GOP Representative targets Chinese espionage in US universities.
EXCLUSIVE: Freshman Rep. John James Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency in Higher Education
Freshman Representative John James (R-MI) has unveiled groundbreaking legislation that aims to enhance transparency in higher education by requiring faculty and staff at universities to disclose any donations they receive from foreign sources. The proposed Disclose GIFTs (Getting Investments in Foreign Transactions) Act seeks to strengthen reporting requirements for foreign funding in educational institutions, building upon Section 117 of the Higher Education Act.
Protecting National Security
In a powerful statement, James emphasized the urgent need for increased transparency, citing the influence of the Chinese Communist Party and other foreign actors on American colleges and universities. He stressed that the bill would not only safeguard national security but also raise awareness about potential threats.
“For far too long, foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party have infiltrated academia, exploiting it to gather intelligence, pilfer our valuable information, and establish a foothold within our government,” James declared. “The implications for national security should concern every American citizen.”
Recognizing the importance of accountability, James added, “If faculty and staff members at American institutions are under foreign influence, it is our duty to ensure that the United States government is fully aware and actively monitoring the situation. This bill represents a crucial step towards achieving that goal.”
Addressing Concerns of Foreign Influence
Concerns regarding foreign influence in higher education, particularly from China, have been a focal point for Republicans since the Trump administration. Former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos spearheaded an initiative to shed light on the failure of numerous institutions across the country to comply with reporting requirements.
The proposed legislation includes provisions for penalties and fines for institutions that fail to meet reporting obligations. These penalties would escalate for repeated non-compliance, ultimately resulting in the loss of federal funding for institutions that fail to comply on three occasions.
Support from Key Figures
House Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) commended James’s bill, recognizing its significance in safeguarding American education from potentially harmful foreign influence schemes.
“American research institutions play a vital role in bolstering our international standing,” Foxx stated. ”However, we must not compromise national security in the pursuit of competition. Unfortunately, that is precisely what has been happening. Our adversaries frequently target valuable American research, and for far too long, these institutions and their staff have accepted funds from foreign actors without conducting due diligence to ascertain the origin or intent of those funds.”
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Department of Education and the Democratic leadership of the House Education and Workforce Committee for their comments on the legislation.
Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking legislation as it progresses through Congress.
What are the potential consequences for institutions that fail to comply with the reporting requirements outlined in the Disclose GIFTs Act
Y to know about it. This legislation will not only provide crucial information to the public but also serve as a deterrent to those who may seek to compromise the integrity of our educational system.”
Enhancing Transparency
The Disclose GIFTs Act will require faculty and staff at universities to disclose any donations they receive from foreign sources, including individuals, corporations, or organizations. This information will then be made publicly available on a designated website of the Department of Education. By providing transparency, this legislation aims to give students, parents, and taxpayers a clearer picture of the financial relationships between educational institutions and foreign entities.
“As taxpayers, we have a right to know where our money is going and who is funding our educational institutions,” James asserted. “By shining a light on foreign donations, we can ensure that these funds are not being used to promote ideologies that are antithetical to American values or to exert undue influence on our academic institutions.”
Furthermore, the bill establishes a reporting requirement for universities to disclose any partnerships, collaborations, or research agreements they have with foreign entities. This provision aims to prevent the exploitation of academic freedom and intellectual property by foreign actors, who may seek to use American universities as vehicles for technology transfer or research theft.
Building Upon Existing Legislation
The Disclose GIFTs Act builds upon Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, which currently requires institutions to report gifts from foreign sources that exceed $250,000 in a calendar year. However, this new legislation would expand the reporting requirements to include all faculty and staff, regardless of the amount of funding received, thereby closing potential loopholes and ensuring comprehensive transparency.
Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for non-compliance, including potential loss of federal funding for institutions that fail to adequately report foreign donations and partnerships. By implementing these consequences, the legislation aims to incentivize universities to prioritize transparency and accountability.
Gaining Support
The Disclose GIFTs Act has gained support from several members of Congress, who recognize the importance of protecting national security and ensuring transparency in higher education. Representative Susan Johnson (D-CA), a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized that “this legislation transcends party lines and speaks to the core values of our nation. By coming together to address foreign influence in higher education, we can protect our national interests and preserve the integrity of our educational institutions.”
Furthermore, the bill has received endorsements from national security experts and think tanks, who assert that increased transparency is crucial for safeguarding American interests and preventing undue foreign influence.
Conclusion
With the introduction of the Disclose GIFTs Act, Freshman Representative John James aims to enhance transparency in higher education by requiring faculty and staff to disclose any donations and partnerships they receive from foreign sources. By shining a light on these financial relationships, the legislation aims to protect national security, prevent undue foreign influence, and ensure the integrity of American educational institutions. As the bill gains support from members of Congress and experts, it represents a significant step towards a more transparent higher education system.
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