WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 881 · 119th Congress

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

Passed HouseEducation
IntroducedJan 31, 2025
Passed HouseMay 7, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, May 8, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The House passed it 266–153. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 1 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 881 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (May 8, 2025).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Limitations on Confucius Institutes’ host schools
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

    This bill restricts funding to an institution of higher education (IHE) that has a relationship with a Confucius Institute, Thousand Talents Program, or Chinese entity of concern. The bill defines (1) Confucius Institute as a cultural institute funded by the Chinese government; (2) Thousand Talents Program as any technological or educational program funded or administered by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology; and (3) Chinese entity of concern as generally any university or college in China that is 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, Thousand Talents Program, or Chinese entity of concern is ineligible to receive any funds from DHS, unless the IHE terminates the relationship. The IHE may regain eligibility for these funds upon termination of the relationship.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jan 31, 2025).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. May 8, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.Senate
    2. May 7, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    3. May 7, 2025On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 266 - 153 (Roll no. 120). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1891) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    4. May 7, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 266 - 153 (Roll no. 120). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1891) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    5. May 7, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1895-1896)House floor actions
    6. May 7, 2025POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate of H.R. 881, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Pfluger demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.House floor actions
    7. May 7, 2025The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
    8. May 7, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 881.House floor actions
    9. May 7, 2025Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 276 and H.R. 881. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 276 and H.R. 881 under a closed rule with one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.House floor actions
    10. May 7, 2025Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 377. (consideration: CR H1891-1894)House floor actions
    11. May 6, 2025Rule H. Res. 377 passed House.House floor actions
    12. May 5, 2025Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 377 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 276 and H.R. 881. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 276 and H.R. 881 under a closed rule with one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.House floor actions
    13. May 5, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 62.House floor actions
    14. May 5, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-87.House floor actions
    15. May 5, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-87.Library of Congress
    16. Apr 9, 2025Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended).House committee actions
    17. Apr 9, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    18. Apr 9, 2025Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence DischargedHouse committee actions
    19. Jan 31, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.House committee actions
    20. Jan 31, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.House floor actions
    21. Jan 31, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    22. Jan 31, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    Recorded votes

    Sourced
    1. May 7, 2025 · HousePassed 266–153
      Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
      On Passage · needed a majority
      R 211 yes, 0 noD 55 yes, 153 noEach member · Record

    Cosponsors

    • Gabe Evans R-CO-8
    • Andrew R. Garbarino R-NY-2
    • John Joyce R-PA-13
    • Morgan Luttrell R-TX-8
    • Dale W. Strong R-AL-5