Both sides have signed this (Bill Ranking)
H.R. 3029 · 119th Congress (2025-2026)
4 members · Left 1 · Center 2 · Right 1 (Bill Ranking)
| Sponsor | Rep. Salinas, Andrea (D-OR) (Introduced 04/28/2025) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Voting Record | Center · DW-NOMINATE -0.23 · measured from every roll-call vote this member has cast (voteview.com) (Sponsor Ranking) |
| Support |
LLLCLRR support across the spectrum: 4 members signed on (Bill Ranking) this bill: sponsor + current cosponsors, each once |
| Committees | Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee; House - Science, Space, and Technology Committee; House - Science, Space, and Technology Committee; House - Science, Space, and Technology Committee |
| Latest Action | 07/21/2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. |
| Roll Call Votes | There have been no roll call votes |
| Source | view on congress.gov → |
Introduced in House (04/28/2025)
Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act
This bill explicitly requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support the development of best practices and technical standards for nucleic acid synthesis.
Nucleic acids, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), carry genetic information within cells. Nucleic acid synthesis is the process of designing and creating custom nucleic acids; it is used in the development of medications and agricultural products. However, this technology also poses a risk of misuse (e.g., the intentional or unintentional creation of dangerous biological agents).
The bill requires NIST to carry out measurement research to support the development and improvement of biosecurity best practices and technical standards related to nucleic acid synthesis. This effort must address specified topics including nucleic acid synthesis screening, operational security, and conformity assessment. (A 2023 executive order titled Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence directed NIST to develop and refine similar specifications and best practices for use by synthetic nucleic acid providers. NIST's work on this topic is ongoing.)
In carrying out this effort, NIST must convene stakeholders to develop and periodically update consensus priorities and best practices for synthetic nucleic acid screening mechanisms. Within a specified period, NIST must submit a summary of the stakeholder group’s findings to Congress.
NIST must also take steps to advance risk management best practices and technical standards for engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including with respect to risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence.
119 HR 3029 EH: Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 3029
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act.
2.Supporting nucleic acid screeningSection 10221 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 18931; enacted as part of title II of division B of Public Law 117–167) is amended— (1)in subsection (a)(1)— (A)in subparagraph (C), by striking and after the semicolon; (B)by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and (C)by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph: (D)best practices, guidelines, and technical standards for risk management associated with engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence; and; (2)by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and (3)by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: (b)Nucleic acid synthesis screening tools and standards (1)In generalThe Director, in consultation with heads of Federal agencies the Director considers appropriate, shall carry out measurement research to support the development and improvement of best practices and technical standards for biosecurity measures related to nucleic acid synthesis, including the following: (A)Testing to improve the accuracy, efficacy, and reliability of screening for nucleic acid synthesis. (B)Best practices, including security and access controls, for operational security and managing sequence-of-concern databases to support such screening. (C)Technical implementation guidance to ensure such screening is effective and secure. (D)Conformity-assessment best practices and technical standards. (E)Methods to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the implementation of subparagraphs (A) through (D). (2)ConsortiumIn carrying out this subsection, the Director shall convene a consortium of stakeholders, including industry, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and customers to carry out the following: (A)Develop and periodically update consensus priorities and best practices, as appropriate, for synthetic nucleic acid procurement screening mechanisms. (B)Develop roadmaps to inform the activities carried out under paragraph (1). (3)ReportNot later than 18 months after the first meeting of the consortium under paragraph (2), the Director shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report summarizing the findings of the consortium. (4)Authorization of appropriationsOf the funds authorized to be appropriated for the National Institute of Standards and Technology pursuant to this section for scientific and technical research and services laboratory activities, there is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this subsection.. Passed the House of Representatives July 20, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.
117 HR 3029 IH: Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act U.S. House of Representatives 2025-04-28 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3029IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 28, 2025Ms. Salinas (for herself and Mr. McCormick) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and TechnologyA BILLTo amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act.2.Supporting nucleic acid screeningSection 10221 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 18931; enacted as part of title II of division B of Public Law 117–167) is amended—(1)in subsection (a)(1)—(A)in subparagraph (C), by striking and after the semicolon;(B)by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and(C)by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph:(D)best practices, guidelines, and technical standards for risk management associated with engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence; and;(2)by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and(3)by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection:(b)Nucleic acid synthesis screening tools and standards(1)In generalThe Director, in consultation with heads of Federal agencies the Director considers appropriate, shall carry out measurement research to support the development and improvement of best practices and technical standards for biosecurity measures related to nucleic acid synthesis, including the following:(A)Testing to improve the accuracy, efficacy, and reliability of screening for nucleic acid synthesis.(B)Best practices, including security and access controls, for operational security and managing sequence-of-concern databases to support such screening.(C)Technical implementation guidance to ensure such screening is effective and secure.(D)Conformity-assessment best practices and technical standards.(E)Methods to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the implementation of subparagraphs (A) through (D).(2)ConsortiumIn carrying out this subsection, the Director shall convene a consortium of stakeholders, including industry, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and customers to carry out the following:(A)Develop and periodically update consensus priorities and best practices, as appropriate, for synthetic nucleic acid procurement screening mechanisms.(B)Develop roadmaps to inform the activities carried out under paragraph (1).(3)ReportNot later than 18 months after the first meeting of the consortium under paragraph (2), the Director shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report summarizing the findings of the consortium.(4)Authorization of appropriationsOf the funds authorized to be appropriated for the National Institute of Standards and Technology pursuant to this section for scientific and technical research and services laboratory activities, there is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this subsection..
117 HR 3029 : Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-07-21 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IIB119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 3029IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 21, 2026 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationAN ACTTo amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act.2.Supporting nucleic acid screeningSection 10221 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 18931; enacted as part of title II of division B of Public Law 117–167) is amended—(1)in subsection (a)(1)—(A)in subparagraph (C), by striking and after the semicolon;(B)by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and(C)by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph:(D)best practices, guidelines, and technical standards for risk management associated with engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence; and;(2)by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and(3)by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection:(b)Nucleic acid synthesis screening tools and standards(1)In generalThe Director, in consultation with heads of Federal agencies the Director considers appropriate, shall carry out measurement research to support the development and improvement of best practices and technical standards for biosecurity measures related to nucleic acid synthesis, including the following:(A)Testing to improve the accuracy, efficacy, and reliability of screening for nucleic acid synthesis.(B)Best practices, including security and access controls, for operational security and managing sequence-of-concern databases to support such screening.(C)Technical implementation guidance to ensure such screening is effective and secure.(D)Conformity-assessment best practices and technical standards.(E)Methods to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the implementation of subparagraphs (A) through (D).(2)ConsortiumIn carrying out this subsection, the Director shall convene a consortium of stakeholders, including industry, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and customers to carry out the following:(A)Develop and periodically update consensus priorities and best practices, as appropriate, for synthetic nucleic acid procurement screening mechanisms.(B)Develop roadmaps to inform the activities carried out under paragraph (1).(3)ReportNot later than 18 months after the first meeting of the consortium under paragraph (2), the Director shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report summarizing the findings of the consortium.(4)Authorization of appropriationsOf the funds authorized to be appropriated for the National Institute of Standards and Technology pursuant to this section for scientific and technical research and services laboratory activities, there is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this subsection..Passed the House of Representatives July 20, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.
117 HR 3029 RH: Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-07-16 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IBUnion Calendar No. 654119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 3029[Report No. 119–751]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 28, 2025Ms. Salinas (for herself and Mr. McCormick) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and TechnologyJuly 16, 2026Additional sponsors: Ms. McBride and Mr. Riley of New YorkJuly 16, 2026Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printedA BILLTo amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act.2.Supporting nucleic acid screeningSection 10221 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 18931; enacted as part of title II of division B of Public Law 117–167) is amended—(1)in subsection (a)(1)—(A)in subparagraph (C), by striking and after the semicolon;(B)by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and(C)by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph:(D)best practices, guidelines, and technical standards for risk management associated with engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence; and;(2)by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and(3)by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection:(b)Nucleic acid synthesis screening tools and standards(1)In generalThe Director, in consultation with heads of Federal agencies the Director considers appropriate, shall carry out measurement research to support the development and improvement of best practices and technical standards for biosecurity measures related to nucleic acid synthesis, including the following:(A)Testing to improve the accuracy, efficacy, and reliability of screening for nucleic acid synthesis.(B)Best practices, including security and access controls, for operational security and managing sequence-of-concern databases to support such screening.(C)Technical implementation guidance to ensure such screening is effective and secure.(D)Conformity-assessment best practices and technical standards.(E)Methods to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the implementation of subparagraphs (A) through (D).(2)ConsortiumIn carrying out this subsection, the Director shall convene a consortium of stakeholders, including industry, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and customers to carry out the following:(A)Develop and periodically update consensus priorities and best practices, as appropriate, for synthetic nucleic acid procurement screening mechanisms.(B)Develop roadmaps to inform the activities carried out under paragraph (1).(3)ReportNot later than 18 months after the first meeting of the consortium under paragraph (2), the Director shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report summarizing the findings of the consortium.(4)Authorization of appropriationsOf the funds authorized to be appropriated for the National Institute of Standards and Technology pursuant to this section for scientific and technical research and services laboratory activities, there is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this subsection..July 16, 2026Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
The bill's own words, from our database (synced from the GPO BILLS XML); paragraph breaks added at the bill's section boundaries, nothing else changed.
| Date | Chamber | All Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 04/28/2025 | Library of Congress | Introduced in House |
| 04/28/2025 | Library of Congress | Introduced in House |
| 04/28/2025 | House floor actions | Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. |
| 04/29/2025 | House committee actions | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held |
| 04/29/2025 | House committee actions | Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote. |
| 07/16/2026 | Library of Congress | Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751. |
| 07/16/2026 | House floor actions | Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751. |
| 07/16/2026 | House floor actions | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 654. |
| 07/20/2026 | House floor actions | Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. |
| 07/20/2026 | House floor actions | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4666-4667) |
| 07/20/2026 | House floor actions | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3029. |
| 07/20/2026 | Library of Congress | Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4666) |
| 07/20/2026 | House floor actions | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4666) |
| 07/20/2026 | House floor actions | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 07/21/2026 | Senate | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. |
| Title Type | Title |
|---|---|
| Display Title | To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes. |
| Official Titles from EH (Engrossed in House) bill text | To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes. |
| Short Title(s) as Introduced | Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act |
| Official Title as Introduced | To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes. |
There are no amendments to this bill.
* = Original cosponsor
| Committee | Activity |
|---|---|
| Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee | 07/21/2026 Referred To |
| House - Science, Space, and Technology Committee | 07/16/2026 Reported By |
| House - Science, Space, and Technology Committee | 04/29/2025 Markup By |
| House - Science, Space, and Technology Committee | 04/28/2025 Referred To |
No related bill information was received for H.R. 3029.
Policy Area: Science, Technology, Communications
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