H.R. 3029
119th Congress
To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.
3
Cosponsors
15
Actions
0
Amendments
1
Committees
—
Since introduced
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
21 July 2026·2 days ago
Summary
Introduced in House · Updated 20 July 2026
Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act
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.)
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.
Timeline
15 actions
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
21 July 2026 · IntroReferral
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4666)
20 July 2026 · Floor
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
20 July 2026 · Floor
Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
20 July 2026 · Floor
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4666-4667)
20 July 2026 · Floor
Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
20 July 2026 · Floor
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3029.
20 July 2026 · Floor
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
20 July 2026 · Floor
Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751.
16 July 2026 · Committee
Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751.
16 July 2026 · Committee
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 654.
16 July 2026 · Calendars
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 654.
16 July 2026 · Calendars
Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751.
16 July 2026 · Committee
Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751.
16 July 2026 · Committee
Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751.
16 July 2026 · Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
29 April 2025 · Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
29 April 2025 · Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
29 April 2025 · Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
29 April 2025 · Committee
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
29 April 2025 · Committee
Sponsorship
3 cosponsors
Sponsor
Democrat:Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]ORCosponsors
- Democrat267%
- Republican133%
- Democrat:Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19]NY
- Democrat:Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]DE
- Republican:Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7]GA
Classification
Policy area
Science, Technology, CommunicationsLegislative subjects
Committees
1
Science, Space, and Technology Committee
House · Standing
- Referred To28 Apr 2025
- Markup By29 Apr 2025
Cosponsor momentum
Cumulative over time
Cosponsors grew from 1 on 28 April 2025 to 3 on 30 April 2025.
Track To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes. as it moves through Congress
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