To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes.
U.S. Congress · HR3029 ·
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Timing in context
Primary sponsor's contributions received (same period)
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What the bill says
Introduced 2025-04-28. Latest action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Summary (plain-language)
Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act This bill explicitly requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support the development of best practices and technical standards for nucleic acid synthesis. Nucleic acids, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), carry genetic information within cells. Nucleic acid synthesis is the process of designing and creating custom nucleic acids; it is used in the development of medications and agricultural products. However, this technology also poses a risk of misuse (e.g., the intentional or unintentional creation of dangerous biological agents). The bill requires NIST to carry out measurement research to support the development and improvement of biosecurity best practices and technical standards related to nucleic acid synthesis. This effort must address specified topics including nucleic acid synthesis screening, operational security, and conformity assessment. (A 2023 executive order titled Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence directed NIST to develop and refine similar specifications and best practices for use by synthetic nucleic acid providers. NIST's work on this topic is ongoing.) In carrying out this effort, NIST must convene stakeholders to develop and periodically update consensus priorities and best practices for synthetic nucleic acid screening mechanisms. Within a specified period, NIST must submit a summary of the stakeholder group’s findings to Congress. NIST must also take steps to advance risk management best practices and technical standards for engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including with respect to risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence.
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Text versions
What analysts say
CBO cost estimates
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H.R. 3029, Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act
— 2025-06-24
As ordered reported by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on April 29, 2025
Full estimate published at cbo.gov; it will appear here once an archived or committee-report copy is available.
What politicians say
No linked claims or utterances yet — no one on record has cited this measure to justify a public argument.
Action History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 2026-07-21 | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. |
| 2026-07-20 | Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. |
| 2026-07-20 | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4666-4667) |
| 2026-07-20 | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3029. |
| 2026-07-20 | Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4666) |
| 2026-07-20 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4666) |
| 2026-07-20 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 2026-07-16 | Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-751. |
| 2026-07-16 | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 654. |
| 2025-04-29 | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held |
| 2025-04-29 | Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote. |
| 2025-04-28 | Introduced in House |
| 2025-04-28 | Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. |