GATE Act of 2025

This legislation aims to enhance national security by restricting access to sensitive research facilities. It specifically prohibits National Laboratories from admitting or granting access to individuals defined as "covered foreign nationals," which include foreign nationals from the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Cuba. This prohibition applies to both short-term visitors and longer-term assignees seeking to access the premises, information, or technology of a National Laboratory. However, the bill establishes a waiver process for these restrictions. The Secretary of Energy may issue a written waiver if, after consulting with the Director of the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence of the Department of Energy and a senior counterintelligence official, it is certified that the benefits to the United States outweigh the national security and economic risks. Following the issuance of any such waiver, the Secretary is mandated to notify relevant Congressional committees within 30 days, providing details such as the covered foreign national's country of origin, the request date, the decision date, and the specific reasons for granting the waiver.