APLU Statement on FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report

Washington, DC – Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Peter McPherson today released the following statement on the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act conference report.

“APLU appreciates how the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act conference bill and report address congressional concerns involving national security issues related to international talent recruitment programs and other possible risks associated with international academic exchanges. U.S. public universities conduct the majority of university-based research for the federal government. As such, along with the federal government, our country’s public research universities share a responsibility to ensure that the results of research and other proprietary and sensitive information emanating from these universities is appropriately secured and protected from theft by foreign governments or others.

“Specifically, we are grateful to the conferees for the language in Section 1286, which calls for the Department of Defense to establish an initiative to work with universities that perform defense and engineering research. This initiative would help protect intellectual property, controlled information, and other information and technology relevant to national security. Additionally, it would curb undue influence from foreign countries which seek to exploit U.S. technologies, and it would support development of domestic talent in key science and engineering fields.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Congress, the Department of Defense, and other national security agencies to ensure a safe and secure America that remains the global economic and scientific leader.”