A majority of House Democrats have once again put other nations above the United States, as evidenced by their opposition to a measure aimed at limiting the influence of foreign countries in American schools. On Monday, more than 160 House Democrats voted against two bills intended to limit foreign influence in U.S. educational institutions.
Both measures passed with bipartisan majorities, though the top Democratic leadership and most party members opposed each one.
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In explaining his opposition, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries gave a conflicting response when questioned by Fox.
“We just want to educate our children, focus on reading, writing and arithmetic, developing a holistic child, giving the ability to them to think critically,” he said. “We’re not going to be lectured by a group of Republicans who are dismantling the Department of Education in real-time. Literally 90% of the Department of Education as it existed last year is now gone.”
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It’s not clear how Jeffries reconciled his stated goals for American schools with the Trump administration’s efforts to diminish the Department of Education, which has been responsible for introducing all kinds of “woke” initiatives that have zero focus on the subjects he mentioned.
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He also accused Republicans of “attacking public education just like they’re attacking public health and attacking public safety,” though he failed to actually mention why he did not support legislation limiting foreign influence in U.S. schools.
One of the measures, sponsored by House GOP Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern, R-Okla., would bar federal funding for elementary and secondary schools that conduct programs, cultural exchanges, or other classroom activities financed by the Chinese government, Fox reported.
The bill would also prohibit federal funds from going to schools that receive direct or indirect support from individuals or entities linked to the Chinese government. “That bill passed 247–166, with 33 Democrats in favor and 166 against,” the outlet reported.
The second bill, introduced by Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., would require all public elementary and secondary schools to inform parents of their right to request information about any “foreign influence” within their child’s school.
The notifications would be issued through the school’s local education agency — such as a school board or district office — that oversees administrative operations for the school and others in the area.
The measure passed 247–164, with 33 Democrats joining Republicans in support and 164 Democrats voting against it.
Republicans said the measures were commonsense efforts to prevent harmful foreign influence in U.S. schools.
Democrats, however, criticized both bills during floor debate, claiming they had concerns about their scope and potential unintended consequences. Some tried to paint Republicans as racists and bigots, which is par for the Democrat course.
“The bill gives no guidance on what acting directly or indirectly on behalf of means, or how you are supposed to know and how a parent’s contribution to a school program should be evaluated,” Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., said, Fox reported. “And really, are you supposed to scrutinize all parents’ contributions or just those from parents of Chinese American students?”
Regarding China, the country’s communist-led government is increasingly attempting to influence the American education system through initiatives like the Confucius Institutes, which promote Chinese language and culture but are also seen as vehicles for spreading Chinese propaganda.
Launched in 2004, there are over 100 Confucius Institutes in the U.S. The Chinese government funds these institutes, providing resources and teachers.
The Chinese government approves all teachers and events, which can limit academic freedom and restrict discussions on sensitive topics.
Over $17 million has been given to 143 school districts across 34 states through the Confucius Classrooms initiative. Critics argue that this funding can undermine U.S. educational integrity and promote a pro-China narrative.
By comparison, China does not allow U.S. money and influence to flow into its schools.