American Science First Act

HR 254, the American Science First Act, prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from providing grants or funding to any entity affiliated with Chinese military-linked companies listed in U.S. government sanctions. It directly affects Chinese entities on specific federal lists, including those tied to military ownership or control, as defined by Export Administration Regulations and prior defense authorization acts. The bill’s key mechanism blocks NSF funding for research partnerships, joint ventures, or contracts involving these listed companies or their affiliates. This policy change restricts federal science funding access for targeted Chinese military-connected entities without altering broader NSF grant eligibility.