WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 4902

Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements Act

119th Congress Introduced by Greg Steube

The Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements Act mandates U.S. colleges to disclose foreign funding, ensuring transparency and protecting national security in education.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 4902

Summary of HR 4902 - Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements Act

Bill Number: HR 4902
Title: Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements Act
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced On: August 05, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements Act aims to enhance national security by addressing concerns related to foreign influence and entanglements in U.S. academic institutions. The bill seeks to establish guidelines and regulations that will protect American educational entities from potential risks associated with foreign funding and partnerships.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions designed to mitigate foreign influence in academia:

  1. Disclosure Requirements:

    • Institutions of higher education must disclose any foreign funding exceeding a specified threshold (to be determined) to the Department of Education.
    • This includes detailed reporting on the source of funds, the purpose of the funding, and any associated agreements.

  2. Review Process:

    • A review process will be established for foreign partnerships and collaborations, particularly those involving sensitive research areas such as technology, defense, and health.
    • Institutions may be required to undergo a vetting process to assess the implications of foreign partnerships.

  3. Funding Restrictions:

    • The bill may impose restrictions on federal funding for institutions that fail to comply with the disclosure and review requirements.
    • Institutions found to have significant foreign entanglements could face penalties, including loss of federal grants.

  4. Educational Programs:

    • The bill encourages the development of educational programs aimed at raising awareness among faculty and students about the risks associated with foreign funding and partnerships.

Affected Parties

The primary entities affected by this legislation include:

  • Institutions of Higher Education: Colleges and universities that receive foreign funding or engage in international collaborations.
  • Students and Faculty: Individuals involved in research and academic programs that may be impacted by funding restrictions or compliance requirements.
  • Federal Agencies: The Department of Education and other relevant agencies responsible for overseeing compliance and enforcement of the bill's provisions.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:

    • The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on August 05, 2025.

  • Related Legislation:

    • HR 4902 has a companion bill, S 1738, which is being considered in the Senate. The relationship between the two bills may facilitate a more streamlined legislative process.

Conclusion

The Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements Act represents a proactive approach to safeguarding U.S. academic institutions from foreign influence. By implementing disclosure requirements and establishing a review process for foreign partnerships, the bill aims to protect national interests while promoting transparency in academia. As it progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders in the education sector will need to stay informed about potential impacts and compliance requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.