Bill > HR1864

This bill establishes the Life Sciences Research Security Board, an independent agency within the Executive Branch tasked with reviewing and approving federal funding for high-risk life sciences research. The Board will consist of 9 members appointed by the President, including scientists, national security experts, and a biosafety expert, who will serve 4-year terms. The Board has the authority to review proposed federal funding for life sciences research that could potentially pose risks to public health, safety, or national security, and can approve or reject such funding through a majority vote. Researchers seeking federal funding must attest whether their research constitutes high-risk life sciences research and disclose any work with select agents or toxins. The Board will evaluate research proposals based on various factors, including potential threats, benefits, and whether lower-risk alternatives exist. Agencies are prohibited from awarding funding for high-risk life sciences research without Board approval, and researchers must pause their work and notify agencies if their research unexpectedly becomes high-risk. The bill includes strict enforcement mechanisms, such as potential suspension and debarment for non-compliance, and requires the Board to submit regular reports to congressional committees. The Board is authorized to be funded with $30 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2035, and its members will undergo rigorous conflict of interest and security clearance reviews.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1864/all-info