Timothy Kaine (D-VA)
Engineering Biology Readiness Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 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
The Engineering Biology Readiness Act aims to extend the requirement for annual briefings regarding the National Biodefense Strategy. It also mandates a new analysis and set of recommendations focused on the risks associated with engineering biology. This analysis must assess threats to national security and public safety, as well as current research and development efforts. The bill requires recommendations to modernize authorities, regulations, and programs to mitigate these risks. Furthermore, the act calls for establishing safeguards and identifying best practices. Finally, these recommendations must be developed in consultation with industry, academia, and civil society.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +5
Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak?
The bill focuses on mitigating risks from engineering biology, which includes prevention, detection, and response to biological threats.
- Scored +3
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill requires an analysis of research and development and estimates the funding needed to ensure programs have adequate resources.
- Scored +2
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill mandates consultation with industry and the development of a governance framework for biological innovations.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced National Security and Public Safety: The bill requires an assessment of threats posed by engineering biology risks to help mitigate safety and security threats (Section 3(b)(1)(A) and Section 3(b)(2)(B)(i)).
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Improved Research Efficiency: The bill calls for aligning research and development lines across agencies to reduce redundant efforts and promote mutual benefit (Section 3(b)(2)(A)).
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Modernized Governance: It seeks to modernize biosafety, biosecurity, and biodefense programs to ensure the United States benefits from innovations under an enduring governance framework (Section 3(b)(2)(B)(ii)).
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Establishment of Safeguards and Best Practices: The act aims to establish or modernize programs to enforce safeguards and provide consultation on biosecurity and biosafety matters (Section 3(b)(2)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
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.
- Healthcare
- Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak? — The bill focuses on mitigating risks from engineering biology, which includes prevention, detection, and response to biological threats.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill requires an analysis of research and development and estimates the funding needed to ensure programs have adequate resources.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill mandates consultation with industry and the development of a governance framework for biological innovations.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill requires an estimate of the funding necessary to ensure relevant programs have adequate resources.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates annual briefings and unclassified reports regarding the National Biodefense Strategy.
- 4/21/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina