Restoring Fulbright Exchanges with China and Hong Kong Act
Impact
If enacted, HB2381 would effectively re-enable the Fulbright exchange program, which historically facilitates educational and cultural exchanges between American and foreign students, researchers, and professionals. Supporters of the bill argue that fostering educational relationships through such programs enhances mutual understanding and cooperation. Moreover, it suggests a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding educational exchanges with China and Hong Kong, indicating a preference for engagement over isolation.
Summary
House Bill 2381, titled the 'Restoring Fulbright Exchanges with China and Hong Kong Act', aims to reinstate the Fulbright exchange program that was terminated through Executive Order 13936. The bill seeks to nullify specific provisions of the executive order regarding the suspension of future exchanges for participants traveling to and from China and Hong Kong. This legislation reinforces the commitment to international education and cultural exchange between the United States and these regions.
Contention
Despite its intentions, HB2381 may encounter opposition from those who have concerns about engagement with China, particularly in light of current geopolitical tensions. Critics may argue that restoring the Fulbright exchange program could inadvertently support regimes or policies that contradict American values. As a result, the conversations surrounding this bill highlight a broader debate on foreign policy and the role of educational exchanges in international relations.
Securing American Families and Enterprises from People's Republic of China Investments Act or the SAFE from PRC Investments Act This bill requires certain issuers of securities and funds traded on an exchange to report on connections to China or the Communist Party of China. In particular, an issuer with specified connections to China must annually disclose a variety of details, including whether executive-level employees, senior directors, or board members are members of the Communist Party of China; interactions with the party; expenditures in China; expenditures in the United States regarding operations and lobbying activities; and the ability of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to audit the issuer. Additionally, an exchange-traded fund that invests in a Chinese company must annually disclose about that company ownership information, party involvement, whether the company participates in specified Chinese policies or activities, any ties to U.S.-sanctioned individuals, and the types of products or services produced by the company.
Remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and condemning the continued and intensifying crackdown on human rights and basic freedoms within the People's Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, by the Chinese Communist Party, and for other purposes.