United States Research Protection Act

This bill tightens rules to protect U.S. research from risky foreign influence. It clarifies what counts as a “malign foreign talent recruitment” program under an existing law tied to the CHIPS and Science Act. The update makes clear the rules cover programs backed by certain foreign governments (like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia) and that offers of money or benefits can be direct or indirect. It also broadens the definition to cover any program, position, or activity, closing loopholes that could hide conflicts of interest or unauthorized sharing of research.

Key points

• Who is affected: Researchers who receive U.S. federal research funds.
• What changes: The definition of banned foreign recruitment programs is widened to include any program, position, or activity, and it explicitly covers indirect compensation or incentives.
• Which countries: Applies to programs tied to certain foreign countries of concern, including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
• Why it matters: Helps prevent conflicts of interest and unauthorized sharing of research with foreign governments.