H.R. 10092: Guarding American Technology from Exploitation Act of 2026

This bill would restrict certain foreign nationals from being admitted to, or kept on, U.S. National Laboratory sites if they are seeking access to the lab’s premises, information, or technology for more than 30 consecutive days.

What the bill covers

The bill applies to people from five countries:

• China
• Russia
• Iran
• North Korea
• Cuba

It defines these people as “covered foreign nationals,” unless they are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

What National Laboratories would have to do

Starting on the date the bill becomes law, National Laboratories would not be allowed to admit a covered foreign national as either:

• a visitor for any period shorter than 30 consecutive days, or
• an assignee for any period longer than 30 consecutive days.

If a covered foreign national had already been approved to access a National Laboratory, the lab would have to stop that access as well.

Waiver process

The bill creates an exception process. The Secretary of Energy could allow a covered foreign national to enter or access a National Laboratory if the Secretary, working with intelligence and counterintelligence officials, certifies that the U.S. benefits outweigh the national security and economic risks. The Secretary would also have to issue a written waiver.

Reporting to Congress

If a waiver is granted, the Department of Energy would have to notify several congressional committees within 30 days. That notice would need to include:

• the person’s country of origin,
• the date they requested access,
• the date the waiver decision was made, and
• the specific reasons for the waiver.

Relevant Companies

None found