U. S. Bills Aim to Stop Foreign Influence in Colleges

Three lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have introduced new proposals that would curb foreign money and campus ties in American universities. The first bill, called the Defending American Research Act, would force institutions that want federal research grants to confirm they do not run branch campuses in countries deemed hostile or risky. The second, the No Branch Campuses in Hostile Countries Act, would deny federal funding for five years to any university that accepts money from certain foreign governments for research with national security or military relevance, such as AI, biotech or quantum computing. The legislation focuses on nations that have allegedly poured large sums into top U. S. schools while gaining access to sensitive research and pushing anti‑American ideas on campus. China and Qatar are highlighted as key examples, with lawmakers saying these governments have used their financial support to influence student bodies and research agendas. The bills would prevent taxpayer dollars from supporting institutions that continue to operate overseas in these countries or partner with them on classified projects.Senator Rick Scott, Representative Elise Stefanik and Representative Josh Gottheimer argue that allowing foreign money into universities gives adversaries a way to spy, steal research and spread propaganda. They say the U. S. needs to act decisively to protect national security and academic integrity. The Education Department’s latest data shows that in 2025, colleges reported over $5. 2 billion in foreign gifts and contracts across more than 8, 300 transactions, with Qatar leading at $1. 1 billion and China close behind. Critics of the bills worry that restricting foreign funding could limit global collaboration and academic freedom. Supporters claim the measures are necessary to prevent hostile regimes from gaining a foothold in U. S. research institutions and to ensure that taxpayer money goes only toward truly American interests.