Indiana senator introduces bill to force universities to disclose all gifts from foreign adversaries

Republican Indiana Sen. Jim Banks on Tuesday introduced legislation that would force colleges and universities to publicly disclose gifts they are given by foreign adversaries.

Banks previously introduced the "Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act" in the House as a lawmaker during the 118th Congress, which was supported by Vice President JD Vance in the Senate. 

The legislation requires higher education institutes to disclose all gifts they are given by U.S. rivals, regardless of the amount of money the gift or contract is worth. Colleges are already required to report gifts above $250,000.

"Americans deserve to know if universities are accepting money from our enemies like China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea," Banks said in a statement. "This bill delivers that transparency and stops hostile nations from hiding their influence on our campuses."

The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Josh Hawley of Missouri. Indiana GOP Rep. Erin Houchin is introducing the companion bill in the House.

The bill comes after China reportedly donated more than $175 million to American universities last year.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.