Congressman Wilson Reintroduces the Foreign Influence Transparency Act

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) reintroduced the Foreign Influence Transparency Act for the 118th Congress. For too long, foreign entities have taken advantage of exemptions under the Foreign Agents Registration Act and made transactions with American universities that are often undisclosed. Additionally, colleges and universities have seldom complied with current law (20 U.S.C. 1011f) requiring disclosure of gifts or contracts with foreign sources. This bill increases transparency and accountability through these reporting requirements.

"Foreign entities, such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) controlled Confucius Institutes, have been taking advantage of both our institutions of higher education and K-12 schools," Congressman Wilson said. "The CCP isn't shy about this. In 2009, Li Changchun, then head of propaganda for the CCP, called Confucius Institutes ‘an important part of China's overseas propaganda set-up.' Colleges and universities must be transparent about their relationships with these malign actors. This bill holds these institutions accountable, allowing parents and students to see the source of their education."

See full bill text here.