Summary of Bill HR 542
Bill 119 HR 542, also known as the "Foreign Influence on Campus Act," aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prevent institutions of higher education from accepting gifts from certain countries. The bill is designed to address concerns about foreign influence on American campuses, particularly from countries that may have ulterior motives or seek to exert undue influence on academic institutions.
The bill prohibits institutions of higher education from accepting gifts, donations, or grants from countries that are identified as posing a threat to national security or engaging in activities that undermine American values. This includes countries that have a history of human rights abuses, support for terrorism, or efforts to spread propaganda or disinformation.
In addition to prohibiting gifts from certain countries, the bill also requires institutions of higher education to disclose any foreign gifts or contracts they receive, including the amount and source of the funding. This transparency measure is intended to ensure that academic institutions are not unduly influenced by foreign entities and to safeguard the integrity of American higher education.
Overall, Bill 119 HR 542 seeks to protect the independence and integrity of American academic institutions by limiting foreign influence and promoting transparency in the acceptance of gifts and donations. By prohibiting gifts from certain countries and requiring disclosure of foreign funding, the bill aims to safeguard national security and ensure that American universities remain free from undue external influence.
Congressional Summary of HR 542
No Foreign Gifts Act of 2025
This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) from receiving federal education funds if the IHE receives gifts from certain countries.
Specifically, the bill prohibits an IHE from receiving a gift from (1) China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran; or (2) a country that has provided material support to a foreign terrorist organization, as determined by the Department of State.
The bill also requires an IHE, as a condition of eligibility for federal education funds, to report any offer of a gift from such a foreign country.