House Passes DETERRENT Act, Ronny Jackson Celebrates

The House has passed the DETERRENT Act, a bill that eliminates foreign influence in American higher education institutions.

Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson (R), a leading advocate for the bill, announced the passage of the bill on social media, writing that “for years, hostile foreign actors have poured billions of dollars into our universities, using their financial leverage to shape curricula, fund academic programs, and push propaganda that fosters antisemitism and anti-American sentiment.”

“The House just passed the DETERRENT Act to end malign foreign influences in our universities,” he concluded.​

The DETERRENT Act seeks to address concerns about foreign entities having influence over U.S. educational content and research agendas because of their financial contributions. Through the implementation of stricter disclosure requirements and oversight mechanisms, the bill would ensure transparency and safeguard academic integrity from potential foreign manipulation.​

Specific details of the DETERRENT Act are yet to be released, but the initiative aligns with Rep. Jackson's ongoing efforts to protect American institutions from foreign interference.

Earlier this year, Rep. Jackson co-introduced the Foreign Adversary risk Management (FARM) Act, which targets foreign investments in the U.S. agricultural sector.

The DETERRENT Act has received bipartisan support, but some Democrats have vocally opposed it.

Virginia Rep. Bobby Scott (D), the ranking member of the House Education & Workforce Committee, argues that the bill would “impose burdensome and unnecessary penalties on institutions.” As well, he noted that the bill would seek to impose new responsibilities on the Department of Education after its staff was reduced by half.

“It’s almost as if you’re trying to dismantle the agency, but at the same time, recognize how critical its role is and are piling on additional duties,” Rep. Scott argued. “You can’t argue that the Department of Education is unnecessary and then hand it more work, expecting it to function without the staff, resources, or leadership it needs.”