H.R.254 - American Science First Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.254, the American Science First Act, aims to prevent the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) from awarding grants or assistance to Chinese communist military companies and their affiliates. The bill specifically targets entities listed in Supplement No. 4 to part 744 of the Export Administration Regulations and companies identified under specific sections of the National Defense Authorization Acts. This restriction extends to parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates of these entities.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to limit collaboration between US researchers and certain Chinese entities deemed to be connected to the Chinese military. This could impact scientific research and development by restricting access to specific resources or partnerships. It may also lead to a shift in research focus and funding towards domestic or non-Chinese international collaborations.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthens national security by preventing US funding from supporting Chinese military advancements.
- Protects intellectual property and sensitive research from potential theft or misuse.
- Encourages investment in domestic research and development.
- Promotes ethical research practices by avoiding collaboration with entities involved in military activities.
- May foster greater transparency and accountability in research funding.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May hinder scientific progress by limiting access to potentially valuable research collaborations and data.
- Could create a chilling effect on international scientific cooperation, leading to isolation.
- May disproportionately affect researchers of Chinese descent or those with existing collaborations with Chinese institutions.
- Could be viewed as discriminatory or xenophobic, damaging the US's reputation as a welcoming place for international scholars.
- May lead to retaliatory measures from China, further restricting scientific exchange.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8). However, the bill could potentially infringe upon academic freedom, which some argue is protected under the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech. The restrictions must be narrowly tailored to address specific national security concerns to avoid overreach. The bill does not appear to violate any other specific constitutional provisions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).