Rep. Webster Introduces Legislation to Protect American Research from Foreign Influence

Washington, D.C. — Today, Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, introduced the Research Integrity and Foreign Influence Prevention Act, legislation that amends the CHIPS and Science Act to safeguard America’s research institutions from foreign influence and exploitation. “American leadership and innovation must not come at the price of our national security,” said Rep. Webster . “For too long, foreign adversaries have exploited loopholes to infiltrate American academic and research institutions to advance their own agendas. This bill ensures that special administrative regions, like Hong Kong and Macau, or any other territory that the United States recognizes as being under the control of foreign countries of concern, are held accountable.” Background : Foreign countries of concern like the Chinese Communist Party have utilized Special Administrative Regions, like Hong Kong and Macau, to infiltrate and exploit American universities and research institutions. The Research Integrity and Foreign Influence Prevention Act would close this loophole by ensuring that territories under the control and influence of countries of concern are treated no differently than their governing regimes as it relates to safeguarding American research. ###