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Congressman Mark Harris of North Carolina’s 8th district introduced groundbreaking legislation Tuesday aimed at increasing transparency in American higher education. The “No Contracts for Foreign Adversaries Act” would require colleges and universities to report any agreements with nations considered U.S. adversaries to the Department of Education.

The legislation specifically targets relationships with China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, addressing growing concerns about foreign influence in American academic institutions. Under the proposed bill, educational institutions receiving federal funding would need to maintain complete transparency regarding their international partnerships.

The consequences for intentionally failing to comply with these requirements could be severe, including substantial fines and a two-year suspension from Title IV program participation.

“For too long, universities and colleges have had free rein to spend federal dollars without oversight,” Harris stated. “But American taxpayers demand transparency.”

The initiative has garnered support from key educational leaders, including Representative Burgess Owens, who chairs the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development. Owens has emphasized the importance of protecting American students from potentially harmful foreign influences.

The legislation particularly aims to address the Chinese Communist Party’s growing presence in U.S. higher education. Recent years have seen American universities accepting foreign funding without adequate oversight, raising red flags about potential conflicts of interest and compromised academic integrity.

This proposed act represents a significant step toward safeguarding American higher education from external influences. As universities receive billions in taxpayer funding, the bill seeks to ensure these institutions prioritize national interests over foreign agendas.

The timing of this legislation reflects mounting congressional concern about foreign involvement in American institutions. As global tensions continue to evolve, similar legislative measures may emerge to protect national interests and maintain transparency in institutional relationships abroad.

This bill underscores the ongoing need to carefully examine and monitor international partnerships within our educational system. By implementing these oversight measures, the legislation aims to preserve academic institutions as independent centers of learning, free from external manipulation or control.

The broader implications of the “No Contracts for Foreign Adversaries Act” extend beyond immediate transparency requirements, potentially reshaping how American universities approach international collaborations. This legislative effort demonstrates Congress’s commitment to maintaining the independence and integrity of American higher education in an increasingly complex global landscape.