The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee considered and advanced the Risky Research Review Act (S. 4667, PDF) in an 8-1 vote on Sept. 25. The legislation, originally introduced by committee Ranking Member Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and revised through negotiations with committee Chair Gary Peters (D-Mich.), would establish new federal oversight of life sciences research.
The bill would define life sciences research and establish a Life Sciences Research Security Board to serve as an independent body responsible for evaluating high-risk life sciences research, including gain-of-function research. The board would serve as an independent agency within the executive branch and be comprised of nongovernmental scientists with expertise in life science research, national security, and biosafety. Board leadership would be subject to presidential appointment and consideration by the committee. The board would be tasked with evaluating high-risk life sciences research proposals seeking federal funding and would have the authority to restrict federal agencies from awarding funding for high-risk life sciences research without approval, among other authorities related to disclosure and annual reporting.
- Washington Highlights