Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act of 2026

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 9755 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 9755

 To establishes a new position of Senior Biotechnology Official within
 the Department of State to enhance United States leadership in global
     biotechnology challenges by leading United States efforts in
   biotechnology diplomacy, security, and innovation, and for other
                               purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 16, 2026

Mr. McCormick (for himself and Mr. Bera) introduced the following bill;
         which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 To establishes a new position of Senior Biotechnology Official within
 the Department of State to enhance United States leadership in global
     biotechnology challenges by leading United States efforts in
   biotechnology diplomacy, security, and innovation, and for other
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership
Act of 2026''.

SEC. 2. APPOINTMENT OF SENIOR BIOTECHNOLOGY OFFICIAL.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall appoint an
individual to the position of Senior Biotechnology Official to enhance
United States leadership in biotechnology diplomacy, innovation, and
security by working closely with other United States departments and
agencies involved in biotechnology.
    (b) Level and Qualifications.--The individual appointed pursuant to
subsection (a) shall--
            (1) possess significant expertise in biotechnology,
        international relations, and diplomacy; and
            (2) have experience--
                    (A) leading or coordinating international
                biotechnology initiatives;
                    (B) managing complex projects related to
                biotechnology;
                    (C) navigating the intersection of biotechnology
                and national security; and
                    (D) managing interagency and international
                collaborations on biotechnology-related issues, with a
                focus on national security.

SEC. 3. DUTIES OF SENIOR BIOTECHNOLOGY OFFICIAL.

    (a) Primary Responsibilities.--Under the supervision of the
Secretary of State, the Senior Biotechnology Official shall lead and
coordinate the Department of State's efforts, in collaboration with
other relevant Federal officials, offices, and agencies, related to--
            (1) supporting and advising the Secretary of State
        regarding issues related to biotechnology, including the
        intersection of biotechnology with national security, global
        economic development, and global partnerships;
            (2) leading United States diplomatic and policy efforts
        related to international cooperation on activities to promote
        and protect United States priorities and interests in emerging
        biotechnology and national security, including coordinating
        biotechnology policy and initiatives with foreign governments,
        international organizations, private sector entities, and
        relevant stakeholders to advance global biotechnology
        innovation and security;
            (3) representing the Department of State in international
        biotechnology discussions, working groups, forums, and
        initiatives to advocate for United States policy and priorities
        in biotechnology;
            (4) working with United States agencies to align and
        leverage biotechnology-related resources and funding for
        international partnership and collaboration;
            (5) overseeing the implementation of United States
        commitments to international biotechnology initiatives,
        including--
                    (A) securing biotechnology supply chains;
                    (B) advancing commercial and regulatory diplomacy;
                    (C) facilitating reciprocal biological data-sharing
                agreements;
                    (D) promoting joint research and development; and
                    (E) supporting capacity-building programs in
                partner nations; and
            (6) providing regular reports to the Secretary of State
        regarding the status of international biotechnology diplomacy
        efforts, including the progress and outcomes of biotechnology
        initiatives, partnerships, and any emerging issues or
        opportunities in the global biotechnology landscape.
    (b) Scope of Implementation.--As used in subsection (a)(5), the
term ``implementation'' includes--
            (1) fulfilling obligations under international agreements
        and frameworks;
            (2) advancing shared objectives with allied and partner
        nations;
            (3) contributing to multilateral forums and working groups;
            (4) coordinating technical assistance and capacity
        building;
            (5) monitoring and reporting progress; and
            (6) ensuring policy and programmatic follow-through.
    (c) Additional Responsibilities.--In addition to the
responsibilities set forth in subsection (a), the Senior Biotechnology
Official may also be tasked with any other duties that the Secretary of
State determines are necessary--
            (1) to advance Department of State goals; and
            (2) to further the objectives of United States
        biotechnology diplomacy.
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