DETERRENT Act

The DETERRENT Act would expand federal oversight of foreign funding at colleges and universities. Under current law, institutions must report foreign gifts and contracts valued at $250,000 or more. This bill would lower that threshold to $50,000 for most foreign sources, while requiring disclosure of any gift from designated countries of concern like China or Russia regardless of amount. Colleges would also need to report if they are substantially controlled by foreign sources or if individual researchers receive gifts or contracts from foreign entities.

The bill would prohibit colleges from entering into contracts with foreign countries of concern or designated foreign entities without obtaining a waiver from the Department of Education. If enacted, the Department would investigate violations and could impose penalties, including loss of eligibility for federal student financial aid programs. The practical effect would be increased transparency about international academic partnerships and funding, though it could also affect research collaborations and international student recruitment at affected institutions.

The bill was introduced in the Senate on April 3, 2025, and is currently under committee consideration. It has not yet been voted on by the full chamber.