United States Research Protection Act of 2025

# United States Research Protection Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill clarifies rules about which foreign countries' talent recruitment programs are considered "malign" (harmful) under existing U.S. research funding law. Specifically, it names China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia as "foreign countries of concern" and states that researchers receiving federal funding cannot participate in these countries' programs that offer money or incentives in exchange for research activities that create conflicts of interest or involve unauthorized sharing of proprietary information (like trade secrets). **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The bill primarily affects researchers and scientists who receive federal research funding, as well as research institutions that employ them. It also impacts universities and research organizations that must ensure compliance.

The key change is explicitly identifying which countries' programs are restricted and clarifying that both direct payments and indirect incentives (gifts, promises of future benefits, etc.) are covered. This builds on restrictions already included in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act but makes the rules more specific and enforceable. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee (S 769 in the Senate) and has not yet been voted on or passed. It was introduced by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).