A bill to amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to prohibit certain institutions of higher education from receiving research and development awards, and for other purposes.
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (28 Apr 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
S. 4424 would amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to bar certain colleges and universities from receiving federal research and development awards for five years if they have accepted funding from specified foreign governments—or entities tied to those governments—to carry out research on national security- or military-related topics such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or quantum information science. The listed foreign governments include those of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Turkey, and Qatar, with authority for the Secretary of State to add other countries. "Foreign source" is defined broadly to include foreign government entities, businesses with at least 25% government ownership, and affiliated organizations such as foundations or cultural institutes.
The bill would primarily affect U.S. institutions of higher education that receive foreign government funding for sensitive research, potentially limiting their eligibility for future federal R&D grants and contracts. It could also affect federal agencies that award such research funding, who would need to screen institutions' foreign funding sources before making awards.
The bill was introduced by Senator Rick Scott on April 28, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. As an introduced bill, it has not yet received committee action, a vote, or further consideration, and would need to pass both the Senate and House and be signed into law before taking effect.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
28 Apr 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does S. 4424 do?
- S. 4424 would amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to bar certain colleges and universities from receiving federal research and development awards for five years if they have accepted funding from specified foreign governments—or entities tied to those governments—to carry out research on national security- or military-related topics such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or quantum information science. The listed foreign governments include those of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Turkey, and Qatar, with authority for the Secretary of State to add other countries. "Foreign source" is defined broadly to include foreign government entities, businesses with at least 25% government ownership, and affiliated organizations such as foundations or cultural institutes. The bill would primarily affect U.S. institutions of higher education that receive foreign government funding for sensitive research, potentially limiting their eligibility for future federal R&D grants and contracts. It could also affect federal agencies that award such research funding, who would need to screen institutions' foreign funding sources before making awards. The bill was introduced by Senator Rick Scott on April 28, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. As an introduced bill, it has not yet received committee action, a vote, or further consideration, and would need to pass both the Senate and House and be signed into law before taking effect.
- Has S. 4424 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 4424. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 4424?
- S. 4424 was sponsored by Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL] (R-FL), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4424?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (28 Apr 2026).
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