Bill · S. 418· Senate(119-S-418)
Defending Defense Research from Chinese Communist Party Espionage Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 2/5/2025
- Last activity
- 2/5/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Jim Banks
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Defending Defense Research from Chinese Communist Party Espionage Act of 2025," aims to restrict certain foreign connections with universities. It prohibits institutions of higher education that receive Department of Defense research funds from entering into contracts with covered nations or foreign entities of concern starting January 1, 2027. The Secretary of Defense has the authority to issue limited one-year waivers for specific contracts if they benefit the institution and promote U.S. security and economic vitality. Additionally, the bill places restrictions on researchers involved in specific projects. Specifically, principal investigators of covered defense research projects involving critical or emerging technologies are prohibited from seeking or accepting certain foreign compensation for 10 years after their participation.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill requires the creation of a searchable public database for waiver orders and contract contents.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+2
The bill protects national security by restricting foreign entities from accessing sensitive research and technology.
Would students be better off under this?+1
The bill allows for waivers if the Secretary determines the contract benefits the institution's students.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this put more money into scientific research?-2
The bill restricts the ability of researchers to receive certain foreign financial compensations following their research.
Does this make college cost less?-1
The compliance costs and potential loss of funding could indirectly affect university budgets.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-1
The bill's restrictions on foreign contracts could negatively impact institutions seeking international business partnerships.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of National Security and Economic Vitality: The Secretary of Defense may only issue contract waivers if the contract promotes the security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States (Section 2(c)(3)(B)).
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Institutional Mission and Student Benefit: Waivers can be granted if the Secretary determines the contract will benefit the institution's mission and its students (Section 2(c)(3)(B)(i)).
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Transparency through Public Access: The Secretary of Defense is required to publish waiver orders and contract contents in a searchable public database (Section 2(h)).
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Accountability through Reporting: The Secretary must submit annual reports to congressional defense committees regarding waivers and the processes used to ensure compliance (Section 2(i)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Employment Restrictions for Researchers: Principal investigators of covered defense research projects may be prohibited from seeking or accepting employment or activities that provide financial compensation or in-kind benefits from a foreign entity of concern for a 10-year period following their research (Section 3(a)).
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Financial Risks for Institutions: Department of Defense funds may be withheld from covered institutions of higher education if they fail to comply with the contract prohibitions and do not receive a waiver (Section 2(a)).
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Contract Termination Requirements: If a foreign source is designated as a covered nation or foreign entity of concern during an existing contract term, the institution must terminate that contract within 120 days of notification (Section 2(e)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding-2Improves College Affordability-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support-1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+1Good For High Income Households-1
- 9/11/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/5/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Introduced in Senate
Rick ScottRepublican · Florida