Bill Overview
Title: DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act
Description: This bill restricts funding to an institution of higher education (IHE) that has a relationship with a Confucius Institute (a cultural institute directly or indirectly funded by the Chinese government). It also requires certain disclosures related to Chinese entities of concern (generally, universities or colleges involved in China's military, police, or intelligence activities). Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must ensure that an IHE that has awarded a contract to, entered into an agreement with, or received an in-kind donation or gift from a Confucius Institute is ineligible to receive specified funds from DHS, unless the IHE terminates the relationship. The IHE may regain eligibility for these funds upon termination of the relationship. DHS may waive this funding restriction, on a case-by-case basis and for a period of not more than one year, if it is in the national security interests of the United States. Additionally, an IHE that has a relationship with a Chinese entity of concern and is seeking to receive or receives specified DHS funds must notify DHS about the relationship. DHS must provide outreach and, upon request, technical assistance to IHEs related to compliance with this bill.
Sponsors: Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals connected to institutions with Confucius Institutes or Chinese entity ties
Estimated Size: 500000
- There are approximately 5,300 institutions of higher education in the United States, many of which may have ties to Confucius Institutes or Chinese entities of concern.
- Confucius Institutes have a presence in over 140 countries around the world, with many of these institutes located in universities, particularly in Western countries.
- The bill targets those institutions which have relationships with or receive funding or gifts from Chinese entities of concern, which primarily include higher education institutions.
Reasoning
- The policy is aimed at institutions connected to Chinese entities of concern, potentially affecting those directly involved with or attending these institutions.
- Of the approximately 5,300 higher education institutions in the U.S., only a small fraction (estimated around 100) currently have or had relationships with Confucius Institutes.
- Given a student population of around 21 million, the direct impact is concentrated among faculty and students at the affected 100 institutions.
- The wellbeing of individuals associated with these institutions might fluctuate based on factors like academic resources, funding, and perceptions of academic freedom.
- The budget for this policy is limited ($15 million in the first year); hence, not all institutions would necessarily sever ties immediately, impacting the magnitude of changes seen in wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Undergraduate Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate learning Chinese culture through the institutes, but I understand the concerns about influence.
- I'm worried this policy might limit cultural exchange opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Professor (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might hinder some of the research collaborations I have.
- I understand the political aspect, but cultural ties are extremely valuable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
University Administrator (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We have to weigh the financial implications of this policy, which could be substantial if we sever ties.
- Our institution might lose valuable donations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Non-Profit Education Advocate (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm supportive of the policy as it reduces foreign influence in education.
- I hope schools manage to find alternative cultural resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Undergraduate Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the dissolution could limit opportunities, it also opens doors for new partnerships.
- I am eager to see what new learning experiences arise.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Graduate Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This may limit access to some resources, but it also challenges us to be more critical.
- I'm cautious but optimistic about the policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
University Staff (Boston, MA)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy may complicate service delivery for international students from China.
- I hope we can maintain a welcoming environment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could benefit national security, though the cultural implications are concerning.
- We must balance security and educational openness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Postdoctoral Researcher (Houston, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This might limit my research opportunities, especially in joint publications.
- I'm trying to find alternative funding sources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
International Relations Consultant (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy increases my workload as institutions seek guidance on compliance.
- This could lead to more diverse partnerships.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $16000000 (Low: $11000000, High: $21000000)
Year 5: $17000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $22000000)
Year 10: $18000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $24000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $14000000, High: $26000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill requires close cooperation and compliance monitoring between educational institutions and DHS, which could strain existing resources.
- There is a potential impact on international collaborations and funding for research projects, affecting academic output.
- The risk of political and diplomatic tensions with China could escalate, potentially impacting bilateral relations in education and beyond.