Senator Rick Scott, along with Representatives Elise Stefanik and Josh Gottheimer, introduced two bipartisan bills on May 5 aimed at restricting foreign interference in the American higher education system. The proposed legislation seeks to prevent universities from receiving federal funding if they operate branch campuses or accept research payments from certain countries considered adversarial or high-risk.
The announcement highlights concerns about national security and the integrity of academic research. Lawmakers say these measures are intended to stop hostile nations from gaining access to sensitive information through partnerships with U.S. colleges and universities.
The Defending American Research Act would require institutions applying for research awards under the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to certify that they do not operate branch campuses in specified countries. The No Branch Campuses in Hostile Countries Act would amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 by prohibiting institutions from receiving federal research funds for five years if they take money from certain foreign governments for projects tied to national security or military applications such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or quantum information science.
“America has enemies and we need to start acting like it. Countries like Communist China and terror-supporting Qatar should not be able to use America’s colleges and universities as outposts to spy on us, steal sensitive research and spread anti-American propaganda, but we’ve been letting them do it for years. This legislation is critical to America’s national security and the future of our higher education system, neither of which should be for sale,” Scott said.
Stefanik said, “Hostile foreign nations like China and Qatar have funneled millions of dollars to some of America’s most prestigious universities. This funding has allowed these nations to promote harmful anti-American ideologies on college campuses and gain access to sensitive research with national security applications. Our legislation will prevent federal research dollars from padding the pockets of universities that continue to knowingly operate branch campuses in these nations or accept funds for national security-related research. These concrete actions will help defend American universities and students from hostile foreign influence.” Gottheimer added, “We know adversaries like the CCP are exploiting our universities to access cutting-edge research and push their anti-American agendas. This bipartisan legislation draws a clear line: if you’re taking money tied to hostile nations, you shouldn’t be getting U.S. taxpayer dollars, full stop. It’s about protecting our national security and standing up for American innovation.”
Scott serves on several Senate committees including Armed Services; Homeland Security; Budget; Governmental Affairs; as well as the Special Committee on Aging according to his official website. He previously served aboard the USS Glover after high school service in the U.S Navy according to his official website, holds business degrees from University of Missouri-Kansas City as well as a law degree from Southern Methodist University according to his official website, won election representing Florida in the Senate according to his official website, champions fiscal responsibility policies supporting families & small businesses according to his official website.
Lawmakers indicated that next steps include seeking support among colleagues for passage of both bills.
