Biotechnology Diplomacy and Expertise Enhancement Act of 2026
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9923, the Biotechnology Diplomacy and Expertise Enhancement Act of 2026, would expand the State Department's existing Regional Technology Officer Program to include specialized biotechnology expertise. It directs the Secretary of State to establish hiring directives so that current and new Regional Technology Officers receive training in areas such as gene editing, synthetic biology, biosecurity, ethical considerations, international biotechnology regulations, and diplomatic strategies related to biotechnology. Officers with this training would be given priority assignment to regions where biotechnology is strategically important to U.S. foreign policy.
The bill primarily affects the State Department and its diplomatic personnel. It requires the Secretary of State to develop a recruitment and training strategy, submit an implementation plan to Congress within 180 days of enactment, and provide annual reports on program progress and diplomatic outcomes. It also exempts hiring for these biotechnology-focused positions from any general hiring freeze or personnel limitations, allowing the Department to add staff specifically to carry out the Act.
The bill was introduced on July 23, 2026, by Rep. James Moylan with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. It has not yet been voted on by the committee or the full House, and would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 23, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9923 do?
- H.R. 9923, the Biotechnology Diplomacy and Expertise Enhancement Act of 2026, would expand the State Department's existing Regional Technology Officer Program to include specialized biotechnology expertise. It directs the Secretary of State to establish hiring directives so that current and new Regional Technology Officers receive training in areas such as gene editing, synthetic biology, biosecurity, ethical considerations, international biotechnology regulations, and diplomatic strategies related to biotechnology. Officers with this training would be given priority assignment to regions where biotechnology is strategically important to U.S. foreign policy. The bill primarily affects the State Department and its diplomatic personnel. It requires the Secretary of State to develop a recruitment and training strategy, submit an implementation plan to Congress within 180 days of enactment, and provide annual reports on program progress and diplomatic outcomes. It also exempts hiring for these biotechnology-focused positions from any general hiring freeze or personnel limitations, allowing the Department to add staff specifically to carry out the Act. The bill was introduced on July 23, 2026, by Rep. James Moylan with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. It has not yet been voted on by the committee or the full House, and would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President before becoming law.
- Has H.R. 9923 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2026, H.R. 9923 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9923?
- H.R. 9923 was sponsored by Rep. James (Jim) Moylan [R-GU] (Republican-GU), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9923?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2026).
Related bills in International Affairs
Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
Foreign Service Modernization Act
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.