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Risky Research Review Act
3/25/2025, 2:49 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1864
The main purpose of this bill is to address potential security risks associated with advances in life sciences research, particularly in areas such as biotechnology, genetics, and biochemistry. The board will work to prevent the misuse of research findings for harmful purposes, such as bioterrorism or the creation of dangerous biological weapons.
In addition to establishing the Life Sciences Research Security Board, the bill also includes provisions for the board's composition, responsibilities, and funding. The board will consist of experts in the field of life sciences research, as well as representatives from relevant government agencies and departments. Overall, the goal of Bill 119 HR 1864 is to enhance the security and oversight of life sciences research in the United States, in order to protect public safety and national security.
Congressional Summary of HR 1864
Risky Research Review Act
This bill establishes the Life Sciences Research Security Board to oversee the award of federal funding for high-risk life sciences research. High-risk life sciences research means the study of an organism, virus, or related product that could be misapplied to pose a significant threat to the public or could enhance the transmissibility or virulence of certain high-risk pathogens (e.g., Ebola).
Specifically, the bill establishes the board as an independent agency that must review proposed high-risk life sciences research, determine whether a federal agency may award funding for the research, and determine minimum required controls for funded research. Entities that are seeking federal funding must attest to whether their research is high-risk life sciences research. Agencies must certify the validity of these attestations and submit proposed high-risk life sciences research to the board. Agencies must also notify the board of intended awards for other life sciences research for potential review.
In making its determinations, the board must consider specified factors, including whether the benefits of the research outweigh the risks. The bill prohibits agencies from awarding federal funding for high-risk life sciences research without approval of the board or for life sciences research currently under board review. The board may also review awards that were made before the bill’s enactment.
Entities that fail to properly attest to the nature of their research may lose their eligibility for funding. Additionally, agency employees who fail to comply with the bill's requirements are subject to disciplinary action.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 1864
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1864
Total Number of Sponsors
3Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
3Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1864
Primary Policy Focus
HealthAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1864
Comments
Alma Stokes
1 year ago
This bill is so bad, it's gonna mess everything up for us. I can't believe they're even considering it. It's gonna make things so much worse for everyone. Did you know that this bill could impact our healthcare in a major way? It's just not right.
