Biotechnology Diplomacy and Expertise Enhancement Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
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.
Timeline
23 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9923. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9923?
- H.R. 9923 was sponsored by Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large] (R-GU), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9923?
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (23 Jul 2026).
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