Bills · HR 7510
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7510Education
Preventing Research Ownership Transfer to External Competitive Threats (PROTECT) Act of 2026
INTRO FEB 11· LAST ACTION FEB 11
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters to voters because it aims to safeguard U.S. national security and economic competitiveness by preventing potentially hostile foreign governments from acquiring sensitive American research. In an era where technological advantage and intellectual property are critical for both defense and economic growth, preventing the transfer of university-generated innovations could protect future American industries and military capabilities.
If this bill becomes law, U.S. universities will face stricter rules on international collaborations, potentially altering their funding streams and research partnerships. It reflects a growing concern about foreign influence and espionage in academic settings. If it doesn't pass, the current framework for international research collaboration would largely continue, potentially leaving U.S. intellectual property more vulnerable to acquisition by foreign adversaries, as perceived by the bill's proponents.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Prohibits U.S. universities, faculty, staff, and students from transferring intellectual property rights from their research to certain foreign governments.
This directly targets the stated goal of preventing valuable American research from being acquired by nations deemed a threat.
PROVISION 02
Identifies specific "prohibited nations" including Russia, China, Iran, and other countries engaged in armed conflict with the U.S. or supporting terrorism.
This provides a clear list of the primary targets for the prohibition, while also allowing for additional nations to be designated by the Secretary of State.
PROVISION 03
Establishes civil penalties for violations, ranging from up to $500,000 for non-national security violations to $5,000,000 for those endangering national security.
These significant fines aim to deter universities from engaging in prohibited transactions and provide a mechanism for enforcement.
PROVISION 04
Allows for the seizure and forfeiture of any funds or other consideration received by a university in exchange for intellectual property rights from a prohibited transaction.
This provision ensures that universities cannot profit from transactions that violate the prohibition, further strengthening the deterrent effect.
PROVISION 05
Grants the Secretary of State the authority to determine which nations pose a national security threat and whether a violation endangers national security, with these determinations being final and not subject to judicial review.
This centralizes decision-making regarding national security threats but also limits external oversight of those critical determinations.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Texas
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
31
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 11
Introduced in House
FEB 11
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7510
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 11, 2026
Last actionFeb 11, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 11, 2026
House BillHR 7510Education
Preventing Research Ownership Transfer to External Competitive Threats (PROTECT) Act of 2026
INTRODUCED FEB 11, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 11, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
