Richard McCormick (R-GA)
Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
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 known as the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act of 2026. It requires the Secretary of State to appoint a Senior Biotechnology Official within 90 days of the bill's enactment. This new official will work to enhance United States leadership in global biotechnology challenges. The person chosen for this role must have significant expertise in biotechnology, international relations, and national security. Their main job is to lead and coordinate the Department of State's efforts regarding biotechnology diplomacy, innovation, and security. They will also oversee the implementation of United States commitments to international biotechnology initiatives, such as securing supply chains and promoting joint research.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +5
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
The bill creates a dedicated diplomatic role within the State Department focused entirely on international biotechnology engagement and security.
- Scored +4
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The legislation establishes a Senior Biotechnology Official to lead diplomatic efforts, align policies with foreign allies, and manage international biotechnology partnerships.
- Scored +4
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill explicitly promotes joint research and development as well as reciprocal biological data-sharing agreements.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Better international collaboration and research: Under Section 3(a)(5), the new official will promote joint research and development and facilitate reciprocal biological data-sharing agreements, which could help advance global biotechnology innovation.
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Securing vital supply chains: Also under Section 3(a)(5), the official will oversee the implementation of United States commitments to secure biotechnology supply chains, helping protect the availability of these important resources.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts identified: Based strictly on the provided text, there are no specific provisions that outline negative 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.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill creates a dedicated diplomatic role within the State Department focused entirely on international biotechnology engagement and security. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The legislation establishes a Senior Biotechnology Official to lead diplomatic efforts, align policies with foreign allies, and manage international biotechnology partnerships. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — The bill aims to secure biotechnology supply chains and advance commercial and regulatory diplomacy with partner nations.
- Healthcare
- Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak? — The legislation strengthens global biotechnology security and supply chains, supporting improved preparedness against biological threats. Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill promotes joint research, development, and reciprocal data-sharing agreements in biotechnology. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill enhances international biotechnology collaboration and research initiatives that may indirectly benefit long-term health innovation and public health.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill explicitly promotes joint research and development as well as reciprocal biological data-sharing agreements.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates regular reporting requirements to the Secretary of State regarding international biotechnology diplomacy efforts. Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation establishes a new high-level federal position within the Department of State to coordinate biotechnology policy.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The legislation supports commercial diplomacy and secures supply chains, which can benefit the broader biotechnology industry.
- 7/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Ami BeraDemocrat · California