Bill · S. 4423· Senate(119-S-4423)
A bill to amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to require each institution of higher education to certify as part of an application for a research and development award that such institution does not operate certain branch campuses, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 4/28/2026
- Last activity
- 4/28/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Rick Scott
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes an amendment to the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act. It would require institutions of higher education to provide a specific certification when applying for federal research and development awards. This certification must state that the institution does not operate any branch campuses in specific foreign countries. The bill lists several specific nations and allows the Secretary of State to designate others. It also provides a specific definition for what constitutes a branch campus.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+4
The bill expands federal oversight by requiring specific certifications and granting the Secretary of State authority to designate additional countries.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+3
The bill enhances research security protocols to protect sensitive information during the federal award process.
The opposite
Does this put more money into scientific research?-3
The bill creates new compliance burdens and potential restrictions on institutions seeking federal research and development awards.
Would students be better off under this?-2
The restriction on international branch campuses may limit global educational opportunities and institutional diversity for students.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?-2
The bill imposes restrictions on academic cooperation with specific foreign nations, which could strain diplomatic relations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Research Security: The bill introduces a research security requirement for institutions of higher education (Section 1, subsection a).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Research Funding: Institutions of higher education must certify they do not operate branch campuses in specific countries, such as the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, or the Islamic Republic of Iran, to receive a research and development award (Section 1, subsection a, parts 1-9).
-
Compliance Requirements: Institutions of higher education would be required to include a certification in their application for a research and development award (Section 1, subsection a).
-
Expanded Restrictions: The Secretary of State has the authority to determine other countries that would fall under this requirement (Section 1, subsection a, part 9).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+4
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+3Improves International Alliances-2
- 4/28/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.