PRIA Logo™
119-s-2695119th Congress

Synthetic Biology Advancement Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Young, Todd [R-IN]

Introduced

Summary

National Synthetic Biology Center would be established at the Department of Agriculture to run competitive grant programs that use synthetic biology to boost agricultural performance, cut environmental impacts, and strengthen food-system resilience.

Show full summary
  • Farmers and producers could access new tools and crops aimed at higher yields, better pest and disease resistance, and improved climate resilience through funded research and commercialization pathways.
  • Research institutions, including 1862, 1890, and 1994 land-grant schools, National Laboratories, and nonprofits would be eligible for grants and must partner with at least one other entity. The Center would begin awarding grants within one year of enactment and would report progress to Congress every two years.
  • Biotech and food companies could accelerate development and scaling of new protein sources, microbial and fermentation-based products, vaccines, and plant-derived therapeutics through coordinated technology transfer and advanced manufacturing support.

*This bill would authorize $5.0 million per year for grants and $1.0 million per year for Center operations for fiscal years 2026–2030, a total of $30.0 million, and would increase federal spending.*

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

USDA synthetic biology research center

If enacted, the bill would require USDA to create a National Synthetic Biology Center to run competitive grants. The bill would authorize $5 million a year for grants and $1 million a year for setup. These authorizations would cover fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and remain available until expended. Eligible applicants would be 1862, 1890, and 1994 land‑grant institutions and projects must partner with at least one other eligible organization. The Center would prioritize gene editing, microbiomes, AI and data science, fermentation, and controlled environment agriculture. The Center would need a public website, start awarding grants within one year, and report to Congress every two years starting two years after enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Young, Todd [R-IN]

IN • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 9/3/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation