American Science First Act
American Science First Act
Plain Language Summary
# American Science First Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The American Science First Act would prevent the National Science Foundation (NSF)—a major federal agency that funds scientific research—from giving grants or financial support to foreign individuals and organizations that have connections to entities considered security risks. Specifically, it targets groups affiliated with companies on the U.S. government's export control list (which tracks foreign entities restricted from receiving certain U.S. technology) and Chinese military companies operating in the U.S. The ban would also apply to parent companies, subsidiaries, and other related organizations of these restricted entities. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily impact international researchers and foreign organizations that collaborate with U.S.
institutions receiving NSF funding. It could affect universities and research centers worldwide that partner with American scientists, particularly those in China or other countries with export restrictions. U.S. researchers who work with international collaborators could also be indirectly affected if their foreign partners are deemed ineligible. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Rick W. Allen (R-GA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
American Science First Act This bill prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from providing grants or other forms of assistance to certain foreign individuals and entities. Specifically, the NSF may not support any individual or entity that is affiliated or otherwise has a relationship, including but not limited to a research partnership, joint venture, or contract, with an entity included on the entity list under the Export Administration Regulations, which identifies foreign entities subject to license requirements for the export, reexport, or transfer of certain items; a Chinese military company operating in the United States or any of its territories or possessions on the list required under the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999, or required under the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, or any successor list; or any parent, subsidiary, affiliate of, or entity owned by or controlled by any such entity.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.