No Contracts with Foreign Adversaries Act | ChamberLight

IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS

House BillHR 938Civil actions and liabilityGovernment studies and investigations

No Contracts with Foreign Adversaries Act

INTRO FEB 4· LAST ACTION FEB 4

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Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

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This bill matters because it directly impacts the ability of U.S. higher education institutions to engage in international partnerships, particularly with countries or entities that the government views as potential threats. If passed, it could significantly alter the landscape of academic collaboration, potentially limiting access to certain research funding or educational programs from specific foreign sources. Voters should care because it represents a balance between national security concerns and academic freedom, potentially affecting the diversity of thought, research advancements, and global engagement opportunities available at American universities.

If this bill becomes law, universities will face a stricter vetting process for international contracts and could be forced to terminate existing agreements. If it doesn't become law, universities would continue to operate under existing regulations, which may not include the same level of federal oversight and restrictions on contracts with designated foreign adversaries. The debate revolves around whether the current level of international academic engagement poses unacceptable national security risks and if this level of federal control is the appropriate solution.

KEY PROVISIONS

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PROVISION 01

Prohibits U.S. colleges and universities from entering into contracts with "foreign countries of concern" or "foreign entities of concern."

This provision directly restricts the international partnerships that higher education institutions can pursue, fundamentally changing how they engage with certain foreign actors.

PROVISION 02

Establishes a waiver process where the Secretary of Education, in consultation with multiple intelligence and security agencies, can grant one-year waivers for specific contracts.

This creates a mechanism for exceptions, allowing some partnerships to continue if deemed beneficial to U.S. interests and security, but under strict federal oversight.

PROVISION 03

Requires institutions to terminate contracts within 60 days if a foreign partner is designated as a "country of concern" or "entity of concern" after the contract has begun.

This ensures ongoing compliance with the bill's intent, preventing continued engagement with newly identified adversaries.

PROVISION 04

Mandates that institutions seeking waivers designate a compliance officer to certify accurate adherence to waiver requirements.

This provision places direct accountability on institutions to ensure their compliance with the new restrictions.

SPONSORSHIP

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ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

FEB 4

Introduced in House

INTROREFERRAL

FEB 4

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

HOUSE · INTROREFERRAL

BILL INFO

TypeHouse Bill

NumberHR 938

Congress119th

StatusIn Committee

IntroducedFeb 4, 2025

Last actionFeb 4, 2025

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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 4, 2025

House BillHR 938Civil actions and liabilityGovernment studies and investigations

No Contracts with Foreign Adversaries Act

INTRODUCED FEB 4, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 4, 2025

PASSAGE CHANCES

—%

READING

10 min

COSPONSORS

COMPLEXITY

Moderate

Call my reps

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 2 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed House

Passed Senate

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

KEY PROVISIONS

AI-extracted

high

Prohibits U.S. colleges and universities from entering into contracts with "foreign countries of concern" or "foreign entities of concern."

This provision directly restricts the international partnerships that higher education institutions can pursue, fundamentally changing how they engage with certain foreign actors.

high

Establishes a waiver process where the Secretary of Education, in consultation with multiple intelligence and security agencies, can grant one-year waivers for specific contracts.

This creates a mechanism for exceptions, allowing some partnerships to continue if deemed beneficial to U.S. interests and security, but under strict federal oversight.

med

Requires institutions to terminate contracts within 60 days if a foreign partner is designated as a "country of concern" or "entity of concern" after the contract has begun.

This ensures ongoing compliance with the bill's intent, preventing continued engagement with newly identified adversaries.

med

Mandates that institutions seeking waivers designate a compliance officer to certify accurate adherence to waiver requirements.

This provision places direct accountability on institutions to ensure their compliance with the new restrictions.

DEADLINES & DATES

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

Not later than 120 days before institution enters into contract

Submission of first waiver request for new contracts

Not later than 120 days before expiration of existing waiver period

Submission of renewal waiver request

Not later than 60 days before institution enters into or renews contract

Secretary notification of waiver issuance

Not less than 2 weeks prior to issuing a waiver

Secretary notification to Congress of intent to issue waiver

Not later than 60 days after Secretary notifies institution of designation

Termination of contract if foreign source becomes a 'concern' during contract term

As soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days after the date of enactment

Submission of waiver request for contracts existing prior to enactment

Beginning on waiver issuance date and ending on sooner of 1 year after enactment date or contract termination date

Waiver period for existing contracts

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

TYPE	AMOUNT	WHO
Civil	Not specified (Attorney General to bring civil action upon request from Secretary)	Institutions that knowingly or willfully fail to comply with requirements

GLOSSARY

AI-written

Higher Education Act of 1965: A major law in the U.S. that provides federal funding and oversight for colleges and universities, covering student financial aid, institutional support, and other programs.
Foreign Country of Concern: A foreign nation identified by the U.S. government as posing a specific national security risk or threat to U.S. interests. (Specific criteria for designation not defined in this bill excerpt).
Foreign Entity of Concern: A specific organization, company, or group outside the U.S. identified by the government as posing a national security risk or threat. (Specific criteria for designation not defined in this bill excerpt).
Waiver: An official document or permission that allows an exception to a rule or requirement under specific conditions.
Secretary (of Education): The head of the U.S. Department of Education, responsible for overseeing federal education policy and programs.
Compliance Officer: An employee or agent of an institution who is responsible for ensuring that the institution follows all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.
Date of Enactment

ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

FEB 4, 25

Introduced in House

INTROREFERRAL

FEB 4, 25

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

INTROREFERRAL

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No Contracts with Foreign Adversaries Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

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Discussion

No Contracts with Foreign Adversaries Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

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