HR 706
Passed a chamber
Requires the Department of Homeland Security to assess how it uses Department of Energy national laboratories for biodetection research and to produce a strategy for working with them on detecting biological threats.
Official title: DHS Biodetection Improvement Act
Timeline each lane is a chamber; dates pull from congress.gov actions
House
Introduced
23-JAN-2025
Referred
23-JAN-2025
Passed
11-MAR-2025
Senate
Received
12-MAR-2025
- Requires DHS to assess its use of Department of Energy national laboratories and sites for research and development within 180 days of enactment
- Requires a strategy identifying biodetection technologies, an acquisition plan for existing BioWatch jurisdictions, and periodic external evaluations of gaps and failure points
- Encourages assistance with partners including state, local, Tribal governments, universities, and the private sector on program requirements
- Requires DHS to deliver an updated assessment and strategy to House and Senate homeland security committees within one year, including implementation challenges
Covers an older version. The newest CRS summary describes the bill as of "Introduced in House" (23-JAN-2025); the text has changed since (Engrossed in House, 11-MAR-2025).
CRS is the Library of Congress's nonpartisan research office. Read it on congress.gov- Homeland Security Committee (House)
- Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee
- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (Senate)
Government Operations and Politics
■ 1 R
1 Republican