A Republican bill with 6 Republican cosponsors · See all 6 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
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
The GATE Act of 2025 aims to prohibit National Laboratories from admitting certain foreign nationals. This prohibition applies to citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Cuba. The restriction covers both visitors and assignees seeking access to premises, information, or technology. However, the Secretary of Energy may issue a waiver if certain benefits outweigh the national security and economic risks.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +5
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill aims to protect national laboratory technology from foreign exploitation.
- Scored +5
Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer?
The bill helps secure intellectual property by restricting access to foreign nationals from specific countries.
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands federal control over access to national laboratories through the Secretary of Energy.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The bill imposes significant restrictions on certain foreign nationals seeking access to U.S. institutions.
- Scored -3
Would students be better off under this?
The bill may limit international student and researcher opportunities from specific countries.
- Scored -2
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The restrictions may hinder international scientific cooperation and researcher access.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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National Security and Economic Protection: The bill seeks to prevent certain foreign nationals from accessing National Laboratory premises, information, or technology, which is intended to mitigate national security and economic risks. (Section 2(a)(2) and Section 2(b)(2))
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Controlled Exceptions: The bill allows for a waiver process where the Secretary of Energy can approve access if the benefits to the United States outweigh the risks, providing a mechanism for necessary scientific or economic engagement. (Section 2(b)(2))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Specific Foreign Nationals: Individuals from the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Cuba are prohibited from being admitted as visitors or assignees to National Laboratories. (Section 2(b)(1))
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Exclusion of Permanent Residents from certain protections: While the bill excludes those lawfully admitted for permanent residence from the definition of a "covered foreign national," the primary prohibition still targets many foreign nationals regardless of their specific status beyond those specific exclusions. (Section 2(a)(2)(B))
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill imposes significant restrictions on certain foreign nationals seeking access to U.S. institutions. Would students be better off under this? — The bill may limit international student and researcher opportunities from specific countries.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal control over access to national laboratories through the Secretary of Energy. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires notification to Congress regarding waivers issued by the Secretary of Energy.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill aims to protect national laboratory technology from foreign exploitation.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer? — The bill helps secure intellectual property by restricting access to foreign nationals from specific countries. Does this put more money into scientific research? — The restrictions may hinder international scientific cooperation and researcher access.
- 9/11/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/11/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- 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.
John BarrassoRepublican · Wyoming
Susan CollinsRepublican · Maine
James LankfordRepublican · Oklahoma
Mike LeeRepublican · Utah
James RischRepublican · Idaho
Rick ScottRepublican · Florida