DETERRENT Act

Hozzl · 2025-05-01T15:58:01Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 1296 DETERRENT Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Education. Stay informed on legislative developments.

5/1/2025, 3:58 PM

Summary of Bill S 1296

Bill 119 s 1296, 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, ensuring that universities and colleges report any financial contributions or agreements from foreign entities. This is intended to prevent undue influence or interference from foreign governments or organizations in the academic and research activities of American universities.

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. This measure is aimed at safeguarding national security interests and preventing potential threats to academic freedom and intellectual property rights. Overall, the Foreign Gift and Contract Disclosure Act aims to protect the integrity and independence of American higher education institutions while promoting transparency and accountability in their relationships with foreign entities.

Congressional Summary of S 1296

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, and
requires certain IHEs to disclose gifts or contracts between covered individuals (e.g., researchers) and foreign sources.

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 S 1296

Bill S 1296 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 3, 2025. Bill S 1296 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on April 3, 2025. Bill S 1296's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of April 3, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1296

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1296

Primary Policy Focus

Education

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1296

A bill 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.