To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.

Sponsored byRep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]OR· Introduced 28 avril 2025

Open on Congress.gov

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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

21 juillet 2026·2 days ago

Summary

Introduced in House · Updated 20 juillet 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 juillet 2026 · IntroReferral
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4666)
20 juillet 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 juillet 2026 · Floor
Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
20 juillet 2026 · Floor
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4666-4667)
20 juillet 2026 · Floor
Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
20 juillet 2026 · Floor
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3029.
20 juillet 2026 · Floor
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
20 juillet 2026 · Floor
Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751.
16 juillet 2026 · Committee
Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751.
16 juillet 2026 · Committee
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 654.
16 juillet 2026 · Calendars
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 654.
16 juillet 2026 · Calendars
Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751.
16 juillet 2026 · Committee
Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751.
16 juillet 2026 · Committee
Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751.
16 juillet 2026 · Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
29 avril 2025 · Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
29 avril 2025 · Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
29 avril 2025 · Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
29 avril 2025 · Committee
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
29 avril 2025 · Committee

Sponsorship

3 cosponsors

Sponsor

Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]OR

Cosponsors

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, Communications

Legislative subjects

Biological and life sciencesCell biology and embryologyResearch and development

Committees

Science, Space, and Technology Committee
House · Standing
- Referred To28 Apr 2025
- Markup By29 Apr 2025

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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