Sen. Jim Banks introduces bill requiring universities to disclose gifts from foreign adversaries

Submitted by Office of Sen. Jim Banks

Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced on Tuesday the Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act. This bill requires universities to disclose gifts disclose gifts they receive from foreign adversaries, regardless of the amount of the gift or contract.

Banks

Sen. Banks said this bill aligns with President Trump’s America First agenda by preventing foreign money and influence from infiltrating our higher education institutions. Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.-9) is introducing the companion bill in the House.

“Americans deserve to know if universities are accepting money from our enemies like China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea,” Sen. Banks said. “This bill delivers that transparency and stops hostile nations from hiding their influence on our campuses.”

Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) are cosponsors.

This bill has been endorsed by The Manhattan Institute.

Key provisions

• Requiring Disclosures – Universities Must Report: all gift disclosures from foreign sources associated with a covered nation (Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea); reports from Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965; and investigations enacted by the Department of Education
• Guaranteeing transparency by ensuring the Department of Education transmits disclosure reports to the FBI, ODNI, and Department of State
• Enforcing accountability by allowing the FBI and the ODNI to request the DOJ bring forward action for inability to comply with disclosure requirements.

Click here to read the full text of the bill.