PROTECT Our Kids Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1069
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-04: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-06T09:05:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The PROTECT Our Kids Act aims to safeguard U.S. elementary and secondary schools from potential foreign influence by prohibiting federal education funding for schools that receive direct or indirect support from the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC), particularly through cultural or language programs like Confucius Institutes.
Key Provisions
- Funding Prohibition: No federal funds from applicable education programs (as defined under the General Education Provisions Act) can go to elementary or secondary schools that:
- Partner with PRC-funded cultural or language institutes, including Confucius Institutes.
- Operate PRC-supported learning centers (known as Confucius Classrooms).
- Receive other forms of support from PRC representatives, such as teaching materials, personnel, funds, or resources.
- Effective Date: The ban takes effect one year after the bill's enactment, giving schools time to adjust.
- Waiver for Existing Contracts: Schools with pre-enactment contracts related to the prohibited activities can request a waiver from the Secretary of Education. The request must include the full contract text (translated to English if needed) and a statement showing the contract benefits the school's mission, students, and U.S. security, stability, and economy. If approved, the waiver lasts until the contract ends.
- Notification Requirement: Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary of Education must notify affected schools of the new rules and provide compliance guidance.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This legislation introduces a new restriction on federal education funding, tying eligibility to the absence of PRC-linked support. It amends no specific existing laws directly but overrides other provisions by withholding funds from programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and related statutes, creating a targeted foreign influence barrier not previously in place for K-12 schools.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Education gains enforcement responsibilities, including reviewing waiver requests and issuing notices, which may increase administrative workload and require new compliance monitoring.
- On Citizens: U.S. students and schools could lose access to federal funds (e.g., for programs under ESEA), potentially disrupting educational resources, language learning opportunities, or cultural exchanges. Schools may need to end PRC partnerships, affecting curriculum or staffing.
- On International Relations: The bill could strain U.S.-China educational ties by targeting PRC-funded initiatives, signaling heightened U.S. concerns over foreign influence in education and possibly prompting reciprocal actions from China.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Elementary and Secondary Schools: Directly impacted, as they must sever PRC ties or seek waivers to retain federal funding.
- Students and Educators: May face changes in available programs, materials, or international collaborations.
- U.S. Department of Education: Responsible for implementation, waivers, and notifications.
- PRC Government and Affiliated Entities: Confucius Institutes/Classrooms and related supporters lose influence in U.S. schools, potentially reducing their global outreach.
- U.S. Taxpayers: Indirectly affected through reallocation of federal education funds away from non-compliant schools.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a clear mechanism for withholding funds based on foreign affiliations, potentially leading to legal challenges over contract enforcement or administrative procedures. Waivers introduce discretion for the Secretary, which could invite lawsuits if perceived as arbitrary.
- Constitutional: Raises questions about free speech or association rights if schools argue that ending partnerships restricts academic freedom, though the bill frames it as a funding condition rather than a direct ban.
- Political: Reflects broader U.S. efforts to counter perceived Chinese influence in education and national security, amid geopolitical tensions; it may fuel debates on balancing cultural exchange with protection against propaganda or espionage risks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Kiley, Kevin [R-CA-3], Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-04: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2025-12-04: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-12-04: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 247 - 164 (Roll no. 313). (text: CR H5032) (Roll call 313)
- 2025-12-04: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 247 - 164 (Roll no. 313). (text: CR H5032) (Roll call 313)
- 2025-12-04: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- 2025-12-04: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1069.
- 2025-12-04: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4312, H.R. 1005, H.R. 1049, H.R. 1069, H.R. 2965 and H.R. 4305. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4312, H.R. 1005, H.R. 1049, H.R. 1069, H.R. 2965, and H.R. 4305 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
- 2025-12-04: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 916. (consideration: CR H5032-5036)
- 2025-12-01: Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 916 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4312, H.R. 1005, H.R. 1049, H.R. 1069, H.R. 2965 and H.R. 4305. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4312, H.R. 1005, H.R. 1049, H.R. 1069, H.R. 2965, and H.R. 4305 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
- 2025-03-05: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 8.
- 2025-03-05: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-14.
- 2025-03-05: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-14.
- 2025-02-12: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 13.
- 2025-02-12: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-02-06: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Bill Versions
- Promoting Responsible Oversight To Eliminate Communist Teachings for Our Kids Act — issued 2025-12-04 — PDF (6 pages)
- Promoting Responsible Oversight To Eliminate Communist Teachings for Our Kids Act — issued 2025-02-06 — PDF (4 pages)
- Promoting Responsible Oversight To Eliminate Communist Teachings for Our Kids Act — issued 2025-12-04 — PDF (5 pages)
- Promoting Responsible Oversight To Eliminate Communist Teachings for Our Kids Act — issued 2025-03-05 — PDF (8 pages)