Bills · S 418
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 418Military procurement, research, weapons developmentResearch administration and funding
Defending Defense Research from Chinese Communist Party Espionage Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 5· LAST ACTION FEB 5
READING
11MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it addresses national security concerns related to foreign espionage and the protection of sensitive U.S. defense research. If passed, it would tighten the rules on how American universities involved in defense work can collaborate with certain foreign governments or entities, aiming to prevent the theft of intellectual property or transfer of critical technology to potential adversaries.
Without this bill, critics argue that current collaborations could inadvertently expose valuable research to foreign powers. While aiming to bolster national security, the bill also raises questions about academic freedom and international scientific collaboration. It could limit partnerships that some believe are vital for global knowledge exchange and scientific advancement, highlighting a balancing act between protecting national interests and fostering an open academic environment.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Prohibits universities receiving Department of Defense funds from entering contracts with "covered nations" or "foreign entities of concern" starting January 1, 2027.
This is the core restriction designed to prevent foreign adversaries from influencing or accessing sensitive defense research at U.S. universities.
PROVISION 02
Establishes a waiver process allowing the Secretary of Defense to approve one-year exceptions for new contracts if they benefit the university and promote U.S. national security.
Provides a mechanism for flexibility, recognizing that some foreign collaborations might still be beneficial under strict oversight, while still ensuring national security is prioritized.
PROVISION 03
Requires universities with existing contracts with prohibited foreign entities (before Jan 1, 2026) to obtain temporary waivers by Jan 1, 2026, allowing them to continue until Jan 1, 2028, or contract termination.
Addresses ongoing relationships and provides a transition period for universities to adjust or terminate existing agreements without immediate disruption.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that the Secretary of Defense consult with the Secretary of Education and notify Congress before issuing any waivers.
Ensures inter-agency coordination and congressional oversight in decisions that balance academic collaboration with national security concerns.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Indiana
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
99
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 5
Introduced in Senate
FEB 5
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 418
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 5, 2025
Last actionFeb 5, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 5, 2025
Senate BillS 418Military procurement, research, weapons developmentResearch administration and funding
Defending Defense Research from Chinese Communist Party Espionage Act of 2025
INTRODUCED FEB 5, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 5, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
11 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
