PROTECT Our Kids Act

This bill would block federal education money from going to any K–12 school that gets direct or indirect support from the Chinese government. This includes schools that partner with Chinese-funded cultural or language institutes (such as Confucius Institutes), run “Confucius Classroom” programs, or receive teaching materials, staff, money, or other resources from people or groups acting for the Chinese government.

The change would start one year after the bill becomes law. Schools with contracts signed before then can ask for a waiver from the Department of Education. To do so, they must send the full, unredacted contract (with an English translation if needed) and explain how it benefits students and supports U.S. security, stability, and economic vitality; if approved, the waiver lasts until the contract ends. The Department of Education may issue such waivers and must notify schools about these rules and give guidance within 90 days of the law taking effect .

• Who is affected: Elementary and secondary schools (K–12) that receive federal education funds and have ties to the Chinese government.
• What changes: These schools would lose access to federal education funds unless they end those relationships or, for existing contracts, get a waiver that lasts only until the contract expires.
• When: Takes effect one year after enactment; schools get notice and compliance guidance within 90 days.