BIOSECURE Act of 2025
Summary
The BIOSECURE Act of 2025 aims to prohibit federal agencies from contracting with specific biotechnology providers deemed to be national security risks. It restricts the procurement of biotechnology equipment and services from these companies and prevents the use of loan or grant funds for such purposes. The Act outlines a process for identifying these 'biotechnology companies of concern' and includes waiver and exception provisions.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to a restructuring of supply chains for biotechnology equipment and services used by federal agencies and entities receiving federal funds. It may incentivize domestic production and innovation in the biotechnology sector. It could also increase costs and create delays as agencies transition to new providers.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by reducing reliance on potentially compromised foreign biotechnology companies.
- Protection of sensitive multiomic data of U.S. citizens.
- Incentivizes the development of domestic biotechnology capabilities.
- Provides a framework for ongoing evaluation and monitoring of biotechnology companies of concern.
- Offers waiver options to ensure essential services are not disrupted.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for federal agencies and grant recipients due to the need to switch to potentially more expensive providers.
- Potential delays in research and development due to supply chain disruptions.
- Limited access to certain specialized biotechnology equipment or services if alternatives are not readily available.
- Potential for unintended consequences if the definition of 'biotechnology company of concern' is too broad.
- Possible retaliatory actions from foreign countries affected by the Act.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The BIOSECURE Act appears to align with the Constitution's broad goals of providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare (Preamble). Congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) and to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18). The Act's focus on national security provides a strong justification for its restrictions on contracting with certain biotechnology providers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).