House passes legislation to keep foreign influence out of higher education

The Republican-led House on Thursday passed legislation to limit foreign influence in U.S. universities and colleges.

The DETERRENT Act passed in a 241 to 169 vote.

The legislation mandates that schools have to report foreign gifts that are at $50,000 or more to the Department of Education. 

The legislation bans donations from China and Russia.

“The lack of transparency around foreign relationships with our nation’s universities should concern every American as we see stolen research, antisemitic propaganda, and academic censorship," Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg said in a statement after the bill passed.

"This is a major win for transparency, accountability, and protecting students from foreign adversaries attempting to influence U.S. universities," Washington GOP Rep. Michael Baumgartner said after the bill was passed.