Risky Research Review Act
Risky Research Review Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of the Risky Research Review Act (S 854) **What the bill would do:** This bill would create a new independent government board called the Life Sciences Research Security Board to review and approve federal funding for high-risk biological research. "High-risk" research is defined as studies involving organisms or viruses that could potentially be misused to harm the public or made more dangerous (such as research on Ebola). Before federal agencies can fund such research, they would need approval from this new board, which would also set safety requirements for approved projects. **Who it affects:** Universities, research institutions, and private companies that receive federal funding for life sciences research would be directly affected.
They would need to identify whether their proposed research qualifies as "high-risk" and obtain board approval before receiving federal grants. Federal agencies that distribute research funding would also be impacted, as they would need to certify research claims and submit high-risk projects to the board for review. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill addresses concerns about oversight of potentially dangerous biological research funded with taxpayer money.
CRS Official Summary
Risky Research Review ActThis bill establishes the Life Sciences Research Security Board to oversee the award of federal funding for high-risk life sciences research. High-risk life sciences research means the study of an organism, virus, or related product that could be misapplied to pose a significant threat to the public or could enhance the transmissibility or virulence of certain high-risk pathogens (e.g., Ebola).Specifically, the bill establishes the board as an independent agency that must review proposed high-risk life sciences research, determine whether a federal agency may award funding for the research, and determine minimum required controls for funded research. Entities that are seeking federal funding must attest to whether their research is high-risk life sciences research. Agencies must certify the validity of these attestations and submit proposed high-risk life sciences research to the board. Agencies must also notify the board of intended awards for other life sciences research for potential review. In making its determinations, the board must consider specified factors, including whether the benefits of the research outweigh the risks. The bill prohibits agencies from awarding federal funding for high-risk life sciences research without approval of the board or for life sciences research currently under board review. The board may also review awards that were made before the bill’s enactment.Entities that fail to properly attest to the nature of their research may lose their eligibility for funding. Additionally, agency employees who fail to comply with the bill's requirements are subject to disciplinary action.
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 164.