H.R.1864 - Risky Research Review Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1864, the Risky Research Review Act, aims to establish a Life Sciences Research Security Board to oversee and regulate federally funded life sciences research, particularly focusing on 'dual use research of concern' and 'gain of function research.' The board would be responsible for reviewing proposed research, determining acceptable biosafety levels, and ensuring compliance with security protocols. The bill seeks to prevent misuse of research that could pose risks to public health and national security.
Expected Effects
The act would create a new layer of oversight for life sciences research, potentially slowing down the approval process for grants. Research institutions and federal agencies would need to comply with new regulations and reporting requirements. Ultimately, the goal is to mitigate risks associated with dangerous research while still allowing beneficial scientific advancements.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by preventing misuse of research.
- Improved public health by minimizing risks associated with dangerous pathogens.
- Increased transparency and accountability in federally funded research.
- Standardized biosafety and biosecurity protocols across agencies.
- Independent review of high-risk research proposals.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential delays in research funding due to additional review processes.
- Increased administrative burden for researchers and agencies.
- Possible stifling of innovation due to overly cautious regulations.
- Risk of political interference in scientific decision-making.
- Costs associated with establishing and operating the new board.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which could be argued to extend to regulating research that could impact public health and national security. However, the bill's potential impact on academic freedom and scientific inquiry could raise First Amendment concerns if regulations are overly broad or restrictive. The establishment of a board within the executive branch is consistent with the President's executive powers (Article II).
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).