American Science First Act

American Science First Act

This bill prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from providing grants or other forms of assistance to certain foreign individuals and entities. Specifically, the NSF may not support any individual or entity that is affiliated or otherwise has a relationship, including but not limited to a research partnership, joint venture, or contract, with

• an entity included on the entity list under the Export Administration Regulations, which identifies foreign entities subject to license requirements for the export, reexport, or transfer of certain items;
• a Chinese military company operating in the United States or any of its territories or possessions on the list required under the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999, or required under the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, or any successor list; or
• any parent, subsidiary, affiliate of, or entity owned by or controlled by any such entity.

Bill 119 HR 254, also known as the "Prohibition of National Science Foundation Funding to Chinese Communist Military Companies Act," aims to prevent the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) from providing grants or other forms of assistance to Chinese communist military companies and their affiliates. The bill specifically targets companies that are affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party and have ties to the country's military.

The main purpose of this bill is to restrict the flow of funding from the NSF to Chinese companies that are involved in military activities or have connections to the Chinese military. This is seen as a way to prevent the Chinese government from using US taxpayer dollars to advance its military capabilities.

The bill is designed to protect US national security interests and prevent the transfer of sensitive technology or information to Chinese military companies. By prohibiting NSF funding to these companies, the bill aims to limit their ability to access resources that could be used to further their military objectives. Overall, Bill 119 HR 254 seeks to strengthen US national security by restricting funding to Chinese communist military companies and their affiliates. It is part of a broader effort to address concerns about China's growing military capabilities and its potential threat to US interests.