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Foreign Gain-of-Function Research Prevention Act of 2021
12/30/2022, 3:32 PM
Summary of Bill HR 4071
Bill 117 HR 4071, also known as the Foreign Gain-of-Function Research Prevention Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of preventing foreign countries from conducting gain-of-function research that could potentially pose a threat to national security and public health.
Gain-of-function research involves altering the genetic makeup of viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens to make them more transmissible or virulent. While this type of research can provide valuable insights into how diseases spread and evolve, there are concerns that it could also lead to the creation of dangerous pathogens that could be used as bioweapons.
The Foreign Gain-of-Function Research Prevention Act of 2021 seeks to address these concerns by prohibiting the funding of gain-of-function research by foreign governments or entities in the United States. The bill also requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit an annual report to Congress on foreign countries' activities related to gain-of-function research. Overall, the goal of this legislation is to safeguard national security and public health by preventing the proliferation of potentially dangerous pathogens through gain-of-function research conducted by foreign entities.
Gain-of-function research involves altering the genetic makeup of viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens to make them more transmissible or virulent. While this type of research can provide valuable insights into how diseases spread and evolve, there are concerns that it could also lead to the creation of dangerous pathogens that could be used as bioweapons.
The Foreign Gain-of-Function Research Prevention Act of 2021 seeks to address these concerns by prohibiting the funding of gain-of-function research by foreign governments or entities in the United States. The bill also requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit an annual report to Congress on foreign countries' activities related to gain-of-function research. Overall, the goal of this legislation is to safeguard national security and public health by preventing the proliferation of potentially dangerous pathogens through gain-of-function research conducted by foreign entities.
Congressional Summary of HR 4071
Foreign Gain-of-Function Research Prevention Act of 2021
This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to conduct or support gain-of-function research involving potential pandemic pathogens by China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, or other foreign adversaries. Gain-of-function research is any research that is anticipated to confer an attribute on a pathogen to enhance its pathogenicity or transmissibility in mammals.
If the Department of State finds that an entity has used funds for prohibited research, the entity may not receive any federal funding for a period of five years.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 4071
Bill HR 4071 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 22, 2021. Bill HR 4071 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 22, 2021. Bill HR 4071's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of June 23, 2021
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4071
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
112Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
112Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4071
Primary Policy Focus
HealthPotential Impact Areas
- Asia
- China
- Emergency medical services and trauma care
- Europe
- Health programs administration and funding
- Infectious and parasitic diseases
- Iran
- Medical research
- Middle East
- North Korea
- Research administration and funding
- Russia
- World health
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4071
Foreign Gain-of-Function Research Prevention Act of 2021
To prohibit the use of Federal funds to conduct or support certain gain-of-function research by a foreign adversary.
Foreign Gain-of-Function Research Prevention Act of 2021
Comments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 4071
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