Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act of 2023

Bill 118 hr 1827, also known as the Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main 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 setting to make them more dangerous or transmissible. This type of research has raised concerns about the potential for accidental release or deliberate misuse, leading to widespread outbreaks of disease.

The Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act of 2023 seeks to address these concerns by placing a moratorium on the funding and conduct of research involving enhanced pandemic pathogens. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a committee to review and assess the risks and benefits of this type of research, and to make recommendations for future regulation. Additionally, the bill requires the National Institutes of Health to conduct a comprehensive review of all research projects involving enhanced pandemic pathogens, and to report their findings to Congress. This will help ensure that any research in this area is conducted safely and responsibly. Overall, the Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act of 2023 aims to balance the need for scientific advancement with the need to protect public health and safety. By pausing certain types of research involving enhanced pandemic pathogens, this bill seeks to mitigate the risks associated with this type of research and prevent potential outbreaks of dangerous diseases.