Bill > S738

This bill proposes a moratorium on federal research grants to institutions of higher education or research institutes conducting gain-of-function research, which is defined as genetic alteration of an organism to change or enhance its biological functions in ways that could increase infectivity, transmissibility, or pathogenicity. Specifically, the bill targets research involving organisms like influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS), and other select agents and toxins that could potentially pose a threat to national security, public safety, or health of humans and animals. Under this proposed legislation, any institution engaged in such gain-of-function research would be ineligible to receive federal research funding, effectively creating a comprehensive ban on federal support for what is considered dangerous viral research. The bill, titled the "Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act," aims to prevent potentially risky scientific experiments that could inadvertently create more dangerous pathogens by prohibiting financial support for these types of research activities.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/738/all-info