Sponsors (17)
I'll give you the short version of this bill.
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Creates a White House‑led National Biotechnology Initiative and a new coordinating office to align and direct federal biotechnology activity across agencies. It requires participating departments and agencies to support research, data resources, biosafety and biosecurity, regulatory coordination, workforce development, commercialization, public outreach, and international cooperation to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and national security. Directs the Administration to form an interagency committee and an Office of the National Biotechnology Coordination Office, publish a public federal biotechnology website, produce annual reports and a multi‑year strategy, allow expert convenings, fund administrative support, and set a 20‑year wind‑down rule for the Office. Agencies must carry out specified biotechnology activities in coordination with the Initiative.
Defines “bioliteracy” as giving people, personnel, or teams an understanding of and ability to engage with biology and biotechnology.
Defines “biological data” as information (including associated descriptors) derived from the structure, function, or process of a biological system that is measured, collected, or aggregated for analysis.
Defines “biomanufacturing” as the application of biotechnology to manufacturing.
Defines “biotechnology” as the application of science and engineering in the direct or indirect use of living organisms, or parts or products of living organisms, including modified forms.
Defines “Director of the National Biotechnology Coordination Office” as the individual appointed under section 4(b)(2)(A).
Who is affected and how:
Federal departments and agencies: Most directly affected because the Act requires their participation, planning, reporting, and coordination. Agencies must allocate staff time, program changes, and potentially budget resources to align with the Initiative's priorities.
Biotechnology companies and startups: Benefit from coordinated federal efforts around commercialization, regulatory streamlining, data resources, and workforce development; may face new policy guidance or standards tied to biosafety and security.
Scientific research sector (universities, national labs, research centers): Likely to see increased federal coordination of research priorities, data sharing expectations, and potential new funding opportunities; may face new guidance on biosafety, data stewardship, and dual‑use risk mitigation.
Workforce and students: Targeted by workforce development and training initiatives, potentially leading to new education programs, apprenticeships, and hiring support in biotech fields.
General public and consumers: May see benefits from improved public health preparedness, clearer biosafety standards, and enhanced transparency via the public website and reporting; also may raise public concerns about data privacy, oversight, and biosecurity policies.
International partners: The Initiative emphasizes international engagement, which could expand collaboration and standard‑setting but also tighten controls and coordination on technologies with security implications.
Net effects and tradeoffs:
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced April 9, 2025 by Stephanie I. Bice · Last progress April 9, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House