A new bill introduced in the House of Representatives seeks to prohibit federal funding for intelligence programs at universities that maintain relationships with organizations tied to the Chinese Communist Party.

Background

The Espionage Protection Act, authored by Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, would amend the National Security Act of 1947 to prevent federal funding for grant programs, including Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence and undergraduate and graduate training.

According to Fallon, the goal is to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from benefiting from sensitive research conducted at these institutions. The congressman also expressed support for an outright ban on student visas for Chinese nationals, citing concerns about technology theft and data breaches.

Debate and Controversy

The issue has sparked debate within the GOP, with some members, including former Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, criticizing President Donald Trump’s stance on allowing Chinese students in U.S. schools. Trump has argued that banning Chinese students could damage relations between the two countries.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also taken a hardline stance on the issue, signing legislation to block colleges from hiring students from China and other ‘countries of concern’ in academic labs.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.