0
1
1
DETERRENT Act
4/23/2025, 1:32 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1048
Bill 119 hr 1048, also known as the "Foreign Gift and Contract Disclosure Act," aims to make changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965 in order to enhance transparency and accountability in regards to foreign gifts and contracts received by institutions of higher education in the United States.
The bill proposes to strengthen disclosure requirements for foreign gifts and contracts, requiring institutions to report any gifts or contracts valued at $50,000 or more from foreign sources. This information would then be made publicly available on the institution's website. Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit institutions of higher education from entering into contracts with certain foreign entities and countries that are deemed to be of concern to national security.
The main goal of this legislation is to safeguard against undue influence and potential threats to national security that may arise from foreign entities funding or partnering with American universities. By increasing transparency and limiting partnerships with certain foreign entities, the bill aims to protect the integrity and independence of higher education institutions in the United States. Overall, the Foreign Gift and Contract Disclosure Act seeks to address potential risks associated with foreign funding in higher education while promoting accountability and transparency within the sector.
The bill proposes to strengthen disclosure requirements for foreign gifts and contracts, requiring institutions to report any gifts or contracts valued at $50,000 or more from foreign sources. This information would then be made publicly available on the institution's website. Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit institutions of higher education from entering into contracts with certain foreign entities and countries that are deemed to be of concern to national security.
The main goal of this legislation is to safeguard against undue influence and potential threats to national security that may arise from foreign entities funding or partnering with American universities. By increasing transparency and limiting partnerships with certain foreign entities, the bill aims to protect the integrity and independence of higher education institutions in the United States. Overall, the Foreign Gift and Contract Disclosure Act seeks to address potential risks associated with foreign funding in higher education while promoting accountability and transparency within the sector.
Congressional Summary of HR 1048
Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions Act or the DETERRENT Act
This bill expands oversight and disclosure requirements related to foreign sources and institutions of higher education (IHEs).
Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to annually disclose to the Department of Education (ED) any year in which the IHE
- receives a gift from a foreign country of concern (e.g., China or Russia) or foreign entity of concern of any dollar amount;
- receives a gift or contract from a foreign source (other than a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern) that is valued at $50,000 or more, considered alone or in combination with all other gifts or contracts within a calendar year (current disclosure threshold is $250,000 or more), or which has an undetermined monetary value;
- enters into a contract with a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern after receiving a waiver for such contract; or
- is substantially controlled by a foreign source.
Additionally, the bill
- prohibits IHEs from entering into contracts with a foreign country of concern or with a foreign entity of concern without obtaining a waiver,
- requires certain IHEs to disclose gifts or contracts between covered individuals (e.g., researchers) and foreign sources, and
- requires private IHEs with specified assets or investments to file annual investment disclosure reports.
The bill requires ED to investigate possible violations of this bill and outlines the various penalties for each violation. Penalties may include losing eligibility for federal student financial aid.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 1048
Bill HR 1048 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since March 31, 2025. Bill HR 1048 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 6, 2025. Bill HR 1048's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of March 31, 2025
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1048
Total Number of Sponsors
29Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
29Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
121Democrat Cosponsors
5Republican Cosponsors
116Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1048
Primary Policy Focus
EducationPotential Impact Areas
- Civil actions and liability
- Congressional oversight
- Contracts and agency
- Education programs funding
- Financial services and investments
- Government information and archives
- Government studies and investigations
- Higher education
- Subversive activities
- Teaching, teachers, curricula
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1048
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes.
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes.
Comments
Matheo King
30,703
11 months ago
I can't believe this bill is actually being considered. It's like they want to make life harder for people like me. It's frustrating to see lawmakers pushing for something that will only cause more problems. I hope they come to their senses soon.
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 1048
Latest Bills
To amend title III of the Public Health Service Act to ensure that Federally-qualified health centers are not required to pay more than the 340B ceiling price for covered outpatient drugs at the time of purchase.
Bill HR 7391February 11, 2026
To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to reauthorize certain water infrastructure grants, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 7476February 11, 2026
To direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to submit a monthly report on the status of all projects and activities funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 7461February 11, 2026
Electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.
Bill HRES 1048February 11, 2026
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow certain distributions from long-term qualified tuition programs for first home purchases, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 7468February 11, 2026
To authorize civil actions against institutions of higher education and athletic associations that negligently or recklessly permit a biologically male student athlete to compete in an athletic competition intended exclusively for female student athletes, resulting in harm.
Bill HR 7368February 11, 2026
ROUTE Act
Bill HR 6642February 11, 2026
To amend section 477 of the Social Security Act to increase the maximum education and training voucher amount and provide greater support for foster youth pursuing postsecondary education.
Bill HR 7463February 11, 2026
Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Mardi Gras and the celebration's origins in Mobile, Alabama.
Bill HRES 1051February 11, 2026
Home School Graduation Recognition Act
Bill HR 6392February 11, 2026
No Contracts with Foreign Adversaries Act
Bill HR 938March 5, 2025
RIFA Act
Bill HR 1023March 5, 2025
INSTRUCT Act of 2025
Bill HR 1018March 6, 2025
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 24) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 75) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers"; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1048) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes.
Bill HRES 242April 7, 2025