S.Amdt. 6095

SA 6095, submitted by Mr. Kaine and Mr. Budd, aims to add two main requirements to the bill.

The first part extends the requirement for annual briefings on the National Biodefense Strategy. It changes the deadline from March 1, 2025, to a date five years after the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 is enacted.

The second part requires an analysis and recommendations regarding engineering biology risks to be included in the next biennial update of the biodefense threat assessment.

• Analysis Requirements: This must include an assessment of threats to national security and public safety, a description of current research and development in covered agencies, an analysis of existing regulations and programs, and an evaluation of any gaps or redundancies.

• Recommendation Requirements: This must include suggestions for aligning research to reduce redundancy, modernizing regulations to mitigate threats while benefiting from innovation, and establishing or updating programs for safeguards and best practices. It also requires proposed legislative actions and funding estimates.

• Consultation and Form: These recommendations must be developed with input from industry, academia, civil society (including those who have not had federal grants or contracts in five years), and other stakeholders. The final report must be unclassified but can have a classified annex.