Bills · 119th Congress · Education

PROTECT Our Kids Act

Also known as Promoting Responsible Oversight To Eliminate Communist Teachings for Our Kids Act

Where it stands

  1. Introduced2/6/25
  2. Passed HousePassed 12/4/25
  3. Senate
  4. President
  5. Law

Passed the House 247–164 on December 4, 2025 (Roll Call 313 →). Received in the Senate the same day. No Senate action since.

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Roll calls on this bill

Votes on passage
HouseOn Passage · 12/4/25PassageThe vote on whether this chamber approves the measure — usually by a simple majority of those voting. It becomes law only once both chambers pass the same text and the president signs it, or Congress overrides a veto.House: The Legislative Process ↗
Passed
  • Democratic33 Yea · 164 Nay · 16 Not voting
  • Republican214 Yea · 0 Nay · 6 Not voting
  • Independent / Other0 Yea · 0 Nay · 0 Not voting
Official summary (CRS)

Promoting Responsible Oversight To Eliminate Communist Teachings for Our Kids Act or the PROTECT Our Kids Act

This bill prohibits federal education funding for any elementary or secondary school that directly or indirectly receives support from the Chinese government.

Specifically, the bill prohibits such funding for any school that (1) has a partnership in effect with a cultural or language institute funded by the Chinese government, including a Confucius Institute; (2) operates a learning center supported by the Chinese government (commonly referred to as a Confucius Classroom); or (3) receives support from an individual or entity acting on behalf of the Chinese government, including support in the form of teaching materials, personnel, funds, or other resources. However, the Department of Education (ED) may issue a waiver of the prohibition if a school has an existing contract with one of these entities and the school demonstrates that the contract is for the benefit of the school and promotes the security, stability, and economy of the United States.

Full text on congress.gov ↗
Sponsor
Rep. Kevin Hern ( Republican · OK-1)
Cosponsors
2
Introduced
2/6/25
Policy area
Education

What happens next

The Senate must pass the same text, then it goes to the President.

If it isn't enacted by Jan 3, 2027, it expires when the 119th Congress ends.

All actions (15)
  1. 2/6/25Introduced in House
  2. 2/6/25Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  3. 2/12/25Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  4. 2/12/25Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 13.
  5. 3/5/25Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-14.
  6. 3/5/25Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 8.
  7. 12/1/25Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 916 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4312, H.R. 1005, H.R. 1049, H.R. 1069, H.R. 2965 and H.R. 4305. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4312, H.R. 1005, H.R. 1049, H.R. 1069, H.R. 2965, and H.R. 4305 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
  8. 12/4/25Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 916. (consideration: CR H5032-5036)
  9. 12/4/25Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4312, H.R. 1005, H.R. 1049, H.R. 1069, H.R. 2965 and H.R. 4305. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4312, H.R. 1005, H.R. 1049, H.R. 1069, H.R. 2965, and H.R. 4305 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
  10. 12/4/25DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1069.
  11. 12/4/25The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
  12. 12/4/25Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 247 - 164 (Roll no. 313). (text: CR H5032)
  13. 12/4/25On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 247 - 164 (Roll no. 313). (text: CR H5032)
  14. 12/4/25Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  15. 12/4/25Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.