Michael Baumgartner (R-WA)

DETERRENT Act

H.R. 1048 · House bill Education

A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 21 cosponsors

Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

In the other chamber's committee

Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.

The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. Passed House 241–169
  3. In Senate committee

What this bill would do

This bill, known as the DETERRENT Act, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase transparency regarding foreign financial ties to educational institutions. It strengthens disclosure requirements for foreign gifts and contracts received by these institutions. Additionally, it prohibits institutions from entering into contracts with certain foreign countries and entities of concern unless a waiver is granted. The act also mandates that institutions maintain policies and databases for disclosing gifts and contracts received by faculty and staff. Furthermore, it requires specified institutions to disclose investments of concern. Finally, it establishes enforcement mechanisms, including civil actions and significant fines for non-compliance.

Yes

  • Scored +7

    Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?

    The act mandates the creation of a searchable public database for foreign gifts and contracts.

  • Scored +5

    Does this give the federal government more power?

    The bill expands federal oversight and enforcement capabilities regarding higher education financial disclosures.

  • Scored +3

    Would students be better off under this?

    The bill potentially protects students by increasing transparency regarding foreign influence on their educational institutions.

The opposite

  • Scored -3

    Does this protect people from being watched or searched?

    The bill contains provisions that reduce privacy protections for disclosure reports.

  • Scored -2

    Does this put more money into scientific research?

    The bill imposes new disclosure requirements and potential financial penalties that may burden research institutions.

What Congress actually voted on

One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.

  • The House: the vote on whether to pass the bill This is the real decision in this chamber. Passing here sends the bill to the other chamber, which must pass it too before it can go to the President. Passed 241 yes · 169 no

    See who voted how →

    03/27/2025 · Roll call 83 · recorded as “On Passage”