Risky Research Review Act

The Risky Research Review Act establishes a new Life Sciences Research Security Board to review Federal funding for certain high-risk life sciences research before it's approved. The Board, composed of 9 appointed members including scientists and national security experts, will determine whether agencies can fund research that could pose threats to public health, safety, or national security. Entities seeking funding must attest whether their research qualifies as "high-risk" and disclose work with select agents or toxins, with the Board having 120 days to review high-risk proposals and set minimum biosafety and biosecurity requirements. The bill authorizes $30 million annually for the Board's operations from the Department of Homeland Security. This review process will apply to research involving potential pandemic pathogens, gain of function research, or dual-use applications with significant potential for misuse.