ACTIVATE Act

The ACTIVATE Act directs the U.S. Secretary of Defense to contract a federal research center to assess adversarial biotechnology capabilities, focusing on nations like China, Iran, and Russia. The assessment will identify scientific gaps and future needs of these adversaries in biotechnology and develop recommendations for U.S. defense planning. The Secretary must appoint DoD liaisons, provide necessary access to classified materials, and ensure proper security clearances for the research center. By October 1, 2025, the Secretary must submit an unclassified report (with a classified annex if needed) to congressional defense committees and the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, detailing findings and recommendations. This bill affects U.S. defense strategy and intelligence efforts related to biotechnology threats, without altering existing laws or imposing new obligations on the public.