119th Congress Science, Technology, Communications
H.R. 3029: Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act
To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.
Passed House
- Introduced (completed)
- Passed House (completed)
- Passed Senate (not reached)
- To the President (not reached)
- Became law (not reached)
Summary
This bill explicitly requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support the development of best practices and technical standards for nucleic acid synthesis.
Nucleic acids, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), carry genetic information within cells. Nucleic acid synthesis is the process of designing and creating custom nucleic acids; it is used in the development of medications and agricultural products. However, this technology also poses a risk of misuse (e.g., the intentional or unintentional creation of dangerous biological agents).
The bill requires NIST to carry out measurement research to support the development and improvement of biosecurity best practices and technical standards related to nucleic acid synthesis. This effort must address specified topics including nucleic acid synthesis screening, operational security, and conformity assessment. (A 2023 executive order titled Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence directed NIST to develop and refine similar specifications and best practices for use by synthetic nucleic acid providers. NIST's work on this topic is ongoing.)
Read the full summary
In carrying out this effort, NIST must convene stakeholders to develop and periodically update consensus priorities and best practices for synthetic nucleic acid screening mechanisms. Within a specified period, NIST must submit a summary of the stakeholder group’s findings to Congress.
NIST must also take steps to advance risk management best practices and technical standards for engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including with respect to risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence.
Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.
Roll calls
No roll call votes have been held on this bill.
Amendments
No amendments were offered to this bill.
Cosponsors
- Rich McCormick R-GAOriginal
- Sarah McBride D-DE
- Josh Riley D-NY
Who scored on this bill
- 1Andrea Salinas SponsorDrew cross-party cosponsors, introduced, marked up, reported, passed House5 events+68
- 2Sarah McBrideCosponsored; cosponsored bill passed2 events+4
- 2Rich McCormickCosponsored; cosponsored bill passed2 events+4
- 2Josh RileyCosponsored; cosponsored bill passed2 events+4
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Introductions and cosponsorships count toward weekly caps and show no points.
Other bills by Andrea Salinas
History
- Passed the House by voice vote.
- Introduced in the House by Andrea Salinas.
Show the full action history (16 actions)
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4666)
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4666-4667)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4666)
- Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Considered under suspension of the rules.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3029.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 654.
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- Introduced in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.