S. 1972: Bioweapon Prevention Act of 2025

The Bioweapon Prevention Act of 2025 is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to restrict federal funding for agricultural research in certain research centers and laboratories. Here are the main points of the bill:

Prohibition of Federal Funding

• The bill states that no federal funding shall be available to any research center or laboratory that allows nationals from particular countries of concern to conduct agricultural research.

Definition of "Countries of Concern"

• The bill identifies a specific list of countries termed countries of concern that are subject to this funding prohibition. The countries listed include:
• The Republic of Cuba
• The Islamic Republic of Iran
• The Russian Federation
• The People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau)
• The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
• The Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Objectives

• The overarching goal of the bill is to prevent potential bioweapon threats by controlling the agricultural research activities that nationals from these specified countries might conduct within U.S. institutions.
• By restricting federal funding, the bill aims to reduce the risk of misuse of agricultural research that could lead to bioweapons development.

Effect on Research Centers

• Research centers that currently receive federal funding or are seeking such funding will need to ensure compliance with this bill if it becomes law. This could limit collaborations or the scope of research involving nationals from the outlined countries.
• The bill may result in increased scrutiny over partnerships and research projects, particularly those that involve international cooperation.

Review and Oversight

• While the bill does not specify mechanisms for oversight, the implication is that there may be additional evaluations or checks to determine compliance with the prohibition of funding.

Impact on Laboratory Research

• Laboratories may need to reassess their international partnerships and funding sources in light of these restrictions, potentially altering the landscape of agricultural research funding.

Conclusion

• This bill aims to enhance national security by addressing concerns related to bioweapons through limitations on funding for research involving certain nations.

Relevant Companies

• None found