H.R.4000 - To prohibit persons who are not citizens of the United States, except for those from the Five Eyes, from accessing or entering Department of Energy sites and facilities. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 4000 aims to restrict access to Department of Energy (DOE) sites and facilities to only U.S. citizens, with an exception for citizens of the "Five Eyes" countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom). The bill mandates the Secretary of Energy to revise regulations and procedures to implement this prohibition within 60 days of enactment. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 12, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would change the current access protocols for DOE facilities, potentially impacting international collaborations and scientific exchanges. It could also lead to increased security at these sites. The changes would require the Department of Energy to update its operational guidelines and security protocols.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced security at Department of Energy facilities.
- Potential reduction in the risk of espionage or intellectual property theft.
- Increased public confidence in the security of sensitive research and materials.
- Alignment with national security objectives.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disruption of international scientific collaborations.
- Possible delays in research projects due to limited access.
- Increased administrative burden for the Department of Energy.
- Possible negative impact on the U.S.'s reputation as a welcoming place for international scientists, outside of the Five Eyes countries.
- Potential for reciprocal restrictions from other countries.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While Congress has the power to regulate access to government facilities and protect national security, the bill could be challenged under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment if it is deemed to discriminate unfairly against non-citizens. The bill does provide an exception for citizens of "Five Eyes" countries, which may mitigate some concerns about discrimination, but the justification for this specific exception would need to be carefully considered. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States, which could be used to justify the bill's national security aims.
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).