Senator Bill Cassidy, chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, delivered remarks on Mar. 12 during a committee hearing focused on the risks posed by foreign financial contributions to American universities.
The issue is significant because foreign influence can affect national security and the integrity of higher education institutions. The HELP Committee plays a central role in legislating on public health, education, workforce issues, and retirement programs with the goal of protecting health and supporting worker rights, according to the official website.
Cassidy said that while many international collaborations benefit students and global research efforts, not all foreign contributions are benign. "That priority is undermined when we allow foreign adversaries to exercise influence on our college campuses and threaten our national security," Cassidy said. He cited examples involving China’s Thousand Talents Plan and undisclosed partnerships with American universities as evidence of attempts to access sensitive research and technology.
He also referenced recent campus unrest following antisemitic attacks in October and highlighted concerns about radical ideologies being promoted under the guise of free speech. "Let me say that again—on American college campuses, we heard 'death to America.' That’s not free speech. Those are threats," Cassidy said.
Cassidy called for greater transparency through legislation such as the DETERRENT Act to close loopholes in reporting requirements for foreign gifts to universities. He noted that $9.7 billion in foreign gifts and contracts were reported last year but warned that actual figures could be higher due to lack of accountability. "Passing the DETERRENT Act is the next step. Let’s close reporting loopholes, increase accountability, and provide transparency to Congress, intelligence agencies, and the public," he said.
The HELP Committee influences federal regulations affecting health and education across the United States according to its official website. It also provides oversight of federal laws and agencies in health and labor sectors—including agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH)—serving as a key body for policy decisions as reported by its official website.
Looking ahead, Cassidy emphasized that federal action is needed beyond state-level efforts already enacted in Louisiana, Florida, Indiana, and Alabama: "But as I said before this is a national security concern. It requires federal legislation."
