S. 4424

116 S4424 IS: To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to prohibit certain institutions of higher education from receiving research and development awards, and for other purposes.
 U.S. Senate
 2026-04-28
 text/xml
 EN
 Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
 II  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  S. 4424  IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES   April 28, 2026   Mr. Scott of Florida  introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the  Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation    A BILL
To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to prohibit certain institutions of higher education from receiving research and development awards, and for other purposes.
1.
Prohibition on research and development awards for certain institutions of higher education
(a)
In general
Subtitle B of title II of division A of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) is amended by inserting after section 223 ( 42 U.S.C. 6605 ) the following new section:
223A.
Prohibition on research and development awards for certain institutions of higher education
(a)
In general
If an institution of higher education receives from a foreign source funds to carry out a specified task, such institution may not, for a period of 5 years after such receipt, be awarded a research and development award.
(b)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Artificial intelligence
The term  artificial intelligence  has the meaning given such term in section 5002.
(2)
Biotechnology
The term  biotechnology  means the application of science and engineering in the direct or indirect utilization of living organisms or parts or products of such organisms, including modified forms of such organisms, parts, or products, as the case may be.
(3)
Foreign source
The term  foreign source  means any of the following entities:
(A)
A specified foreign government.
(B)
An entity established under the laws of such government.
(C)
An entity in which such government holds ownership interest of not less than 25 percent.
(D)
An agent of any of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C), including any of the following:
(i)
A subsidiary of such an entity.
(ii)
A person that operates primarily for the benefit of, or under the auspices of, such an entity, such as a foundation of such entity, or an educational, cultural, or language entity.
(4)
Institution of higher education
The term  institution of higher education  has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001(a) ).
(5)
Quantum information science
The term  quantum information science  has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the National Quantum Initiative Act ( 15 U.S.C. 8801 ).
(6)
Research and development award
The term  research and development award  has the meaning given such term in section 223.
(7)
Specified foreign government
The term  specified foreign government  means the government of any of the following countries:
(A)
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
(B)
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
(C)
The Islamic Republic of Iran.
(D)
The People’s Republic of China.
(E)
The Republic of Cuba.
(F)
The Republic of Turkey.
(G)
The Russian Federation.
(H)
The State of Qatar.
(I)
Any other country the Secretary of State determines appropriate.
(8)
Specified task
The term  specified task  means research and development relating to a national security or military application, including relating to any of the following:
(A)
Artificial intelligence.
(B)
Biotechnology.
(C)
Quantum information science.
 .
(b)
Clerical amendments
The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) is amended in the table of contents in section 2(b) and in title II of division A by inserting after the items relating to section 223 the following new items:
Sec. 223A. Prohibition on research and development awards for certain institutions of higher education.
  .