April 28, 2026
Mr. Scott of Florida introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to prohibit certain institutions of higher education from receiving research and development awards, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Prohibition on research and development awards for certain institutions of higher education
(a) In general
Subtitle B of title II of division A of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283) is amended by inserting after section 223 (42 U.S.C. 6605) the following new section:
223A. Prohibition on research and development awards for certain institutions of higher education
(a) In general
If an institution of higher education receives from a foreign source funds to carry out a specified task, such institution may not, for a period of 5 years after such receipt, be awarded a research and development award.
(b) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Artificial intelligence
The term artificial intelligence has the meaning given such term in section 5002.
(2) Biotechnology
The term biotechnology means the application of science and engineering in the direct or indirect utilization of living organisms or parts or products of such organisms, including modified forms of such organisms, parts, or products, as the case may be.
(3) Foreign source
The term foreign source means any of the following entities:
(A)
A specified foreign government.
(B)
An entity established under the laws of such government.
(C)
An entity in which such government holds ownership interest of not less than 25 percent.
(D)
An agent of any of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C), including any of the following:
(i)
A subsidiary of such an entity.
(ii)
A person that operates primarily for the benefit of, or under the auspices of, such an entity, such as a foundation of such entity, or an educational, cultural, or language entity.
(4) Institution of higher education
The term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(5) Quantum information science
The term quantum information science has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8801).
(6) Research and development award
The term research and development award has the meaning given such term in section 223.
(7) Specified foreign government
The term specified foreign government means the government of any of the following countries:
(A)
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
(B)
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
(C)
The Islamic Republic of Iran.
(D)
The People’s Republic of China.
(E)
The Republic of Cuba.
(F)
The Republic of Turkey.
(G)
The Russian Federation.
(H)
The State of Qatar.
(I)
Any other country the Secretary of State determines appropriate.
(8) Specified task
The term specified task means research and development relating to a national security or military application, including relating to any of the following:
(A)
Artificial intelligence.
(B)
Biotechnology.
(C)
Quantum information science.
(b) Clerical amendments
The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283) is amended in the table of contents in section 2(b) and in title II of division A by inserting after the items relating to section 223 the following new items: