As a father of six — including five still in Iowa’s K–12 schools — I take it personally when foreign governments try to reach into our classrooms. And as a former intelligence officer who spent years countering China’s cyber and propaganda campaigns, I’ve seen the threat up close.
Make no mistake: The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is actively targeting American students — including right here in Iowa.
Back up: Just a few months ago, Roosevelt High School in Des Moines approved a trip funded by the “Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries” — a front group bankrolled by the CCP.
Students on that trip were required to download Chinese apps, sit through scripted “cultural” briefings, and use WeChat — a platform the CCP uses to monitor and censor its users.
This morning, I stood with House Leadership to call out these CCP influence operations. ⬇️
But calling it out is only step one. We’re taking action. This week, I’m helping advance legislation in the House to:
✅ Prohibit K–12 schools from accepting CCP-linked funding
âś… Require full transparency on foreign contracts and partnerships
✅ Ensure parents can see exactly who is trying to influence their children’s education
Bottom Line: Iowa’s parents work hard to protect their kids. Congress should do the same. I’ll keep fighting to hold China accountable and keep foreign influence out of Iowa schools.