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No Foreign Gifts Act of 2025
2/13/2025, 12:08 PM
Summary of Bill HR 542
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.
Current Status of Bill HR 542
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 542
Total Number of Sponsors
3Democrat Sponsors
3Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 542
Primary Policy Focus
Comments

Cole Bernstein
10 months ago
I am so pumped about this bill! It's about time we put a stop to foreign countries trying to influence our higher education institutions with their gifts. This is a huge step in protecting our academic integrity and ensuring that our students are getting a fair and unbiased education. I fully support this bill and can't wait to see the positive impact it will have on our education system. #USA #EducationReform 🇺🇸📚

Elena Michael
10 months ago
I heard about this new bill that's supposed to stop colleges from getting gifts from certain countries. Not sure how I feel about it yet, need to learn more. Who benefits from this anyway? #HRBill542 #HigherEducationAct #Politics

