H.R. 1048: DETERRENT Act

The Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions Act, or DETERRENT Act, would expand what colleges and universities must disclose about foreign money. Schools would report to the Department of Education every year they receive a gift of any size from a foreign country of concern, such as China or Russia, or a foreign entity of concern. They would also report gifts or contracts from other foreign sources worth $50,000 or more, down from the current $250,000 threshold, and gifts of undetermined value.

H.R. 1048 would also bar schools from contracting with a foreign country or entity of concern without a waiver. Certain schools would have to disclose gifts and contracts between researchers and other covered individuals and foreign sources, and private schools with specified assets or investments would file annual investment reports. The Department of Education would investigate possible violations, and penalties could include losing eligibility for federal student financial aid.