Public statements from major scientific organizations (e.g., AAAS, NAS)

Senate Committee Passes Bipartisan Risky Research Review Act (S 4667) by 8-1 Vote

Sep 25, 2024, 03:16 PM

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has passed the bipartisan Risky Research Review Act (S 4667) by a vote of 8 to 1. This legislation, spearheaded by Senator Rand Paul and Senator Gary Peters, aims to establish a Life Sciences Research Security Board to oversee high-risk research, including gain-of-function studies. The Act is designed to provide independent oversight of NIH funding and prevent future pandemics by reviewing life science research on pathogens with pandemic potential. The bill now awaits a full Senate vote. The committee, known as HSGAC, approved the Act to address structural problems with NIH grants.