Summary of H.R. 7510: Protecting University Research from Foreign Acquisition Act
Overview
H.R. 7510, the "Protecting University Research from Foreign Acquisition Act," is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 11, 2026. The main purpose of the bill is to prohibit certain foreign governments from acquiring intellectual property rights of research conducted at American universities.
Key Provisions
- Prohibits any university, faculty, staff, or student receiving federal research funding from entering into agreements that would grant intellectual property rights over their research to foreign governments, particularly those deemed adversarial to U.S. interests.
- Requires universities to disclose any existing agreements with foreign entities that involve the transfer of intellectual property rights.
- Empowers the Secretary of Education to terminate federal research funding for any university that violates the prohibitions outlined in the bill.
- Directs the Secretary of Education to establish regulations and reporting requirements to enforce the bill's provisions.
Potential Impact
- The bill aims to protect sensitive, cutting-edge research conducted at U.S. universities from being exploited by foreign governments for economic or military advantage.
- It would impact universities that receive federal research funding, requiring them to carefully review and potentially modify any agreements with foreign entities.
- Failure to comply could result in the loss of critical federal research dollars, which could significantly disrupt university operations and research activities.
- The bill is intended to enhance the security of America's intellectual property and maintain its technological edge in key research areas.
Timeline and Procedure
- H.R. 7510 was introduced in the House on February 11, 2026 and was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- The committee will likely hold hearings and gather input from stakeholders before considering any amendments or voting on the bill.
- If approved by the committee, the bill would then proceed to the full House for consideration and a possible vote.
- If passed by the House, the bill would then move to the Senate for further review and potential amendment before a final vote.
- The bill would need to be passed by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by the President to take effect.
