Viral Gain-of-Function Research Moratorium Act

3/15/2024, 2:56 AM

Viral Gain-of-Function Research Moratorium Act

This bill prohibits the award of federal research grants to institutions of higher education or research institutes that conduct gain-of-function research. Gain-of-function research refers to any research that (1) could confer attributes to influenza, MERS, or SARS viruses such that the virus would have enhanced pathogenicity or transmissibility in an organism; or (2) involves methods that could enhance potential pandemic pathogens or related risky research with potentially dangerous pathogens.

Congress
118

Number
S - 81

Introduced on
2023-01-25

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/26/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Viral Gain-of-Function Research Moratorium Act

This bill prohibits the award of federal research grants to institutions of higher education or research institutes that conduct gain-of-function research. Gain-of-function research refers to any research that (1) could confer attributes to influenza, MERS, or SARS viruses such that the virus would have enhanced pathogenicity or transmissibility in an organism; or (2) involves methods that could enhance potential pandemic pathogens or related risky research with potentially dangerous pathogens.

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to provide a moratorium on all Federal research grants provided to any institution of higher education or other research institute that is conducting gain-of-function research.

Policy Areas
Health

Potential Impact
Education
Education programs funding
Health programs administration and funding
Higher education
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Medical research
Research administration and funding

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/16/2023

Viral Gain-of-Function Research Moratorium Act

This bill prohibits the award of federal research grants to institutions of higher education or research institutes that conduct gain-of-function rese...


Latest Action1/26/2023
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 5.