S.738 - Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The "Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act" (S.738) proposes a moratorium on federal research grants for institutions conducting dangerous gain-of-function research. Gain-of-function research is defined as research that alters an organism's genetic makeup to enhance its biological functions, including increased infectivity, transmissibility, or pathogenicity. The bill specifically targets research involving influenza viruses, coronaviruses, and select agents and toxins listed by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Agriculture.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect would be a halt to federally funded gain-of-function research as defined in the bill. This could lead to a reduction in potential risks associated with such research, but may also slow down scientific advancements in understanding and combating infectious diseases. The long-term impact depends on the duration of the moratorium and the availability of alternative research funding sources.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced risk of accidental release or intentional misuse of enhanced pathogens.
- Increased public safety by preventing research that could lead to more dangerous viruses.
- Potential reallocation of research funds to less risky but equally important areas of study.
- Addresses concerns about the ethical implications of gain-of-function research.
- May encourage international cooperation on safety standards for research.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential slowing of research into treatments and vaccines for emerging infectious diseases.
- Hindrance of scientific progress in understanding viral evolution and pathogenesis.
- Possible loss of expertise in gain-of-function research within the United States.
- May drive research to other countries with less stringent oversight, creating a global safety risk.
- Difficulty in defining "dangerous" gain-of-function research, leading to ambiguity and potential overreach.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Congress has the power to allocate federal funds for research under the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8). However, the extent to which Congress can restrict research grants raises questions about academic freedom and the potential chilling effect on scientific inquiry. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, which could be argued to extend to scientific research, although this is not explicitly stated. The bill does not appear to infringe on any other specific constitutional rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).