Representative Scott Franklin (R-FL) issued a statement after the House of Representatives passed the Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act, saying it "will end this parasitic relationship between U.S. higher education and our adversaries."
The DETERRENT Act, reintroduced by Representative Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), requires colleges and universities to disclose the reception of gifts from foreign adversaries such as China and Russia or foreign organizations of concern.
Additionally, institutions of higher learning are prohibited from entering into contracts with such countries or entities unless a waiver is obtained. Private institutions with specified assets or investments must file annual investment disclosure reports.
The bill passed the House Thursday with 241 votes in favor and 169 opposed.
"The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been infiltrating America's classrooms, trying to buy influence and embed themselves in U.S. higher education," said Rep. Franklin in his press release, adding, "Through billions in undisclosed gifts and backdoor contracts riddled with stipulations and 'strings,' the CCP has used this as leverage to push propaganda on students and faculty, steal our intellectual property and indoctrinate the next generation of American leaders. Despite reporting requirements, lax federal laws have made it far too easy for institutions to prioritize financial gain over national security."
As a result, Rep. Franklin continued, "The DETERRENT Act will end this parasitic relationship between U.S. higher education and our adversaries."
"It strengthens transparency by forcing universities to disclose financial support from foreign regimes and blocks dangerous partnerships with entities tied to our enemies. Countering China and strengthening U.S. global strategic interests starts with rooting out CCP influence in our own backyard. We must stop the CCP and other foreign threats from corrupting our academic institutions or exploiting young minds to benefit their agenda," the Florida Congressman concluded.
In February, Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL), a colleague of Franklin's, introduced a similar bill, the Transparency in Reporting of Adversarial Contributions to Education (TRACE) Act.
Rep. Bean's bill requires K-12 schools to notify parents of how and where foreign funding affects their child's educational curriculum.
