National Laboratory Biotechnology Research Act of 2021
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (13 May 2021): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
What this bill does
S. 1624, the National Laboratory Biotechnology Research Act of 2021, would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Laboratory Biotechnology Program housed within the Department of Energy. The program would integrate resources from the Department's Office of Science, Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, and the National Nuclear Security Administration to conduct research, development, testing, and response activities addressing long-term biotechnology threats and any remaining threats from COVID-19. A joint program office, drawing on leadership from these components and the National Laboratories, would oversee research activities, support biodefense-related research, promote partnerships with academic institutions and industry (including outreach to minority-serving institutions and graduate traineeships), and coordinate with other federal agencies such as Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and Defense.
The bill primarily affects the Department of Energy, its National Laboratories, and researchers, universities, and companies that might partner with the program. It would require the Secretary to biennially evaluate program activities and submit a strategic research plan to relevant congressional committees, in unclassified form with a possible classified annex. The bill authorizes appropriations ranging from $30 million in fiscal year 2022 to $50 million annually in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
The bill was introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján on May 13, 2021, and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 117th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
National Laboratory Biotechnology Research Act of 2021
This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a National Laboratory Biotechnology Program to integrate the resources of DOE, including the Office of Science, the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, and the National Nuclear Security Administration, to provide research and development and response capabilities to respond to
• long-term biotechnology threats facing the United States, and
• any remaining threats posed by COVID-19.
The Office of Science shall support research that harnesses the capabilities of the national laboratories to address advanced biological threats of national security significance.
The Office of Science shall promote cooperative research and development activities under the program, including collaboration between appropriate industry and academic institutions to promote innovation and the creation of knowledge.
No less frequently than biennially, DOE shall develop a strategic research plan under the program.
Timeline
13 May 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Common questions
- What does S. 1624 do?
- S. 1624, the National Laboratory Biotechnology Research Act of 2021, would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Laboratory Biotechnology Program housed within the Department of Energy. The program would integrate resources from the Department's Office of Science, Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, and the National Nuclear Security Administration to conduct research, development, testing, and response activities addressing long-term biotechnology threats and any remaining threats from COVID-19. A joint program office, drawing on leadership from these components and the National Laboratories, would oversee research activities, support biodefense-related research, promote partnerships with academic institutions and industry (including outreach to minority-serving institutions and graduate traineeships), and coordinate with other federal agencies such as Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and Defense. The bill primarily affects the Department of Energy, its National Laboratories, and researchers, universities, and companies that might partner with the program. It would require the Secretary to biennially evaluate program activities and submit a strategic research plan to relevant congressional committees, in unclassified form with a possible classified annex. The bill authorizes appropriations ranging from $30 million in fiscal year 2022 to $50 million annually in fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The bill was introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján on May 13, 2021, and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 117th Congress.
- Has S. 1624 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1624. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1624?
- S. 1624 was sponsored by Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM] (D-NM), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1624?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (13 May 2021).
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