At a time when foreign influence operations are growing more sophisticated and more aggressive, the United States faces a simple but urgent question: should America’s universities answer to transparency, or continue operating within dangerous blind spots that authoritarian regimes can exploit?

The DETERRENT Act offers a definitive answer, and the growing coalition supporting it reflects a rare moment of unity and determination in America.

I applaud @POTUS for signing an executive order underscoring the importance of the DETERRENT Act! It’s time for universities to step up—adopt transparency, oversight, and foreign funding disclosures NOW to safeguard academic integrity from foreign influence in our universities! — Congressman Michael Baumgartner (@RepBaumgartner) April 23, 2025

I applaud @POTUS for signing an executive order underscoring the importance of the DETERRENT Act! It’s time for universities to step up—adopt transparency, oversight, and foreign funding disclosures NOW to safeguard academic integrity from foreign influence in our universities!

— Congressman Michael Baumgartner (@RepBaumgartner) April 23, 2025

In a powerful display of multi-faith, bipartisan solidarity, the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) has collaborated with 25 other faith and advocacy groups to urge the United States Senate to pass the DETERRENT Act. This important legislation aims to significantly enhance transparency regarding foreign funding that flows into American colleges and universities.

On May 4, 2026, the coalition sent a joint letter to Congress, advocating for the quick passage of H.R. 1048 / S. 1296, officially titled the Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions Act. The bill, which received bipartisan support in the House with a vote of 241 to 169 in March 2025, is now waiting for action from the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

????WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 4, 2026 – Today, a coalition of 26 major organizations announced the submission of a joint letter to Congressional leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Senate Minority… pic.twitter.com/dCOie1MVWh — ISGAP........

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