Senate bill targets engineered biology in biodefense reports
In committeeS. 4363Latest action
Sponsor: Tim Kaine · Senator · VA
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Official title: Engineering Biology Readiness Act
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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This bill extends deadlines for biodefense briefings and requires a new government report on the risks of engineered biology.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill pushes back the deadline for yearly government briefings to Congress on the national biodefense strategy. It also requires the next routine government report on biological threats to include a deep analysis of risks from engineering biology, such as gene-editing and synthetic biology, plus recommendations for new laws, programs, cost estimates, and ways to support responsible science while preventing misuse.
Who does it affect?
This bill affects federal agencies working in national security, public health, and biodefense. It also affects researchers and companies in the life sciences, and Congress, which would receive and act on the findings.
Why does it matter?
Congress would receive more detailed information about biological risks tied to engineered organisms and where current rules may fall short. Federal agencies could face new guidance about how to reduce overlapping or conflicting efforts in this area.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 21, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Apr 21, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.