The Education and Workforce Committee approved five significant bills aimed at reducing foreign influence in U.S. classrooms and improving child nutrition. These include H.R. 1048, the Defending Transparency in Education and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Evil Dealings Act (DETERRENT), H.R. 649, the Whole Milk Healthy Kids Act of 2025, H.R. 1069, the Promoting Responsible Oversight to Eliminate Communist Teachings (PROTECT) Our Children Act, H.R. 1005, the Fighting Lies from Authoritarians in School Systems (CLASS) Act, and H.R. 1049, the Transparency in Reporting Adversarial Contributions in Education (TRACE) Act.
Chairman Tim Walberg’s Statement on Bill Passage
Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), emphasized the importance of these bills, stating, “The bills passed today send a clear message: We will not allow America’s adversaries to undermine our education system or exploit our students. Authoritarian regimes like the Chinese Communist Party are using financial leverage to influence students, steal research, and censor free speech. These bills are a vital step toward reducing foreign interference and holding bad actors accountable.”
Walberg also highlighted the significance of the Whole Milk Healthy Kids Act of 2025, saying, “This bill is essential for ensuring children have access to the nutrition they need. Whole milk offers crucial vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. It’s time to give our children a healthier future.”
Key Provisions of the Bills
H.R. 1048, The Deterrence Act
This bill strengthens foreign gift reporting requirements for colleges and universities. It reduces the threshold for reporting foreign gifts from $250,000 to $50,000, with countries of concern required to report all gifts, no matter the amount. The bill also closes reporting loopholes, mandates disclosure of foreign endowment investments, and imposes strict penalties, such as the loss of Title IV funding, for non-compliant institutions.
H.R. 649, The Healthy Kids Whole Milk Act of 2025
The bill ensures that students have access to a variety of milk options, including whole, organic, low-fat, skim, and lactose-free, to accommodate dietary needs. It also guarantees that milk provided to students is not sourced from companies connected to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
H.R. 1069, The Protecting Our Kids Act
This legislation prohibits the use of federal education funds for any elementary or secondary schools that receive support—either directly or indirectly—from the Chinese Communist Party.
H.R. 1005, The CLASS Act
The CLASS Act requires school districts to disclose to the Secretary of Education any information related to foreign funds or contracts within 30 days of receipt.
H.R. 1049, The TRACE Act
This bill grants parents the right to be informed about any donations, financial transactions, or classroom materials originating from foreign sources or related entities. It also mandates schools to disclose if teachers are paid by organizations with foreign ties.
These bills mark a decisive move to limit foreign influence in U.S. education while enhancing transparency and safeguarding student nutrition.
