Bill · S. 738· Senate(119-S-738)
Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act
- Introduced
- 2/26/2025
- Last activity
- 2/26/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Roger Marshall
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act," seeks to stop federal money from going to certain research entities. It calls for a moratorium on all Federal research grants for institutions of higher education or other research institutes that conduct gain-of-function research. The bill defines gain-of-function research as work involving genetic alteration to enhance biological functions or anything that poses a threat to public safety or national security. It specifically covers organisms like influenza, coronaviruses, or specific toxins and agents. This prohibition applies regardless of any other existing laws.
Yes
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+2
The bill stops the distribution of federal research grants to institutions conducting gain-of-function research.
The opposite· 3 of 8
Does this put more money into medical research?-5
The bill imposes a moratorium on federal research grants for institutions conducting gain-of-function research.
Does this put more money into scientific research?-5
The bill prohibits federal research grants for institutions conducting gain-of-function research.
Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak?-4
Limiting research on infectious organisms like coronaviruses may reduce the ability to prepare for future pandemics.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Public Safety and National Security: By prohibiting grants for research that may pose a threat to national security, public safety, or the health of humans, animals, and livestock, the bill aims to prevent potential dangers associated with enhanced organisms (Section 2(a)(1)(B)).
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Prevention of Biological Risks: The bill seeks to restrict research that involves changing organisms to increase their infectivity, transmissibility, or pathogenicity, which could mitigate risks to human, companion, or livestock health (Section 2(a)(1)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Loss of Research Funding: Institutions of higher education or other research institutes that conduct the specific types of research defined in this bill will be barred from receiving research grants supported by Federal funds (Section 2(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding-5Improves Pandemic Preparedness-4Improves Healthcare Access-2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding-5Increases Public School Funding-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students-3Good For Business Owners-2
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+2Increases Job Creation-3
- 2/26/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee