PROTECT Our Kids Act

What this does

This bill cuts off federal education funds to any elementary or secondary school that has ties to the Chinese government. A school loses access to funds under any applicable federal education program if it partners with a cultural or language institute funded directly or indirectly by the Government of the People's Republic of China (including a Confucius Institute), operates a learning center it supports (a Confucius Classroom), or otherwise receives support such as teaching materials, personnel, or funds from anyone acting on China's behalf. The cutoff takes effect one year after enactment. Schools already under a contract that predates enactment and runs past the effective date can ask the Secretary for a waiver by submitting the full contract text and a statement that it benefits the school and serves U.S. interests; the Secretary may grant a waiver lasting until the contract ends. The Secretary must notify schools of these requirements within 90 days of enactment. "Applicable program," "elementary school," and "secondary school" carry their existing meanings under federal education law.