Contact Congress about H.R. 1048: DETERRENT Act

Colleges would have to report more foreign money, contracts, and some investments. Deals with high-risk foreign countries or groups would usually be banned unless the school gets a short waiver.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

DETERRENT Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Latest action on H.R. 1048: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects colleges and universities that receive foreign money, sign foreign contracts, run global research programs, or hold large investments tied to foreign countries or groups of concern. It also affects faculty and staff at large research schools who receive foreign gifts or contracts. Foreign donors, companies, governments, and partner groups could see more of their ties to U.S. schools reported. Students and families may see more public information about foreign funding, but some global programs or funding sources could change depending on how schools respond.

Why this matters: Foreign money in higher education can be hard for the public to see, and this bill would make much more of it visible. It aims to help the government spot foreign influence, security risks, and hidden financial ties. But the bill could also make international research, donations, scholarships, and school partnerships harder to manage. The final effect would depend on how schools, federal agencies, and courts apply the new rules.

Key provisions in H.R. 1048

• Colleges would have to report more foreign gifts and contracts. Reports must include details like names, purpose, dates, dollar amounts, conditions, and supporting records.
• Schools must report every gift from a foreign country or group of concern, no matter the amount. They must also report every contract with those parties if the contract gets a waiver.
• The Department of Education must create a public online database for these reports. People could search it, but some personal details would be hidden.
• Federal agencies would get the full reports within 30 days. That includes the FBI, intelligence agencies, and science agencies.
• Colleges usually could not sign contracts with foreign countries or groups of concern. A school could get a one-year waiver for one contract if it meets security and school-benefit tests.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 1048

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 1048

What is H.R. 1048?

Colleges would have to report more foreign money, contracts, and some investments. Deals with high-risk foreign countries or groups would usually be banned unless the school gets a short waiver.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 1048?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 1048?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 1048 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.