No Contracts with Foreign Adversaries Act
No Contracts with Foreign Adversaries Act
Plain Language Summary
# No Contracts with Foreign Adversaries Act (HR 938) Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would prevent U.S. colleges and universities from signing contracts with countries deemed "foreign adversaries" (North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran) or companies controlled by these countries. Schools that want to enter such contracts would need to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education at least 120 days in advance. If approved, waivers would last one year and could be renewed.
The Department of Education would also have to notify Congress before approving any waivers. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions that currently do business with designated adversary nations or their companies. This could impact research partnerships, technology collaborations, student exchanges, and other institutional contracts. It also gives Congress and the Department of Education new oversight responsibilities. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Mark Harris (R-NC) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill addresses national security concerns regarding foreign influence in American higher education institutions.
CRS Official Summary
No Contracts with Foreign Adversaries ActThis bill prohibits institutions of higher education (IHEs) from entering into contracts with a foreign country of concern (e.g., North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran) or with a foreign entity of concern (e.g., a foreign entity that is owned or controlled by North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran) without obtaining a waiver.The bill outlines the process by which an IHE may receive a waiver from the Department of Education (ED) to enter into a contract with a foreign country of concern or with a foreign entity of concern. Specifically, an IHE that desires to enter into such a contract may submit to ED, not later than 120 days before the IHE enters into such a contract, a request to waive the prohibition with respect to the contract. Generally, a waiver issued under this bill shall only waive the prohibition for a one-year period (subject to renewals). Additionally, the bill requires ED to notify Congress of the intent to issue a waiver, including a justification for the waiver.The bill also requires an IHE that has already entered into a contract prior to the bill's enactment to submit a waiver request to ED within 30 days of the bill's enactment.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.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.