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Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 3:56 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1827
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.
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.
Congressional Summary of HR 1827
Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act of 2023
This bill generally prohibits the National Institutes of Health from conducting or supporting gain-of-function research through March 30, 2028. The bill defines gain-of-function research as any research that could enhance the transmissibility, virulence, or pathogenicity of any pathogen or non-pathogen agent in a way that could lead to (1) moderate or high transmissibility, virulence, or pathogenicity in human populations; (2) significant morbidity or mortality in humans; or (3) severe threats to public health or U.S. national security.
The prohibition does not apply to the characterization or testing of naturally occurring influenza virus or coronavirus unless the characterization or testing could increase viral pathogenicity or transmissibility.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 1827
Bill HR 1827 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 28, 2023. Bill HR 1827 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 28, 2023. Bill HR 1827's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of April 7, 2023
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1827
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
10Democrat Cosponsors
2Republican Cosponsors
8Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1827
Primary Policy Focus
HealthPotential Impact Areas
- Infectious and parasitic diseases
- Medical research
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Research administration and funding
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1827
Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act of 2023
Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act of 2023
To prohibit the National Institutes of Health from conducting or supporting certain gain-of-function research, and for other purposes.
Comments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 1827
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