Introduced in House — H.R. 9755

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 9755

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.

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.