APLU Statement on Introduction of the Securing American Science and Technology Act of 2019

Washington, DC – Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Peter McPherson today released the following statement upon the introduction of the bipartisan Securing American Science and Technology Act of 2019 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“APLU applauds Representatives Sherrill, Gonzalez, Langevin, Stefanik, Johnson, and Lucas for introducing legislation that aims to better coordinate the federal government’s efforts to safeguard federally funded research from foreign influence, attacks, and theft. The United States’ research enterprise is one of our nation’s greatest assets, which is exactly why foreign governments and individuals seek to attack and unduly influence it. Our nation’s research universities play a leading role in conducting this cutting-edge research on behalf of the American people.

“As schools work to better safeguard their research, this bill would help direct needed coordination between federal science and security offices and universities while also taking steps to protect the open exchange of ideas and spirit of collaboration that is required for successful research.”