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119-hr-1864119th Congress

Risky Research Review Act

Sponsored By: Representative Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a Life Sciences Research Security Board that would review and can block federal funding for high-risk life sciences research. It defines high-risk and gain-of-function research, sets binding review procedures, disclosure and attestation rules, enforcement tools, and emergency review paths.

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  • Researchers and institutions would face preaward attestations, subaward disclosures, and recordkeeping requirements. A 24-hour pause and a 5-day notification requirement would apply when research changes could make work high-risk, and violations could lead to suspension or debarment.
  • Federal agencies and funders would be subject to the Board's binding determinations and must provide requested information, including classified materials. The Board generally allows up to 120 days for reviews and provides an expedited emergency review path that can act within 15 days.
  • Governance and oversight would be centralized: nine presidentially appointed members, an Executive Director confirmed by the Senate, and up to 25 staff, plus required conflict-of-interest rules, annual reports with a classified annex, and periodic Government Accountability Office audits.

*If enacted, the bill would authorize $30 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2035, increasing federal spending.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New board to review risky bio research

If enacted, this would create an independent Life Sciences Research Security Board to judge high‑risk research before it gets federal money. The President would appoint nine members (scientists, security, and biosafety), with most picked within 30 days and an Executive Director within 45 days. It would receive $30 million each year for fiscal years 2026–2035 and could hire cleared staff. The bill would set legal definitions for “high‑risk” research and list dangerous pathogens; the Board could add to the list after public notice. The Board could use outside expert panels, but must publish conflict rules and report panel members to Congress.

Tighter rules on funding high‑risk research

If enacted, agencies would need Board approval before funding high‑risk research. The Board would decide within 120 days and set minimum safety, security, and personnel checks. Starting 180 days after enactment, agencies could not award funding without that approval, and must wait if a review is ongoing. Applicants would attest under penalty of perjury if work is high‑risk or uses select agents; agencies must certify, keep records, and notify the Board at least 30 days before an award. If work may become high‑risk, entities must pause within 24 hours and notify the agency within 5 days; agencies must alert the Board if confirmed. Knowingly false statements trigger suspension or debarment, and employees who knowingly violate rules face discipline and permanent clearance loss. Agencies must report violations within 360 days of enactment and at least every 90 days; the Board must post counts within 5 days.

Emergency fast‑track for urgent research funding

If enacted, the Board would run a fast review for urgent public health or national security research. If it does not decide within 15 days, an agency could give temporary funding. The agency would have to notify the Board and Congress and explain why it used the fast path.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]

VA • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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