WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) introduced the bipartisan Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act alongside Representative August Pfluger (TX-11) to keep dangerous actors from misusing DNA synthesis technology while keeping America at the forefront of biotechnology.

Gene synthesis has transformed medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing, helping scientists build lifesaving treatments and develop hardier crops. However, these same tools could be misused to create dangerous pathogens if left unchecked. Currently, screening of nucleic acid orders is voluntary, leaving a gap that bad actors could exploit, especially as new desktop machines make it easier to generate genetic material outside the traditional supply chain.

The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act would close this dangerous gap by requiring companies that sell synthetic DNA, as well as the manufacturers of the machines that produce it, to know their customers and exactly what they're being asked to make.

“Biotechnology is creating enormous opportunities to improve lives and transform our economy, but like all emerging technologies, the related security policies must keep pace,” said Rep. Houlahan. “The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act is an important step toward ensuring that the federal government has the flexibility and agility to respond to new technologies and emerging threats as they evolve. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan BIOTech Caucus, I am committed to ensuring that we strengthen our biosecurity posture while preserving the responsible innovation that keeps America at the forefront of biotechnology.”

 “Biotechnology is one of America's greatest strategic advantages. Right now, there's a dangerous gap between how fast this technology is moving and the safeguards we have in place to keep it out of the wrong hands,” said Rep. Pfluger.  “The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act closes this gap without slowing down the innovation saving lives while strengthening our economy.” 

The legislation is a House companion to bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and was developed in consultation with key industry stakeholders in the biotechnology and gene-synthesis sector.

Read full text of the bill  here.

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