To direct the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to conduct a feasibility study on incorporating militarily-relevant applications of emerging biotechnology into wargaming exercises, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5193
- 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
- 2025-09-23T19:25:14Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, H.R. 5193, aims to direct the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to evaluate whether military wargaming exercises—simulated training scenarios used to test tactics—should include emerging biotechnology applications that could have military uses. This is intended to help the U.S. military prepare for future conflicts involving advanced biotech, such as performance enhancements or strategic materials.
Key Provisions
- Conduct a Feasibility Review: The Chairman must assess the practicality and benefits of updating wargaming exercises to incorporate militarily relevant biotechnology.
- Specific Elements to Consider:
- Biotech enhancements that boost soldiers' cognitive (mental) or physical abilities.
- Chemicals or materials created through biotech to gain an edge in combat.
- How adversaries might use biotech for military goals beyond traditional biological weapons (e.g., germs used as weapons).
- Any other relevant biotech applications deemed important by the Chairman.
- Consultation Requirements: The Chairman must seek input from combatant command leaders (regional military commanders) and other experts inside and outside the Department of Defense (DoD) to identify recent biotech advancements suitable for exercises.
- Reporting Mandate: Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the Chairman must submit a report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, including:
- A summary of recommended changes to wargaming designs.
- If feasible, a plan for ongoing updates to exercises to match biotech progress.
- Definition: A "wargaming exercise" is defined as any military simulation to build tactical skills, including large-scale events like the Globally Integrated Wargames.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new requirement for a targeted review and report on biotechnology in military training, which does not appear to amend prior laws directly. It builds on existing DoD practices for wargaming but mandates the first formal assessment of biotech integration, potentially setting the stage for future policy updates.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DoD, particularly the Joint Chiefs of Staff and combatant commands, will need to allocate resources for the review, consultations, and reporting, which could influence future training budgets and strategies. This may enhance military readiness against biotech-related threats.
- On Citizens: Indirect effects could include improved national defense capabilities, potentially benefiting public safety through better-prepared armed forces, though no direct impact on civilian life is specified.
- On International Relations: By addressing adversaries' potential biotech uses, the bill could strengthen U.S. deterrence and strategic positioning in global security discussions, without directly affecting alliances or treaties.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Military Leadership: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, combatant commanders, and DoD personnel responsible for training and exercises.
- Congressional Committees: Senate and House Armed Services Committees, which receive the report and could influence subsequent legislation.
- External Experts: Stakeholders outside the DoD, such as biotech researchers or industry professionals, consulted for input on advancements.
- Broader Military Community: Warfighters and trainers who participate in wargaming, potentially seeing updated exercises if recommendations are implemented.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill is a straightforward directive under Congress's constitutional authority to oversee the military (Article I, Section 8), with no apparent conflicts with existing defense laws or international treaties like the Biological Weapons Convention.
- Constitutional: It respects the separation of powers by requiring a report to Congress without infringing on executive military command.
- Political: This could signal bipartisan interest (introduced by representatives from both parties) in advancing U.S. military innovation amid rapid technological changes, potentially sparking debates on ethical uses of biotech in warfare, such as human enhancement, though the bill focuses solely on study rather than implementation.
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 direct the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to conduct a feasibility study on incorporating militarily-relevant applications of emerging biotechnology into wargaming exercises, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-09-08 — PDF (3 pages)