April McClain Delaney (D-MD)
SCALE Biology Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "SCALE Biology Act," seeks to establish a biometrology laboratory program within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The program is designed to focus on measurement research for engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biotechnology. Key goals include enabling industrial innovation, improving the reliability of biological data, and supporting the safe development of biological technologies. The act also directs the development of technical standards, provides access to research facilities, and supports graduate training. Furthermore, it establishes a framework for creating engineering biology foundries.
Yes· 3 of 16
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill provides substantial, multi-year funding for specialized scientific research.
- Scored +5
Would students be better off under this?
The act explicitly supports graduate and postgraduate research and training.
- Scored +5
Is this likely to grow the economy?
The act aims to enable innovation and industrial competitiveness in the bioeconomy.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Innovation and Economic Growth: The program aims to enable innovation and industrial competitiveness in fields like engineering biology and biomanufacturing (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 1).
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Improved Data Reliability: The program works to improve the accuracy, interoperability, and reliability of biological data and materials (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 2).
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Enhanced Safety and Security: The act supports the safe, secure, and responsible development of biological technologies to bolster economic and national security (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 3).
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Research and Education Support: The Director is tasked with supporting graduate and postgraduate research and training in biometrology (Section 2, subsection c, paragraph 6).
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Access to Resources: The program will provide various entities, including industry and higher education institutions, access to user facilities containing advanced equipment and materials (Section 2, subsection c, paragraph 4).
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Risk Management: The act directs the identification of technical standards and governance pathways to help manage risks associated with novel biological technologies (Section 2, subsection c, paragraph 9).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Security Control Requirements: The Director must ensure that proper security controls are in place to protect sensitive information (Section 2, subsection g).
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — The act explicitly supports graduate and postgraduate research and training. Would business owners be better off under this? — The program directly supports industrial innovation and provides resources for industry. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Support for graduate and postgraduate research benefits young professionals in science.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The act aims to enable innovation and industrial competitiveness in the bioeconomy. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill supports industrial innovation in biotechnology which may stimulate job growth in those sectors. Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Development of technical standards and biosafety protocols helps ensure product safety. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Providing access to advanced user facilities can benefit small biotechnology entities.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill provides substantial, multi-year funding for specialized scientific research. Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill requires security controls to protect sensitive biological data.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill authorizes significant funding for biometrology and biological research. Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak? — The focus on biosecurity and biosafety helps mitigate risks associated with biological technologies.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates public reporting and the publication of implementation plans. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the role and research capabilities of NIST.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Standardization helps facilitate international cooperation and trade in biotechnology. Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The emphasis on biosecurity and secure biological data contributes to national security.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The act addresses biorisk and biosafety to manage environmental biological risks.
- 7/21/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 7/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 3 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.
Zoe LofgrenDemocrat · California
James MoylanRepublican · Guam
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia