Bill · H.R. 8981· House(119-HR-8981)
SCALE Biology Act
- Introduced
- 5/21/2026
- Last activity
- 7/21/2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- Sponsored by
- April McClain Delaney
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 2
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "SCALE Biology Act," seeks to establish a biometrology laboratory program within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The program is designed to focus on measurement research for engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biotechnology. Key goals include enabling industrial innovation, improving the reliability of biological data, and supporting the safe development of biological technologies. The act also directs the development of technical standards, provides access to research facilities, and supports graduate training. Furthermore, it establishes a framework for creating engineering biology foundries.
Yes· 3 of 16
Does this put more money into scientific research?+7
The bill provides substantial, multi-year funding for specialized scientific research.
Would students be better off under this?+5
The act explicitly supports graduate and postgraduate research and training.
Is this likely to grow the economy?+5
The act aims to enable innovation and industrial competitiveness in the bioeconomy.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Innovation and Economic Growth: The program aims to enable innovation and industrial competitiveness in fields like engineering biology and biomanufacturing (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 1).
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Improved Data Reliability: The program works to improve the accuracy, interoperability, and reliability of biological data and materials (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 2).
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Enhanced Safety and Security: The act supports the safe, secure, and responsible development of biological technologies to bolster economic and national security (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 3).
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Research and Education Support: The Director is tasked with supporting graduate and postgraduate research and training in biometrology (Section 2, subsection c, paragraph 6).
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Access to Resources: The program will provide various entities, including industry and higher education institutions, access to user facilities containing advanced equipment and materials (Section 2, subsection c, paragraph 4).
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Risk Management: The act directs the identification of technical standards and governance pathways to help manage risks associated with novel biological technologies (Section 2, subsection c, paragraph 9).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Security Control Requirements: The Director must ensure that proper security controls are in place to protect sensitive information (Section 2, subsection g).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+5Good For Business Owners+4Good For Young Adults+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+5Increases Job Creation+3Improves Consumer Protection+2Improves Small Business Support+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+7Improves Data Privacy+2
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+5Improves Pandemic Preparedness+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+3Improves Cybersecurity Defense+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+2
- 7/21/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 7/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Zoe LofgrenDemocrat · California
James MoylanRepublican · Guam
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia