Bill > HR706

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of how it has used Department of Energy national laboratories for biodetection research and development. Within 180 days of enactment, the DHS Secretary must submit a detailed strategy to Congressional committees that includes identifying biodetection technologies capable of meeting the department's mission needs, developing an acquisition and procurement plan to provide these technologies to existing BioWatch jurisdictions, conducting periodic external evaluations to identify potential gaps or failure points in the technologies, and assisting in the development of program requirements for future environmental biodetection programs. The bill specifically references the November 2021 National Re-Assessment of the BioWatch Collector Network and requires the DHS to collaborate with federal, state, local, and tribal governments, higher education institutions, and the private sector. Additionally, the DHS Secretary must provide a follow-up report to Congress one year after enactment, detailing the assessment, strategy, and any implementation challenges. The overall goal is to improve the department's biodetection capabilities and ensure more effective research and technological development in detecting potential biological threats.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/706/all-info