Bill · H.R. 254· House(119-HR-254)
American Science First Act
- Introduced
- 1/9/2025
- Last activity
- 1/9/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Sponsored by
- Rick Allen
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "American Science First Act," aims to restrict how the National Science Foundation distributes resources. It prohibits the Director of the National Science Foundation from awarding grants or other forms of assistance to certain entities. Specifically, it targets individuals or entities that have relationships, such as research partnerships or contracts, with Chinese communist military companies and their affiliates. These prohibited entities include those listed in the Export Administration Regulations or specific lists found in previous National Defense Authorization Acts.
Yes
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+3
The bill reduces potential technology transfers to foreign military entities by restricting NSF assistance.
The opposite
Does this put more money into scientific research?-2
The bill restricts the pool of eligible research partners, which may limit the scope and collaborative capacity of NSF-funded research.
Would students be better off under this?-1
Students engaged in research partnerships with prohibited entities may face disruptions to their funding or collaborative opportunities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Restriction of assistance to specific entities: The bill prevents the National Science Foundation from providing grants or assistance to those affiliated with Chinese communist military companies or specific entities listed in federal regulations and defense acts (Section 2(a)). This is intended to ensure that federal funds are not used for entities identified in the specified regulatory lists.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on research partnerships and contracts: The bill prohibits assistance to any individual or entity that has a relationship, including research partnerships, joint ventures, or contracts, with the listed entities (Section 2(a)). This could impact individuals or organizations that currently maintain such professional or research-based relationships.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students-1
- 2/4/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/13/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/9/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Introduced in House
Andy HarrisRepublican · Maryland
Randy WeberRepublican · Texas