Espionage Prevention Act

Key Points

• This bill would stop U.S. intelligence agencies from giving money to colleges and universities that have business or research ties with certain Chinese groups. These groups include cultural institutes funded by the Chinese government and programs that help the Chinese military.
• Colleges would have to choose between receiving federal intelligence funding or keeping their contracts and gifts from these Chinese entities. If a school ends its relationship with the Chinese group, it can become eligible for federal money again.
• The goal is to prevent foreign governments from getting access to sensitive American research or data. It targets schools that work with Chinese universities involved in military projects or those linked to human rights concerns.
• The Director of National Intelligence could grant a one-year waiver if a school has strong security rules in place. This would only happen if the relationship is necessary for national security or does not pose a risk to the country.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.