U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-Fla.) has introduced the Grant Recipient Accountability for Necessary Transparency (GRANT) Act, a bill aimed at increasing transparency in taxpayer-funded research grants. The legislation mandates the disclosure of foreign support from countries such as China and Russia. Posey expressed his concerns about the lack of reporting when American universities receive foreign-backed support in a press release.
According to his Congressional biography, Posey represents Florida's 8th Congressional District. He was first elected in 2008 and is currently serving his seventh term. His roles include serving on the Financial Services Committee and its two subcommittees: the Consumer Protection & Financial Institutions and Housing Subcommittee, and the Community Development & Insurance Subcommittee. Additionally, Posey serves on the Committee on Science, Space and Technology and its subcommittee on Space & Aeronautics.
A press release from Posey's office outlined that the GRANT Act would necessitate revealing foreign investors involved in federal taxpayer grants. Posey stated that the aim is to ensure greater accountability and awareness for taxpayers. "It’s common for foreign researchers from countries like China to join a taxpayer funded research project after the grant was applied for and awarded, allowing foreign researchers to influence or take taxpayer funded research back to their home countries without proper oversight," said Posey. "This bill allows for more accountability of taxpayer dollars and the research it’s used to fund."
Posey referred to a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspector general's memo in his press release, which highlighted concerns about EPA research grant recipients failing to report foreign support post-award. Federal law enforcement agencies have started investigating unreported foreign gifts potentially linked to federally funded awards. Investigations revealed that six universities received $1.3 billion from foreign sources, including China, Qatar, and Russia.
