A new bill, the Transparency in Reporting of Adversarial Contributions to Education (TRACE) Act, is being introduced by Republican lawmakers to mandate parental notification of any foreign funding linked to public K-12 curriculums. This comes amid rising concerns about the influence of foreign governments, particularly the Chinese Communist Party, in American education.

Representatives Aaron Bean (R-Fla.) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.) are spearheading the bill, which would amend the Elementary & Secondary Education Act of 1965. Schools would be required to disclose, roughly monthly, any educational resources originating from or financed by foreign entities. Parents would also gain access to information regarding financial dealings between foreign countries and their children's schools.

This initiative follows concerns raised by Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters and other officials about potential foreign propaganda infiltrating classrooms through programs like Confucius Classrooms. Bean emphasizes the importance of protecting American students from such influence, stating that schools should be for education, not espionage. He warns against accepting the "Trojan horse of foreign funding."

Mackenzie highlights the importance of parental rights in education, particularly when foreign governments are involved. He believes the TRACE Act will empower parents and ensure transparency and accountability, protecting children's education from external manipulation.

Walters has been vocal about the potential national security risks posed by undisclosed foreign influence in schools. He previously challenged Tulsa Public Schools over alleged hidden funding for Confucius Classrooms, although the district denied having such programs. Former House Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx acknowledged the substantial foreign investments in American K-12 schools and their potential impact on curriculum and personnel decisions.