Press Releases

This week, the House of Representatives passed three bills to deter foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), from influencing our nation’s K-12 schools: H.R. 1069, the Promoting Responsible Oversight To Eliminate Communist Teachings for (PROTECT) Our Kids Act; H.R. 1005, the Combating the Lies of Authoritarians in School Systems (CLASS) Act; and H.R. 1049, the Transparency in Reporting of Adversarial Contributions to Education (TRACE) Act.
 
Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) said: “Authoritarian regimes around the world, like the Chinese Communist Party, are trying to use lucrative financial ties with schools to undermine American values and interests. Confucius Classrooms are a prime example of how foreign-funded programs can shape curricula and exert influence in our K-12 classrooms. I am pleased to see my colleagues recognize the need to protect our students and increase transparency when it comes to foreign funding in education. American schools should teach critical thinking—not enemy propaganda.”
 
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said: “This week’s House passage of the PROTECT Our Kids Act, the TRACE Act, and the CLASS Act are victories for America’s parents, students, education system, and our national security. We will not allow foreign nations or adversaries – particularly the Chinese Communist Party – to infiltrate U.S. schools to fund and influence what American students learn. These three important measures improve transparency, strengthen parental rights, and ensure America’s classrooms remain free from harmful foreign propaganda. House Republicans will continue acting decisively to protect America’s next generation and preserve the integrity of our education system.”
 
Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) said:“American schools across the country have been targeted by foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, which seek to exert their influence on students and faculty and subvert U.S. interests. Our children are our future – we cannot allow hostile foreign adversaries to infiltrate our classrooms, indoctrinate our kids, and undermine American values. This week, House Republicans passed three bills to combat foreign influence in American classrooms, increase transparency surrounding foreign funding, and ensure parents are aware of what their children are being taught. I’m grateful for all the critical work the Education and Workforce Committee has done to pass these bills through the House and protect our nation’s youth.”

Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) said:“China wants to influence what American students learn in classrooms from kindergarten through college. These commonsense bills will protect them from Chinese propaganda and shine a light on how China tries to influence our education system. The CCP would love to stop Americans from learning about its horrific Cultural Revolution, its slaughter of innocent students at Tiananmen Square, its genocide of Uyghurs, and its authoritarian plans for the future. These bills will empower parents and prohibit China’s influence in our classrooms so American students can learn the truth about the CCP." 
 
BACKGROUND:

PROTECT Our Kids Act (H.R. 1069) – Combats foreign interference 

• Stops the flow of CCP funds to K–12 schools.
• Read Chairman Walberg’s Floor speech here.

CLASS Act (H.R. 1005) – Ensures transparency

• Requires schools to disclose the source of foreign funding.
• Read Chairman Walberg’s Floor speech here. 

TRACE Act (H.R. 1049) – Empowers parents

• Ensures parents know who is funding their child’s education and what strings are attached.
• Read Chairman Walberg’s Floor speech here.

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