Universities and non-profits across the U.S. may face a tough choice in the future.
House China Committee Chairman Mike Gallagher introduced a new bill called the “DITCH Act.”
It would require U.S. tax-exempt entities to divest from Chinese companies. Otherwise, they risk losing their tax-exempt status.
Gallagher said, “Institutions that want preferential tax treatment must choose: are they committed to their professed values or of financing a genocidal communist regime?”
The bill’s main goal is to prevent American taxpayers’ money from inadvertently aiding the CCP and finance what Gallagher calls the “techno-totalitarian state.”
Under the bill, taxable funds like foundation grants are allowed into China. But foundations cannot possess Chinese stocks and bonds.
Tax-free funds like university endowments and public pension plans, are not allowed into China.
A waiver can be granted if an organization’s need to keep a specific Chinese investment is more important than the potential risks to national security.