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Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) introduced H.R. 4734, the American Science First Act, legislation that prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from providing grants to any individual or entity that is affiliated or has a relationship with a Chinese Communist Military Company.

“For far too long, our intelligence community has warned us about the harm posed by China’s theft of American research and intellectual property," said Rep. Allen. "In order for the U.S. to retain our competitive edge on the world stage, Congress must close current loopholes that China could exploit to gain access to research funding. The American Science First Act will ensure the National Science Foundation prioritizes American research by prohibiting grants to companies, universities and research programs that appear to be civilian entities, but in reality work to advance technologies and expertise used by the Chinese military."

Full bill text is available here.

Background:
In Fiscal Year 2021, the NSF received $8.5 billion in annual funding. In accordance with the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, the Department of Defense has released the names of “Chinese military companies” operating directly or indirectly in the United States.

Congressman Allen’s bill is included in the Republican Study Committee’s Countering Communist China Act, the most comprehensive legislative effort in Congress this year to combat the threat posed by China.