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119-hr-9923119th Congress

Biotechnology Diplomacy and Expertise Enhancement Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]

Introduced

Summary

Embed biotechnology expertise within U.S. diplomacy. This bill would expand the State Department's Regional Technology Officer program to add biotechnology experts and require specialized training on emerging biotechnologies so RTOs can support diplomacy, security, and international policy work.

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  • Regional Technology Officers: Would be required to receive specialized biotechnology training across six subsections, boosting their technical, policy, and biosecurity skills in areas like gene editing, synthetic biology, and bioengineering.
  • U.S. foreign policy and national security: Would position biotech-trained RTOs to help shape international agreements, protect sensitive research, and promote secure and responsible technology transfer.
  • Industry, academia, and partners: Directs the Secretary to work with federal agencies, private-sector stakeholders, international biotechnology associations, and academic institutions to develop and deliver training.
  • Geographic and diplomatic focus: Gives priority to placing biotech-trained RTOs in regions with growing biotech sectors, strategic partnerships, or emerging security risks to advance U.S. interests and cooperation.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More biotech experts for U.S. diplomacy

This bill would require the Secretary of State to expand the Regional Technology Officer program to include biotechnology experts. The Secretary would have to send Congress an implementation plan within 180 days after enactment and expand the program during fiscal year 2026. The bill would let the Secretary hire staff needed to carry out the program even if a hiring freeze is in place. It would require biotech training on topics like gene editing, synthetic biology, biosecurity, ethics, international rules, and diplomatic engagement, give trained officers priority for assignments in key regions, and require an annual report listing trained officers, their assignments, and diplomatic outcomes.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]

GU • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]

    PA • D

    Sponsored 7/23/2026

  • Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 7/23/2026

  • Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]

    IN • D

    Sponsored 8/3/2026

  • Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]

    OK • R

    Sponsored 8/27/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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