Protecting American Research and Talent Act

This bill would block federal money from going to colleges and universities for basic research if that work is done together with a “covered entity.” There can be case-by-case exceptions only if the agency says it’s in the national security interest and the school meets strict enrollment limits on international students and students from certain “foreign countries of concern” . People from persecuted groups in those countries do not count toward the caps; the Secretary of State must publish which groups qualify in each country.

If an exception is used, the agency must tell Congress within 30 days. Agencies also have to send yearly reports that list schools applying for waivers and explain any approved partnerships, including what technology is involved, how long the work lasts, and any intellectual property terms. The bill defines key terms, including “fundamental research” (using a long-standing federal definition) and “foreign country of concern” (as defined in federal law).

• Who is affected: Colleges and universities seeking federal research funds; federal science agencies; researchers working with covered entities.
• What changes: No federal grants or contracts for basic research done with a covered entity, unless a narrow, national-security exception applies and the school meets enrollment limits; persecuted groups are excluded from the caps; added notice and annual reporting to Congress with detailed waiver info .
• When: Agencies must notify Congress within 30 days after using an exception; annual compliance reports are required every year.