Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

To codify Executive Order 14292 relating to improving the safety and security of biological research.

Summary

H.R. 4729 aims to codify Executive Order 14292, which relates to improving the safety and security of biological research. Codification would give the executive order the force of law. This means it would be more difficult to alter or rescind compared to a simple executive order.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of this bill would be to solidify the regulations and procedures outlined in Executive Order 14292. This could lead to more consistent and enforceable standards for biological research safety and security. It also limits future executive actions to easily modify the policy.

Potential Benefits

  • Enhanced safety and security in biological research.
  • Greater consistency in the application of safety standards across different research institutions.
  • Reduced risk of accidents or misuse of biological materials.
  • Increased public confidence in the safety and security of biological research.
  • Potentially improved international collaboration due to standardized safety protocols.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for increased regulatory burden on research institutions.
  • Possible delays in research progress due to stricter compliance requirements.
  • Risk of stifling innovation if regulations are overly restrictive.
  • Potential for increased costs associated with implementing and maintaining safety protocols.
  • Reduced flexibility to adapt to new scientific developments or emerging threats.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the constitutional powers of Congress, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the general Welfare of the United States. Codifying an executive order also falls within Congress's legislative powers. There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments.

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).