Contact Congress about H.R. 881: DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

U.S. colleges and universities that partner with Confucius Institutes or specific Chinese government-linked organizations would no longer get money from the Department of Homeland Security. Schools can restore their funding by ending those partnerships, or by getting a national security waiver with strong safeguards. DHS must report to Congress each year on which schools are affected.

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DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Latest action on H.R. 881: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Who this affects: The bill primarily affects U.S. colleges and universities that receive DHS funding and currently have partnerships with Confucius Institutes or certain Chinese organizations. Students, faculty, and researchers at those schools could see changes to cultural programs, language exchanges, or research collaborations. DHS itself takes on new responsibilities for granting waivers, providing compliance help, and reporting to Congress. Schools with fewer resources may find it harder to meet the safeguard requirements needed for waivers.

Why this matters: This bill is part of a broader push to limit Chinese government influence on American campuses, particularly where sensitive research and federal money are involved. It gives the federal government a new tool to pressure schools into cutting certain foreign ties, while creating transparency through mandatory reporting. The outcome could reshape how U.S. universities manage international partnerships with China and how DHS funding flows to higher education.

Key provisions in H.R. 881

• Any U.S. college or university with a relationship to a Confucius Institute, the Thousand Talents Program, or a "Chinese entity of concern" would be cut off from Department of Homeland Security funding.
• "Chinese entity of concern" is defined broadly to include Chinese universities tied to the military or defense industry, intelligence and security bodies, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and organizations involved in election interference or the detention and forced labor of Uyghur Muslims.
• A "relationship" includes contracts, agreements, in-kind donations, and gifts -- any of these can trigger the funding ban.
• The funding restriction would not start until the first fiscal year beginning at least 12 months after the bill becomes law, giving schools time to adjust or end their partnerships.
• Schools can get their DHS funding back by ending the covered relationship.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 881

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 881

What is H.R. 881?

U.S. colleges and universities that partner with Confucius Institutes or specific Chinese government-linked organizations would no longer get money from the Department of Homeland Security. Schools can restore their funding by ending those partnerships, or by getting a national security waiver with strong safeguards. DHS must report to Congress each year on which schools are affected.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 881?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 881?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 881 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.