A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Government should immediately place a moratorium on all federally funded gain-of-function research given the increased safety concerns.

6/12/2024, 10:56 AM

This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should consider S. 81, which prohibits the award of federal research grants to institutions of higher education or research institutes that conduct gain-of-function research. (Under the bill, 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.)

Bill 118 sres 718 is a resolution introduced in the United States Senate that calls for an immediate moratorium on all federally funded gain-of-function research. Gain-of-function research involves altering the genetic makeup of viruses to make them more transmissible or deadly in order to study their potential impact on human health.

The resolution expresses the Senate's concern about the safety risks associated with this type of research, particularly in light of recent incidents where dangerous pathogens have escaped from laboratories. The resolution emphasizes the need to prioritize public safety and calls on the United States Government to halt all federally funded gain-of-function research until further safety measures can be put in place.

The resolution does not propose any specific actions or regulations, but rather serves as a statement of the Senate's position on the issue. It is intended to raise awareness about the potential risks of gain-of-function research and encourage further discussion and debate on how best to regulate and oversee this type of research in the future. Overall, Bill 118 sres 718 highlights the importance of balancing scientific advancement with public safety concerns and underscores the need for careful consideration and oversight of potentially risky research practices.
Congress
118

Number
SRES - 718

Introduced on
2024-06-04

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

6/4/2024

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should consider S. 81, which prohibits the award of federal research grants to institutions of higher education or research institutes that conduct gain-of-function research. (Under the bill, 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.)

Bill 118 sres 718 is a resolution introduced in the United States Senate that calls for an immediate moratorium on all federally funded gain-of-function research. Gain-of-function research involves altering the genetic makeup of viruses to make them more transmissible or deadly in order to study their potential impact on human health.

The resolution expresses the Senate's concern about the safety risks associated with this type of research, particularly in light of recent incidents where dangerous pathogens have escaped from laboratories. The resolution emphasizes the need to prioritize public safety and calls on the United States Government to halt all federally funded gain-of-function research until further safety measures can be put in place.

The resolution does not propose any specific actions or regulations, but rather serves as a statement of the Senate's position on the issue. It is intended to raise awareness about the potential risks of gain-of-function research and encourage further discussion and debate on how best to regulate and oversee this type of research in the future. Overall, Bill 118 sres 718 highlights the importance of balancing scientific advancement with public safety concerns and underscores the need for careful consideration and oversight of potentially risky research practices.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Government should immediately place a moratorium on all federally funded gain-of-function research given the increased safety concerns.

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary12/2/2024

This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should consider S. 81, which prohibits the award of federal research grants to institutions of higher education or research institutes that conduct gain-of-function research. (Under t...


Latest Action6/4/2024
Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S3956-3957)