Merit Restoration Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9103
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-02: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T08:09:14Z
AI-Generated Summary
Merit Restoration Act (H.R. 9103)
Purpose
This legislation aims to prevent the use of certain diversity, equity, or inclusion practices in the awarding, evaluation, continuation, or execution of federal research grants. It seeks to ensure that grant decisions and activities are based solely on merit without regard to prohibited criteria.
Key Provisions
- Prohibitions: Federal research agencies may not apply prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practices when awarding, evaluating, or continuing grants. Recipients of such grants are similarly barred from using these practices while carrying out the funded work.
- Enforcement: If a recipient violates the prohibition, the awarding agency must freeze federal funds for the grant. Upon confirmation of a violation, the recipient must repay any misused funds.
- Applicability: The restrictions apply only to grant agreements entered into on or after the date of enactment.
- Definitions:
- Federal research agency: Any executive agency that awards, administers, conducts, or supports research through federal funds.
- Federal research grant: A grant supporting systematic study for scientific knowledge (including certain training activities and subgrants), excluding direct cash assistance, subsidies, loans, or insurance.
- Prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice: Discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin; or requiring training, statements, codes of conduct, or similar requirements that assert inherent superiority, inferiority, oppression, or privilege tied to those characteristics.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill introduces explicit statutory prohibitions on specific diversity, equity, or inclusion activities in federal research funding processes, where no such uniform federal restriction previously existed for these agencies and grant recipients. It adds new enforcement mechanisms, including mandatory fund freezes and repayment requirements, that are not standard in current grant administration rules.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies may need to revise grant evaluation criteria and oversight procedures to exclude prohibited practices.
- Recipients, such as universities and research institutions, could face restrictions on internal policies, training programs, or employment conditions tied to grants, potentially affecting compliance costs and program structures.
- Researchers and staff may encounter changes in required statements or professional development activities linked to funded projects.
- No direct effects on international relations are outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal research agencies responsible for grant programs.
- Universities, laboratories, and other entities receiving federal research grants.
- Individual researchers, employees, and trainees involved in grant-funded activities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The prohibition on requiring assent to certain statements or training may intersect with First Amendment considerations regarding compelled speech. The nondiscrimination rules align with existing equal protection principles but apply them specifically to research grant administration. The measure could prompt legal challenges over agency authority and enforcement procedures.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2], Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9], Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6], Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Fuller, Clay [R-GA-14]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-02: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-06-02: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-02: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Merit Restoration Act — issued 2026-06-02 — PDF (5 pages)