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United States Research Protection Act

4/14/2025, 10:26 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1318

Bill 119 HR 1318 aims to amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act in order to clarify the definition of a foreign country for the purpose of restricting malign foreign talent recruitment. The bill seeks to address concerns regarding the recruitment of individuals from foreign countries who may pose a threat to national security or engage in activities that are detrimental to the United States.

The bill specifically targets individuals who may be recruited by foreign countries to engage in activities that could harm the United States, such as espionage or the theft of intellectual property. By clarifying the definition of a foreign country in this context, the bill aims to strengthen restrictions on the recruitment of individuals who may pose a threat to national security.

In addition to clarifying the definition of a foreign country, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to research and development, competition, and innovation. These provisions are intended to support and promote the growth of these sectors in the United States while also safeguarding against potential threats from foreign actors. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1318 seeks to enhance national security measures by tightening restrictions on the recruitment of individuals from foreign countries who may pose a threat to the United States. Additionally, the bill aims to support research and development, competition, and innovation in the United States while safeguarding against potential threats from malign foreign actors.

Congressional Summary of HR 1318

United States Research Protection Act

This bill clarifies the definition of a malign foreign talent recruitment program under the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act. 

The Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act, which was included in the CHIPS and Science Act, prohibits researchers who receive federal funds from participating in malign foreign talent recruitment programs, in which foreign countries incentivize or compensate researchers for activities that present a conflict of interest for the researcher or that are otherwise unauthorized (e.g., sharing proprietary information without proper authorization).

The bill clarifies that these restrictions apply to programs that are sponsored by a foreign country of concern, including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. The bill also clarifies that malign foreign talent recruitment programs may involve direct or indirect compensation or incentives from such countries.

Current Status of Bill HR 1318

Bill HR 1318 is currently in the status of Passed in House since March 24, 2025. Bill HR 1318 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 13, 2025.  Bill HR 1318's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of March 25, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1318

Total Number of Sponsors
7
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
7
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1318

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1318

To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to clarify the definition of foreign country for purposes of malign foreign talent recruitment restriction, and for other purposes.
To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to clarify the definition of foreign country for purposes of malign foreign talent recruitment restriction, and for other purposes.

Comments

Rayan Lloyd profile image

Rayan Lloyd

478

8 months ago

Not a fan of it. Did you know it includes provisions for protecting research subjects' privacy?