Bill · S. 854· Senate(119-S-854)
Risky Research Review Act
- Introduced
- 3/5/2025
- Last activity
- 9/17/2025 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 164.
- Sponsored by
- Rand Paul
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the Life Sciences Research Security Board as an independent agency within the Executive Branch. The Board is tasked with reviewing proposed Federal funding for high-risk life sciences research to determine if it should be awarded. High-risk research includes gain of function research and dual use research of concern involving high-consequence pathogens. The Board's determinations regarding funding are binding upon Federal agencies. This legislation aims to provide oversight to ensure research does not pose significant threats to public health, safety, or national security.
Yes
Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak?+5
The establishment of a review board for high-risk research helps mitigate biological threats that could cause pandemics.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill requires the Board to publish procedures and annual reports to the public and Congress.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+2
The bill aims to protect public health by preventing the misuse of high-consequence pathogens.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
Research entities face increased administrative burdens and mandatory disclosures regarding subcontracts.
Does this put more money into scientific research?-2
The new oversight requirements and potential research pauses may create administrative burdens and funding uncertainties for scientists.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Public Health and Safety: The Board reviews research to ensure it does not involve pathogens that could be misapplied to cause harm or pose significant threats to public health and safety (Section 7901).
-
National Security Oversight: The establishment of the Board helps monitor research that could pose a threat to national security (Section s7901; Section 7906).
-
Risk Mitigation in Research: The Board can determine the minimum required biosafety containment, engineering, and operational controls for high-risk research (Section 7906).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Research Interruptions: If circumstances change during ongoing research, the entity may be required to pause their research immediately (Section 7905).
-
Increased Administrative Burdens: Entities seeking Federal funding must provide specific attestations and disclosures under the penalty of perjury (Section 7905).
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Mandatory Subcontractor Controls: Entities performing high-risk research are required to continuously disclose subcontracts or subawards and must obtain agency consent before awarding them (Section 7905).
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
- Improves Pandemic Preparedness+5Improves Healthcare Access+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding-2
- 9/17/2025
- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Paul without amendment. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 164.
- 7/30/2025
- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 3/5/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Gary PetersDemocrat · Michigan