Risky Research Review Act

This bill would create an independent federal board to review high‑risk life science research before it can get federal funding. “High‑risk” means work on organisms or viruses that could be misused to harm the public, or that could make dangerous germs (like Ebola) spread more easily or become more deadly. The board would decide if a project can be funded and set the minimum safety and security rules if it is. It would also weigh the benefits of the research against the risks.

Researchers asking for federal grants would have to say in writing whether their work is high‑risk. Agencies would verify those statements, send high‑risk proposals to the board, and alert the board about other life science grants in case a review is needed. Agencies could not fund high‑risk projects without the board’s approval, or while a review is in progress. The board could also review grants that were awarded in the past. Groups that misstate the nature of their research could lose eligibility for funding, and agency staff who ignore these rules could face discipline. The board would be audited regularly to check its performance .

• Who is affected: Universities, labs, and other researchers seeking federal life science funding; federal science agencies.
• What changes: A new board must approve high‑risk projects and set safety rules; agencies must verify researchers’ statements and follow the board’s decisions; regular audits would review the board’s work .
• When: If enacted, these rules would apply going forward, and the board could also look back at earlier grants.