Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act of 2021

Bill 117 HR 5270, also known as the Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to temporarily halt certain types of research involving enhanced pandemic pathogens. Enhanced pandemic pathogens are viruses or other infectious agents that have been modified in a laboratory to make them more dangerous to humans.

The bill aims to address concerns about the potential risks associated with this type of research, including the accidental release of a dangerous pathogen or the deliberate misuse of research findings for bioterrorism. By pausing this research, the bill seeks to allow for a thorough review of the risks and benefits of such research and to develop appropriate safeguards to protect public health and national security.

If passed, the Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act of 2021 would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a moratorium on certain types of research involving enhanced pandemic pathogens. The bill also calls for the creation of a special committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the risks and benefits of this research and to make recommendations for future regulation and oversight. Overall, this bill represents a bipartisan effort to address concerns about the potential risks associated with enhanced pandemic pathogen research and to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect public health and national security.