Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 1516 - DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(House)
(Rep. Pfluger, R-TX, and 18 cosponsors)

The Administration supports the intent of H.R. 1516, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act, which would prohibit institutions of higher education that have relationships with certain institutes funded by the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) or located in the PRC from receiving Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds. The Administration appreciates Congress's efforts to ensure that DHS funding is made available only to partners that advance U.S. interests, homeland security, and democratic norms. However, there may be more appropriate ways to prevent DHS funding from being directed toward academic institutions that are vulnerable to the PRC's increasing monetary influence. The Administration looks forward to working with Congress to refine this bill as it moves through the legislative process.