The document summarizes a federal legislative and congressional update provided during the June 11, 2020 COGR meeting, focusing on the impact of COVID-19 on research activities and ongoing concerns regarding science and security in higher education institutions. Key discussion topics included the anticipated "Phase Four" COVID-19 relief legislative package, the National Defense Authorization Act, FY21 appropriations, and broader issues such as student aid, institutional liability, and infrastructure. The pandemic severely disrupted research operations, halting on-site activities, delaying experiments, graduate training, and degree completion, restricting access to essential materials and sites, and curbing collaboration opportunities through cancelled conferences and limited travel. In response, recommendations were made to federal agencies for extended regulatory flexibility, supplemental appropriations—requesting at least $26 billion to major research agencies—to cover salary support, research ramp-up costs, and continued fellowships.
The update also addressed heightened federal scrutiny over foreign influence and security threats in academic research. Institutions responded by enhancing disclosure policies, improving campus-wide communication on security risks, strengthening training and collaborations with federal security agencies, and updating procedures around conflict of interest, intellectual property protection, and review of foreign gifts, contracts, and travel. Legislative proposals and agency activity have intensified reporting requirements and sought to limit participation in sensitive research and foreign talent programs, particularly in response to concerns about Chinese influence. Coordination between universities, federal agencies, and Congress is ongoing, with efforts to streamline guidance, standardize policies, and foster best practices. The document concludes with an emphasis on continued institutional advocacy, inter-institutional coordination, and the need for balanced approaches to research security that preserve the integrity of U.S. science and international collaboration.
