To authorize the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to support the defense biotechnology supply chain, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5186
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-08: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-05T22:01:09Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill, H.R. 5186, authorizes the Secretary of Defense to create and run a program aimed at strengthening the U.S. military's biotechnology supply chain. The goal is to make it more resilient (able to withstand disruptions), sustainable (environmentally and economically viable), and responsive (quick to adapt to needs), by advancing research and production of biotech-based products like chemicals, materials, fuels, and other items essential for defense operations.
Key Provisions
- Program Authorization and Activities: The Secretary of Defense, working with military department heads and relevant defense agencies, may establish the "Biotechnology Supply Chain Resiliency Program." Key activities include:
- Assessing vulnerabilities in the defense supply chain.
- Directing military labs to collaborate on applied research, experimentation, prototyping, and development of biotech products (e.g., bio-based materials, fuels) to reduce dependence on foreign or risky suppliers.
- Upgrading or building labs, facilities, and digital tools for biotech research, testing, and production.
- Forming partnerships via contracts, grants, or agreements with federal agencies, businesses, universities, and research groups.
- Supporting training and education to build a skilled workforce in biomanufacturing (large-scale production using biological processes) and related fields.
- Aligning efforts with national strategies, promoting local economic growth through new biotech processes, modernizing infrastructure for rapid testing, and setting metrics to track progress toward integrating technologies into military use.
- Priorities and Consultations: The program must focus on technologies that address supply chain weaknesses, improve military readiness (e.g., on-site manufacturing of building materials like bio-cement, advanced protective coatings, or cost-saving composites), and reduce foreign dependencies. It requires consulting industry, academia, and other agencies, and emphasizes partnerships for emerging biotech that gives U.S. forces an edge.
- Planning and Reporting Requirements:
- Within 90 days of starting the program, submit a funding allocation plan to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees.
- Submit annual reports (starting one year after launch) detailing research efforts, partnerships, infrastructure updates, performance metrics, challenges, and recommendations. Reports are unclassified but may include classified sections.
- Sunset and Extension: The program ends 10 years after the bill's enactment, unless the President extends it by notifying Congress that it's needed for economic or national security reasons.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new, dedicated program within the Department of Defense (DoD) for biotechnology supply chain support, which does not appear to amend prior laws directly. It expands DoD's authority to invest in biotech R&D, infrastructure, and partnerships, potentially building on existing defense research authorities (e.g., under the National Defense Authorization Act) by specifying biotech applications and requiring coordinated, measurable efforts to transition lab innovations to real-world military use.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Enhances DoD's and military labs' capabilities in biotech, requiring coordination across departments and agencies. It could increase funding needs for research and facilities, with built-in reporting to ensure accountability to Congress.
- On Citizens: May create jobs and training opportunities in biomanufacturing and biotech fields, supporting local economies through sustainable production methods. It indirectly benefits public safety by bolstering military supply chain security.
- On International Relations: Reduces U.S. reliance on foreign suppliers for critical defense materials, potentially decreasing vulnerabilities to geopolitical disruptions (e.g., trade conflicts or embargoes). This could strengthen U.S. strategic independence but might strain relations with countries currently providing these supplies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Defense and Military: Primary implementers, including service labs and agencies, responsible for research, prototyping, and transitions.
- Industry and Private Sector: Commercial entities partnering on development, production, and scaling biotech products.
- Academic and Research Institutions: Collaborate on innovation, testing, and workforce training.
- Workforce and Communities: Individuals gaining skills in biotech fields; local areas benefiting from economic growth tied to new facilities and processes.
- Congress: Receives plans and reports, influencing oversight and future funding.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Grants DoD flexible tools (e.g., grants, contracts) for partnerships while mandating transparency through reports, ensuring compliance with federal procurement and research laws. The 10-year sunset provides a built-in review mechanism to assess effectiveness.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power under Article I, Section 8 to provide for the common defense and regulate commerce, by authorizing defense-specific investments in technology and supply chains.
- Political: Promotes national security through innovation without partisan mandates, emphasizing collaboration across sectors. It highlights bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) and addresses timely concerns like supply chain risks exposed by global events, potentially influencing future defense budgets and biotech policy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-08: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-09-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To authorize the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to support the defense biotechnology supply chain, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-09-08 — PDF (8 pages)