119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 4902
The Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements Act would prohibit colleges and universities from accepting gifts or signing contracts with designated foreign countries of concern. A "foreign country of concern" is defined as any nation covered under existing defense department rules, or any country that the Secretary of Education determines—in consultation with Defense, State, and intelligence officials—is acting against U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. The bill amends the Higher Education Act by creating a new restriction while preserving an exemption for routine educational payments like tuition and room and board. The legislation affects all institutions receiving federal higher education funding and would require them to reject foreign donations and contracts from these designated countries. No specific funding or implementation timeline is outlined in the bill text.