Bill > S418

This bill, titled the "Defending Defense Research from Chinese Communist Party Espionage Act of 2025," establishes two main provisions aimed at protecting U.S. defense research from potential foreign interference. First, the bill prohibits institutions of higher education conducting Department of Defense-funded research from entering into contracts with certain foreign entities (specifically "covered nations" or "foreign entities of concern") starting January 1, 2027. Institutions can request waivers from the Secretary of Defense, which will be evaluated based on factors like economic conditions, the reasons for the foreign entity's designation, and potential national security risks. Waiver requests must include detailed contract information and demonstrate that the contract benefits the institution's mission and U.S. national interests. The Secretary of Defense must review these requests within 60 days and notify Congress before issuing any waivers. Second, the bill imposes a 10-year post-employment restriction on principal investigators of defense research projects, preventing them from seeking employment or conducting activities with foreign entities of concern that provide financial compensation. The Secretary of Defense can grant waivers to U.S. persons under specific circumstances, and the bill requires annual public reporting of critical and emerging technologies involved in defense research. These provisions are designed to mitigate potential espionage risks and protect sensitive research and technological developments from foreign interference.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/418/all-info