Bill · S. 2697· Senate(119-S-2697)
National Biotechnology Safety Act
- Introduced
- 9/3/2025
- Last activity
- 9/3/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Todd Young
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The bill, known as the National Biotechnology Safety Act, authorizes the National Science Foundation to conduct research focused on biotechnology risk assessment. It establishes a specific funding program within the agency to look into environmental, human health, and animal health risks associated with organisms produced through biotechnology. The legislation also directs the National Science Foundation to consult with multiple federal agencies to provide oversight and regulatory assistance. Additionally, it requires a two-phase study and reports from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine regarding the safety and benefits of biotechnology. Finally, the bill authorizes specific appropriations of money for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out these research and study activities.
Yes· 3 of 13
Does this put more money into scientific research?+6
The bill directly authorizes tens of millions of dollars in appropriations for scientific research on biotechnology risk assessment.
Does this put more money into medical research?+6
The bill explicitly authorizes substantial appropriations for the National Science Foundation to fund biotechnology risk assessment research.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+4
The legislation supports research into biotechnology safety risks, helping to protect consumers and the environment.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-2
The bill authorizes significant appropriations totaling tens of millions of dollars, which increases federal spending.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Under Section 3(a) and Section 3(d)(2), the bill funds research to identify unintended genetic changes and manage risks to environmental, human health, and animal health. This could benefit everyday people by ensuring that biotechnology products are thoroughly checked for safety before they become widespread.
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Under Section 3(f), the Director of the National Science Foundation must consult with agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration to provide ongoing oversight and regulatory assistance. This provision helps keep our elected and appointed officials accountable by forcing different government watchdogs to work together on safety.
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Under Section 4(d), the National Academies are required to publish their study reports on a publicly accessible website. This brings transparency to the people by ensuring that the public can easily read what experts discover about the safety and benefits of biotechnology.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Under Section 3(g), the bill authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and Section 4(f) authorizes an additional $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2026. This creates a heavy financial burden on taxpayers who ultimately fund these federal appropriations.
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 Business Owners+3Good For Farmers+3Good For Rural Residents+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+4Improves Economic Growth+3Improves Small Business Support+2Increases Job Creation+2Reduces Government Spending-2Reduces National Debt-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+4Improves Rural Development+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+6
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+6
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+2
- 9/3/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California