Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act

Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act

This bill establishes a special disclosure rule requiring institutions of higher education (IHEs) to disclose any gift from or contract with a foreign source that is associated with a covered nation (i.e., North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran).

Under current law, an IHE must disclose to the Department of Education (ED) a gift from or contract with a foreign source that is valued at $250,000 or more, considered alone or in combination with all other gifts from or contracts with that foreign source. This bill establishes a special disclosure rule relating to foreign sources associated with covered nations. Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to disclose any gift from or contract with a foreign source that is associated with a covered nation, regardless of the amount of the gift or contract.

The bill also directs ED to transmit disclosure reports and related records to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Bill 118 hr 4145, also known as the Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act, aims to address concerns about foreign influence in American educational institutions. The bill seeks to increase transparency and accountability in higher education by requiring colleges and universities to disclose any foreign gifts or contracts exceeding $50,000. This information would be reported to the Department of Education and made publicly available.

Additionally, the bill prohibits institutions from accepting gifts or contracts from certain foreign entities, including those with ties to foreign governments or political parties. It also requires colleges and universities to develop and implement a plan to monitor and address any potential threats to academic freedom or national security posed by foreign influence.

The Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act has garnered bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers expressing concerns about the growing influence of foreign entities in American higher education. Proponents of the bill argue that increased transparency and oversight are necessary to protect the integrity of academic institutions and safeguard national security interests. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen protections against foreign influence in American education while preserving academic freedom and promoting transparency in higher education institutions.