DETERRENT Act

Hozzl · 2025-03-19T15:47:54Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1048 DETERRENT Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Education. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/19/2025, 3:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1048

Bill 119 hr 1048, also known as the "Foreign Gift and Contract Disclosure Act," aims to make changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965 in order to enhance transparency and accountability in regards to foreign gifts and contracts received by institutions of higher education in the United States.

The bill proposes to strengthen disclosure requirements for foreign gifts and contracts, requiring institutions to report any gifts or contracts valued at $50,000 or more from foreign sources. This information would then be made publicly available on the institution's website. Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit institutions of higher education from entering into contracts with certain foreign entities and countries that are deemed to be of concern to national security.

The main goal of this legislation is to safeguard against undue influence and potential threats to national security that may arise from foreign entities funding or partnering with American universities. By increasing transparency and limiting partnerships with certain foreign entities, the bill aims to protect the integrity and independence of higher education institutions in the United States. Overall, the Foreign Gift and Contract Disclosure Act seeks to address potential risks associated with foreign funding in higher education while promoting accountability and transparency within the sector.

Congressional Summary of HR 1048

Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions Act or the DETERRENT Act

This bill expands oversight and disclosure requirements related to foreign sources and institutions of higher education (IHEs).

Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to annually disclose to the Department of Education (ED) any year in which the IHE

receives a gift from a foreign country of concern (e.g., China or Russia) or foreign entity of concern of any dollar amount;
receives a gift or contract from a foreign source (other than a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern) that is valued at $50,000 or more, considered alone or in combination with all other gifts or contracts within a calendar year (current disclosure threshold is $250,000 or more), or which has an undetermined monetary value;
enters into a contract with a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern after receiving a waiver for such contract; or
is substantially controlled by a foreign source.

Additionally, the bill

prohibits IHEs from entering into contracts with a foreign country of concern or with a foreign entity of concern without obtaining a waiver,
requires certain IHEs to disclose gifts or contracts between covered individuals (e.g., researchers) and foreign sources, and
requires private IHEs with specified assets or investments to file annual investment disclosure reports.

The bill requires ED to investigate possible violations of this bill and outlines the various penalties for each violation. Penalties may include losing eligibility for federal student financial aid.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 1048

Bill HR 1048 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 6, 2025. Bill HR 1048 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 6, 2025. Bill HR 1048's most recent activity was Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 9. as of March 14, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1048

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

121

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

116

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1048

Primary Policy Focus

Education

Potential Impact Areas

Civil actions and liabilityCongressional oversightContracts and agencyEducation programs fundingFinancial services and investmentsGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHigher educationSubversive activitiesTeaching, teachers, curricula

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1048

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes.To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes.

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