Rick Scott (R-FL)
A bill to amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to require each institution of higher education to certify as part of an application for a research and development award that such institution does not operate certain branch campuses, and for other purposes.
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes an amendment to the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act. It would require institutions of higher education to provide a specific certification when applying for federal research and development awards. This certification must state that the institution does not operate any branch campuses in specific foreign countries. The bill lists several specific nations and allows the Secretary of State to designate others. It also provides a specific definition for what constitutes a branch campus.
Yes
- Scored +4
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands federal oversight by requiring specific certifications and granting the Secretary of State authority to designate additional countries.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill enhances research security protocols to protect sensitive information during the federal award process.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill creates new compliance burdens and potential restrictions on institutions seeking federal research and development awards.
- Scored -2
Would students be better off under this?
The restriction on international branch campuses may limit global educational opportunities and institutional diversity for students.
- Scored -2
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill imposes restrictions on academic cooperation with specific foreign nations, which could strain diplomatic relations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Research Security: The bill introduces a research security requirement for institutions of higher education (Section 1, subsection a).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Research Funding: Institutions of higher education must certify they do not operate branch campuses in specific countries, such as the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, or the Islamic Republic of Iran, to receive a research and development award (Section 1, subsection a, parts 1-9).
-
Compliance Requirements: Institutions of higher education would be required to include a certification in their application for a research and development award (Section 1, subsection a).
-
Expanded Restrictions: The Secretary of State has the authority to determine other countries that would fall under this requirement (Section 1, subsection a, part 9).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal oversight by requiring specific certifications and granting the Secretary of State authority to designate additional countries.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill creates new compliance burdens and potential restrictions on institutions seeking federal research and development awards.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — The restriction on international branch campuses may limit global educational opportunities and institutional diversity for students.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill enhances research security protocols to protect sensitive information during the federal award process. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill imposes restrictions on academic cooperation with specific foreign nations, which could strain diplomatic relations.
- 4/28/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.