding whether WeChat or TikTok fall within certain regulations and prohibitions, including those provided under this bill. (WeChat and TikTok are software programs developed by China-based companies.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.