S-590 : Still Just a Bill

Concerns Over Nations Funding University Campus Institutes in the United States Act or the CONFUCIUS Act

This bill addresses China's influence on postsecondary educational institutions through Confucius Institutes, which are cultural institutes directly or indirectly funded by the Chinese government.

Specifically, the bill establishes requirements for postsecondary educational institutions that receive federal funding and that have contracts or agreements with Confucius Institutes. The contracts or agreements must include clear provisions that (1) protect the academic freedom of the institutions; (2) prohibit the application of foreign law on the institutions' campuses; and (3) grant full managerial authority of the institutes to the institutions, including full control over teaching plans, activities, research grants, and employment decisions.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2021-03-08FloorHeld at the desk.House floor actions
2021-03-08FloorReceived in the House.House floor actions
2021-03-08FloorMessage on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2021-03-04FloorIntroduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1043; text: CR S1043)Senate
2021-03-04IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Education
See Subjects
  • Area studies and international education
  • Asia
  • China
  • Contracts and agency
  • Education programs funding
  • Higher education
  • Research administration and funding
  • Teaching, teachers, curricula

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