Bill Overview
Title: Halting Academic Liaisons To Our Adversaries Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to identify academic institutions of China, Russia, and other countries that are known to provide support to China's People's Liberation Army or Russia's armed forces. Further, the bill prohibits an institution of higher education from receiving federal funds if it maintains a contract or other agreement with such an academic institution identified by DOD.
Sponsors: Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
Target Audience
Population: People in academic institutions affected by funding changes due to foreign collaborations
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The bill targets academic institutions that have ties with certain foreign adversaries, specifically China and Russia.
- Universities and colleges in the United States that receive federal funding and have agreements with the targeted foreign institutions will be directly impacted, as they may lose their funding.
- Students and academic staff at these U.S. institutions could be affected by the potential loss of federal funds, impacting their research opportunities and educational resources.
- Foreign students from China and Russia attending U.S. institutions might also face indirect consequences if collaborations are withdrawn.
- It could potentially alter academic collaborations in fields like research and development, impacting scholars and scientists globally.
Reasoning
- This policy primarily affects academic institutions engaged in collaborations with entities in China and Russia, which are deemed as adversaries by the policy. Universities that heavily depend on such collaborations and federal funding might face financial strains, which will trickle down to affect students and staff.
- Departments and research programs, especially in STEM fields, with joint projects alongside institutions in China or Russia, or those receiving funds from them, might have to halt such projects.
- Given that the policy only impacts institutions with specific foreign ties, most American universities may not be directly affected, but notable research universities with extensive global networks might see significant repercussions.
- The $30M budget constraint in year 1 and $247M over 10 years suggests a limited scope in financial impact beyond immediate federal allocations and potential legal or restructuring costs.
- The potential indirect impact includes reduced international exposure for US scholars and restricted access to certain research developments, which could diminish collaborative innovations.
Simulated Interviews
University Professor (Boston, MA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about how this policy will affect our international collaborations. We rely on our partners for access to unique technology and knowledge.
- This could inevitably hurt our research output and our students' exposure to global studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 8 |
Graduate Student (Houston, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy complicates my study plans significantly. I was looking forward to working on a project with Russian scholars.
- Losing federal funds could mean cutting down on scholarships and, therefore, fewer students can afford their studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 7 |
Research Scientist (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our projects are crucial for understanding and combating climate change. This policy severely restricts our ability to conduct important research globally.
- I fear this disrupts not just funding, but critical scientific exchanges and ideas too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 9 |
University Administrator (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The direct impact of this policy might be minimal for us, but it sets a worrying precedent for international academic collaboration.
- Our students benefit immensely from exchange programs with diverse institutions. Altering these ahead could prove challenging.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 8 |
Postdoctoral Researcher (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm disappointed as this policy jeopardizes my upcoming project. It was an important professional milestone for me.
- It may also hamper our department's capacity to attract future overseas collaborative opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 2 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 6 |
Retired Professor (Ann Arbor, MI)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- In my years of academic work, international linkage has been invaluable. Policies like this erode decades of collaborative trust.
- While it may not directly affect my current lifestyle, it changes the landscape for future academics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 7 |
Data Analyst in Education Sector (New York, NY)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The data might show declining international students or faculty collaborations, impacting diversity and cultural exchanges.
- On a personal level, I reckon the implications for domestic education markets might unveil intriguing patterns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Undergraduate Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm genuinely excited about my exchange program. If this policy causes its termination, it would be quite disappointing.
- There's a lot to learn by experiencing different cultures and educational environments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 8 |
University Librarian (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 59 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our library subscriptions to foreign journals might face cuts as a result of funding changes.
- Maintaining a comprehensive collection depends on eased access to international academia.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 6 |
Program Coordinator for International Relations (Chicago, IL)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our partnerships have enriched our students and faculty tremendously. Halting them could dull our academic prowess.
- This policy might be a critical setback for current and future projects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $40000000)
Year 2: $28000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $38000000)
Year 3: $26000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $36000000)
Year 5: $24000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $34000000)
Year 10: $22000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $32000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- Determining the exact number of institutions affected is challenging due to varying types and levels of international academic agreements.
- Legal battles could arise about the impact on academic freedom.
- Potential backlash from academic institutions could involve lobbying against the policy.
- Evaluation of cost-containment versus the potential compromise in academic international competitiveness.