H.R. 9923: Biotechnology Diplomacy and Expertise Enhancement Act of 2026

This bill would expand a State Department program that places “Regional Technology Officers” overseas so that it also focuses on biotechnology. In practical terms, it would require the State Department to recruit and train officers with biotechnology expertise and make sure existing and new officers get specialized instruction in biotechnology and emerging biotechnologies.

What the training would cover

The bill says the training should prepare these officers to understand:

• Biotechnology advances such as gene editing, synthetic biology, and bioengineering
• Biosecurity and the protection of sensitive research
• Ethical issues in biotechnology, including uses in public health, agriculture, defense, and security
• International rules and policies affecting biotechnology
• Diplomatic strategies for biotechnology-related negotiations, including trade and multilateral agreements

What the officers would be expected to do

According to the bill, the goal is for these officers to help the United States engage internationally on biotechnology matters. Their work would include:

• Promoting U.S. leadership in biotechnology and biomanufacturing
• Working with government and non-government partners to support the use of biotechnology in ways aligned with democratic values
• Helping shape agreements and policies in international and regional forums
• Working with foreign governments, international organizations, private companies, research labs, incubators, and venture capital firms
• Promoting the responsible use and secure transfer of biotechnology
• Maintaining U.S. advantages in biotechnology

How the program would be expanded

The Secretary of State would have to develop a hiring strategy to bring more technical experts into the Regional Technology Officer Program and expand the program to include officers with biotechnology expertise during fiscal year 2026, with room for further expansion if needed.

Reporting requirements

Within 180 days of enactment, the State Department would have to send Congress an implementation plan explaining how it will:

• Advance biotechnology diplomacy, security, and innovation
• Hire and train biotechnology-focused officers
• Expand the program to include those officers

The department would also have to submit annual reports to Congress on the program’s progress, including:

• How many officers have received the biotechnology training
• Where those officers are assigned
• The results of biotechnology-related diplomatic efforts, partnerships, and agreements

Personnel flexibility

The bill would let the Secretary of State hire additional personnel needed to carry out the act, even if other hiring freezes or personnel limits would normally apply. It also directs the department to prioritize recruiting, training, and deploying officers with biotechnology, biosecurity, and emerging life sciences expertise.

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