H.R.3744 - Research Integrity and Foreign Influence Prevention Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3744, the Research Integrity and Foreign Influence Prevention Act, aims to amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act. The amendment clarifies the definition of "foreign country" concerning malign foreign talent recruitment, specifically including special administrative regions or territories under the control of a covered foreign country of concern, starting January 1, 2026. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 5, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to broaden the scope of restrictions on foreign talent recruitment programs. This would likely impact research institutions and individuals involved in international collaborations. It aims to prevent the transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology to countries considered a threat to U.S. interests.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthened national security by reducing the risk of intellectual property theft.
- Enhanced research integrity by limiting foreign influence in U.S. research institutions.
- Increased transparency in international research collaborations.
- Protection of U.S. taxpayer-funded research from exploitation by foreign entities.
- Potential for increased public trust in the integrity of scientific research.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for hindering international collaboration in scientific research.
- Possible chilling effect on foreign researchers and students seeking to study or work in the U.S.
- Increased administrative burden for research institutions to comply with the expanded definition.
- Risk of unintended discrimination against researchers from specific regions.
- Potential for retaliatory measures from foreign countries, impacting U.S. researchers abroad.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on national security and protecting U.S. interests aligns with the Constitution's broad mandate to "provide for the common defence." Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights, assuming due process is followed in its implementation.
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).