Preventing Research Ownership Transfer to External Competitive Threats (PROTECT) Act of 2026

# PROTECT Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** The PROTECT Act aims to prevent the transfer of U.S. research and intellectual property to foreign entities that could pose competitive or national security threats. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, the bill's title suggests it would establish restrictions or oversight mechanisms to keep sensitive American research and technology development under domestic control. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact research institutions (universities and private labs), technology companies, and federal agencies involved in research funding and oversight.

It could also affect foreign researchers or companies seeking access to American research and potentially international collaborative research projects. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House of Representatives. As a recently introduced measure, it remains in the early stages of the legislative process and would require committee review, potential amendments, and floor votes before becoming law. **Note:** The available information is limited. For complete details on specific provisions and restrictions, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.