Us Congress House Bill HB7085

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/25/24

Caption

BIOSECURE Act

Impact

If enacted, HB 7085 would significantly restructure how federal agencies approach contracts and procurement related to biotechnology. Agencies would be prohibited from acquiring goods and services from companies identified as 'biotechnology companies of concern', thereby limiting their options and potentially leading to gaps in scientific capabilities if authorized vendors become restricted. The bill also outlines conditions under which exceptions can be granted, but this may add complexity to procurement procedures as agencies navigate compliance.

Summary

House Bill 7085, titled the 'BIOSECURE Act', is designed to prohibit contracting with specific biotechnology companies deemed as national security threats, particularly those linked to foreign adversaries such as the People's Republic of China (PRC). The bill specifically targets companies like BGI and its affiliates due to their potential links to espionage and data collection under PRC laws that compel firms to cooperate with state security efforts. The intention is to protect U.S. federal procurement processes from entities that may compromise national security through their affiliations and data practices.

Contention

The bill has elicited notable debate about the implications of restricting contracts with foreign entities, raising questions about innovation, competition, and the consequences on bilateral relations. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to curtail risks associated with data security and foreign influence, while opponents may raise concerns about the effects on global cooperation in scientific and medical advancements. Furthermore, the broader discussion touches on the balancing act between national security and maintaining open channels for scientific collaboration.