H.R. 4902: Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements Act

This bill, known as the "Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements Act," proposes to modify the Higher Education Act of 1965 by introducing restrictions on financial interactions between U.S. higher education institutions and certain foreign entities. Here is a summary of its key provisions:

Prohibitions on Foreign Gifts and Contracts

The bill prohibits institutions of higher education from:

• Receiving gifts from foreign countries categorized as "countries of concern."
• Entering into contracts with these same foreign entities.

Definition of Foreign Country of Concern

The bill defines a "foreign country of concern" as:

• A country that falls under the definition of a "covered nation" according to U.S. law.
• Any country that the Secretary of Education, with advice from the Secretaries of Defense and State, as well as the Director of National Intelligence, identifies as a threat to U.S. national security or foreign policy.

Disclosure Requirements

Amendments to existing laws regarding disclosures of foreign gifts are included. The bill specifies that gifts from a foreign country of concern will not be considered as eligible for disclosure.

Exceptions and Clarifications

Importantly, the bill states that:

• The prohibition on gifts and contracts will not impact payments related to tuition, housing, fees, or other educational costs.

Implementation

If enacted, the law would apply to all institutions of higher education receiving federal funding and would require compliance with the newly established guidelines regarding foreign engagements.

Relevant Companies

None found.