Ro Khanna (D-CA)
Protecting Biological Data as Critical Infrastructure Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Protecting Biological Data as Critical Infrastructure Act. It amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to protect genetic and other sensitive biometric data. The bill directs the agency to oversee security management, provide training for federal personnel, and take necessary actions to protect biological data and critical biotechnology infrastructure. It also requires the agency to treat genetic data systems involving genomic sequences and other sensitive biometric data as critical infrastructure. Furthermore, the agency must consult and collaborate with United States biotechnology sector stakeholders and other stakeholders to develop security protocols and provide a secure line of communication.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +7
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill directs the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to protect genetic data systems and sensitive biometric data as critical infrastructure.
- Scored +6
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The bill strengthens the protection of sensitive biometric and genetic data against security threats and breaches.
- Scored +6
Does this give people more control over their personal data?
The bill establishes security management, training, and protocols specifically to protect sensitive genetic and biometric data systems.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2 (amending section 2202(c)(14) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002): This provision requires the agency to oversee the planning, management, and coordination of duties related to the security of genetic data systems and sensitive biometric data, while ensuring there is sufficient staff to carry out these duties. This could benefit people by establishing dedicated oversight and staffing to keep sensitive biological information secure.
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Section 2 (amending section 2202(c)(15) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002): This provision mandates training for relevant Federal personnel regarding the protection of genetic data systems, including addressing unique security challenges and ethical considerations. This is positive because it helps ensure that government workers handling this information are properly trained.
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Section 2 (amending section 2202(e)(1)(U) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002): This provision requires the agency to provide a secure line of communication for biotechnology stakeholders to raise concerns, report incidents, and request technical assistance. This is a positive step for accountability and safety, giving industry experts a direct and secure way to report problems to the government.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any explicit details regarding potential negative impacts, consequences, or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill strengthens the protection of sensitive biometric and genetic data against security threats and breaches. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill provides secure lines of communication and consultation mechanisms between biotechnology stakeholders and the federal government. Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation expands the responsibilities of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to oversee genetic data security management.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill directs the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to protect genetic data systems and sensitive biometric data as critical infrastructure.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill establishes security management, training, and protocols specifically to protect sensitive genetic and biometric data systems.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill enhances the security of sensitive genetic and biometric data by designating genetic data systems as critical infrastructure.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill establishes formal consultation and secure communication channels for United States biotechnology sector stakeholders.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill improves cybersecurity and infrastructure protections for biological data and critical biotechnology infrastructure.
- 9/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Stephanie BiceRepublican · Oklahoma
Scott PetersDemocrat · California