Bill > HR938

This bill would prohibit educational institutions from entering into contracts with foreign countries or entities deemed to be of concern, creating a comprehensive framework for reviewing and potentially restricting international academic partnerships. Specifically, institutions would be required to obtain a waiver from the Secretary of Education before entering into contracts with such foreign sources, with the waiver process involving extensive documentation and consultation with multiple federal agencies like the FBI, CIA, and Department of Defense. The waiver would be valid for one year and require institutions to demonstrate that the contract benefits their mission, students, and promotes U.S. national security and economic interests. Institutions would need to designate a compliance officer responsible for certifying the contract's details, and failure to comply could result in significant penalties, including fines of 5-10% of their federal funding for first-time violations and potential ineligibility for future federal program participation if violations persist for three consecutive years. The bill defines "foreign countries of concern" broadly, including nations identified as potentially detrimental to U.S. national security, and provides mechanisms for terminating existing contracts if a foreign source is subsequently designated as problematic. The ultimate goal is to protect academic institutions from potentially harmful foreign influences while maintaining a pathway for legitimate international academic collaborations.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/938/all-info