Austin News

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Transparency in Reporting of Adversarial Contributions to Education (TRACE) Act today, aiming to enhance transparency for parents regarding foreign funding influences in schools. This legislation complements Rep. Aaron Bean’s (R-Fla.-4) bill passed by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Sen. Cruz stated, "The Chinese Communist Party expends vast resources to control what Americans see, hear, and ultimately think. The CCP continues to target American educational institutions, as do other foreign adversaries. The TRACE Act will give parents the transparency they need and deserve, and help safeguard classrooms from foreign influence. The House has already passed this bill. I urge my Senate colleagues to take it up expeditiously and pass it."

Rep. Bean emphasized the importance of protecting students from foreign influence: "American schools are for education, not espionage. We cannot allow our students—the future of our great nation—to be corrupted by foreign adversaries who are systematically and aggressively attempting to influence our nation’s K-12 schools." He added his appreciation for Sen. Cruz's efforts in advancing this legislation in the Senate.

The TRACE Act is supported by organizations such as Parents Defending Education Action and Concerned Women for America.

Michele Exner, Director of Federal Affairs at Parents Defending Education Action, commented on the issue: "When parents send their children to school, they should have peace of mind knowing where the education funds are coming from." She highlighted alarming evidence showing that adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party are trying to use America's classrooms for strategic objectives.

Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, remarked on parental rights: "Parents should know what their kids are being taught in school... especially if that curriculum is being funded by foreign governments."

The TRACE Act requires schools to allow parents to review any curriculum provided or purchased with foreign funds, notify parents of any foreign contracts or financial transactions, and inform them about school employees compensated by another country or foreign adversary.

This legislation also complements Rep. Julia Letlow's (R-La.-03) Parents Bill of Rights legislation passed by the House in 2023 but not yet approved by the Senate.