H.R. 2778: Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act

This bill, known as the Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act, aims to modify the Higher Education Act of 1965 by introducing new requirements for U.S. educational institutions regarding their dealings with foreign sources. Specifically, the bill focuses on the disclosure of gifts and contracts received from foreign entities.

Key Provisions

• The bill requires educational institutions that are owned or controlled by foreign sources, or receive substantial gifts or contracts from foreign sources, to file disclosure reports. These reports must be submitted to the Secretary of Education on set dates: January 31 and July 31, of each year.
• The threshold for determining whether a report is required is set at:
  • $250,000 or more from foreign sources not related to a "covered nation" (which is defined elsewhere in the bill), or
  • Any value for gifts or contracts from foreign sources associated with a covered nation.
• Upon receiving these disclosures, the Secretary of Education must forward copies of the reports to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) within 10 days.
• Furthermore, within 90 days after the bill becomes law, the Secretary of Education must transmit to the FBI and DNI all previously received documents related to disclosures under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, regardless of when those records were received or their case status.

Definitions

• The term "covered nation" is referenced, but the specific definition is provided in Section 4872(f)(2) of Title 10, United States Code, which generally relates to nations that are considered to have significant military or intelligence relationships with the U.S.

Impact on Educational Institutions

Institutions that do not comply with these disclosure requirements could face scrutiny, which may affect their funding and operational relationships with foreign entities. The intent behind these measures appears to be to increase transparency and assess any potential risks associated with foreign influence in American education.

Relevant Companies

None found.