The DETERRENT Act, aimed at curbing foreign influence in U.S. universities, passed the House amidst contention among Orange County lawmakers. The legislation mandates universities to disclose foreign gifts and contracts exceeding $50,000. Rep. Derek Tran supported the bill, emphasizing national security and the safeguarding of innovations in academia. In contrast, several fellow Democrats voiced concerns over potential bureaucracy and implications for donor privacy. These differing perspectives highlight the complexities of foreign relations, particularly concerning China, within educational sectors and legislative discussions.
Only one Orange County Democrat, Rep. Derek Tran, joined Republicans in voting for the legislation, called the DETERRENT Act, while Reps. Lou Correa, Mike Levin, Dave Min and Linda Sanchez all voted against it.
Tran, D-Orange, called the bill a necessary step to ensure national security. He said that institutions of higher learning keep American companies ahead of their global competitors and ensure that our national security apparatus is second to none.
Standing up to China was a key platform in the freshman Democrat's congressional campaign, where he pledged to advocate for measures that counter Chinese aggression and expansionism while protecting American interests.
Min, also a freshman Democrat, said he had concerns that the bill would create extra red tape for universities and potentially invade the privacy of people who want to support them.
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