Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits entities that receive federal funds from using biotechnology that is from a company associated with a foreign adversary.

Highlights:

• Specifies that federal agencies and recipients of federal funds (e.g., grantees) may not procure or use any biotechnology equipment or service that is from a biotechnology company of concern and may not contract with any entities that do so (Sec. 2).

• Defines a “biotechnology company of concern” as an entity that is under the control of a foreign adversary and that poses a risk to national security based on its research or multiomic data collection (collection of genomic information) (Sec. 4).

• Requires that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must, in coordination with the Department of Defense (DOD) and other specified agencies, develop a list of prohibited companies (Sec. 7).

• Specifies that the list must include 5 particular companies, as specified in the bill, and that OMB and DOD may approve waivers of these restrictions on an as-needed basis, which are valid for up to one year and may be extended once for an additional 180 days (Sec. 7).

• Requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence must report on the national security risks posed by (Sec. 9):

• Multiomic data collection by foreign adversaries in connection with biotechnology equipment or services; and

• Biotechnology companies that have such data.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text