# Plain Language Summary: Protecting Higher Education from Foreign Threats Act

## What This Bill Does

This bill would prohibit U.S. colleges and universities from receiving federal funding if they employ instructors who are funded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to add this new requirement. Schools would lose eligibility for all federal financial assistance during any year they employ a "CCP-funded instructor," though they could regain eligibility in future years by terminating such employment.

## Who Is Affected

**Colleges and Universities:** Institutions receiving federal funds would need to ensure their instructors are not receiving financial support from the Chinese Communist Party. This could affect schools with visiting scholars, exchange professors, or other instructors who receive CCP funding.

**Students:** Indirectly affected, as their institutions could lose federal funding (which supports grants, loans, and research programs) if they don't comply.

**International Educators:** Instructors funded by the CCP would no longer be able to teach at federally-funded U.S. institutions.

## Key Provisions

- **Funding Restriction:** Any institution employing a CCP-funded instructor loses eligibility for federal funds for that award year
- **Definition:** A "CCP-funded instructor" is anyone who teaches students and receives funds (directly or indirectly) from the Chinese Communist Party while employed at the institution
- **Path to Reinstatement:** Schools can regain federal funding eligibility by demonstrating they no longer employ such instructors
- **Implementation Timeline:** The rule would take effect 180 days after the bill becomes law

Protecting Higher Education from Foreign Threats Act

Steube, W. Gregory

Protecting Higher Education from Foreign Threats Act This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) from receiving federal funds for an award year in which the IHE employs an instructor who, while employed at the IHE and providing direct instruction to students, received funds from the Chinese Community Party. An IHE may regain eligibility for federal funds by demonstrating to the Department of Education that it no longer employs such instructor.