Brian Babin
Representative for Texas · Republican · United States
“It directs NIST to develop the science-based standards and best practices needed to make the screening of synthetic DNA much more reliable, helping to ensure that the very technology driving American biotechnology cannot be turned against us.”
“17196; relating to organization and administration of programs)-- (A) in subsection (e), by striking ``Committee on Science and Technology'' and inserting ``Committee on Science, Space, and Technology''; and (B) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows: ``(f) Progress Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment…”
“It directs the Department of Energy to tackle the engineering challenges that still stand in the way of commercialization, expands real-world testing, and strengthens the partnerships between our national labs, universities, and private industry that have always driven American innovation.”
“17196; relating to organization and administration of programs)-- (A) in subsection (e), by striking ``Committee on Science and Technology'' and inserting ``Committee on Science, Space, and Technology''; and (B) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows: ``(f) Progress Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment…”
“Virgin Islands, with significant potential for supercritical geothermal (as such term is defined in section 612 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191)).''; and (B) by striking subsection (d).”
“Virgin Islands, with significant potential for supercritical geothermal (as such term is defined in section 612 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191)).''; and (B) by striking subsection (d).”
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“That is why I am proud to rise in support of my Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, legislation I am leading with Congresswoman Salinas. America has an extraordinary opportunity to unlock a new source of reliable, around-the-clock power. A single supercritical geothermal well has the potential to produce more than seven times the energy of a conventional geothermal well. Experts estimate next-generation geothermal could ultimately provide up to 90 gigawatts of electricity right here at home. The problem is not that our country lacks the resources, but we lack the technology to fully unlock it. This bill helps close that gap.”
“8790, the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, will support geothermal research, development, demonstration, and commercialization efforts at the Department of Energy to overcome the remaining engineering challenges and take this technology from promise to reality. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Harrigan). [[Page H4670]] Mr. HARRIGAN. Madam Speaker, when Americans think about energy, they usually think about things that we can see: oil fields, natural gas pipelines, nuclear power plants, wind farms. One of the greatest energy opportunities in our country isn't aboveground. It is beneath our feet.”
“The industry is piloting commercial- scale power plants there, and they are demonstrating new technologies that will allow geothermal systems to operate in extreme heat conditions, which greatly expands the role that these resources can play in our energy mix. This is not just about Oregon or the Mountain West anymore. Next-gen geothermal technologies will make it feasible to deploy geothermal energy across the country and serve as a critical tool in the fight against climate change. This renewable energy will help meet America's energy needs across the Nation. The Federal Government needs to lean in, partner with the private sector, and ensure these technologies move quickly to market so that Americans feel the benefit sooner rather than later. Madam Speaker, H.R.”
“We need more tools to ensure we can deliver the reliability and affordability that consumers need. Geothermal energy already delivers clean, round-the-clock power in the Western U.S. Building on these innovations, next-gen geothermal technologies can play an important part in the transition to an affordable and reliable clean energy future across the country. Oregon is already a leader in this space, producing the fifth most geothermal electricity in the U.S. Oregon Institute of Technology opened Oregon's first geothermal power plant at their Klamath Falls campus, and for 60 years the school has heated buildings and supplied hot water with geothermal energy. Now, Oregon is leading the charge with next-gen geothermal technologies. Newberry Volcano in central Oregon is a hot spot--anybody laugh?--for geothermal innovation.”
“I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of this bill and will include such letters in the Committee report on H.R. 8790. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation. Sincerely, Brian Babin, D.D.S., Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Ms. SALINAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, Americans are facing an affordability crisis. When I talk with Oregonians, they tell me one of the biggest challenges they face right now is the rising cost of electricity. In addition to rising demand, aging infrastructure, rising fuel costs, and climate-change-driven disasters like winter ice storms, wildfires, and drought are also driving up the cost of electricity.”
“Bruce Westerman Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Westerman: I write concerning H.R. 8790, the ``Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act'', which the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology ordered reported on May 20, 2026. I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources and appreciate your willingness to forgo further consideration of the bill. I acknowledge that the Committee on Natural Resources will not formally consider H.R. 8790 and agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained therein.”
“Further, this does not prejudice the Committee on Natural Resources with respect to the appointment of conferees, and should a conference on the bill be necessary, I appreciate your agreement to support my request to have the Committee represented on the conference committee. Finally, I would ask that a copy of this letter and your response acknowledging the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Natural Resources in the bill be included in the Committee Report and Congressional Record during consideration of H.R. 8790 on the House floor. Sincerely, Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources. ____ Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC, July 14, 2026. Hon.”
“I recognize and appreciate your desire to bring this legislation before the House of Representatives in an expeditious manner, and accordingly agree that the Committee on Natural Resources shall be discharged from further consideration of the bill. However, this is conditional on our mutual understanding that by the forgoing consideration of H.R. 8790 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation that falls within the Committee on Natural Resources' Rule X jurisdiction. We also request that the Committee on Natural Resources' Rule X jurisdiction. We also request that the Committee on Natural Resources be appropriately consulted and involved on this or similar legislation as it moves forward.”
“Madam Speaker, I will express my appreciation for the work of Representatives Harrigan and Salinas on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC, July 13, 2026. Hon. Brian Babin, Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Babin: I write concerning H.R. 8790, the ``Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act'', which the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology ordered reported on May 20, 2026. There are certain provisions of H.R. 8790 that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources.”
“This bill also builds upon the success of the Department of Energy's Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy, or FORGE, by requiring next-generation geothermal testing at one or more additional FORGE sites, if deemed necessary by the Department of Energy. Research conducted at FORGE has provided clear evidence that, through innovative drilling, next-generation geothermal systems can be used to generate power. The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act authorizes the Department of Energy to foster this emerging industry by awarding grants to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies that improve the performance of next-generation geothermal energy projects.”
“{time} 1730 The bill directs the Department of Energy to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of the Interior to facilitate the sharing of geothermal data and to improve understanding of the subsurface. This legislation also provides a critical update to the Department of the Interior's drilling data repository by including additional data sources, periodic updates, and standardized data to enhance its overall functionality and usability. Curating data from public lands gives the government, academia, and industry a better understanding of the subsurface and the resources beneath our feet.”
“This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to include novel geothermal approaches and directs the Department of Energy to support these baseload energy-producing technologies. Thanks to breakthroughs in drilling methods pioneered by the oil-and- gas sector, we can now drill deeper and increase rock permeability. As a result, regions of the United States that were once unable to support baseload geothermal electricity generation are now viable for power production. This comes at an important time as we race to connect baseload energy to the grid to ensure that we have both reliable power and the grid stability needed to support continued economic growth and technological advancement.”
“Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin) and the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Miller) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas. General Leave Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise [[Page H4669]] and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 8790, the bill that is now under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas? There was no objection. Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8790, the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, sponsored by my colleagues, Representatives Harrigan and Salinas.”
“Virgin Islands, with significant potential for supercritical geothermal (as such term is defined in section 612 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17191)).''; and (B) by striking subsection (d). (2) First update.--The first quadrennial update to the geothermal resource assessment carried out by the United States Geological Survey under subsection (c) of section 2501 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, as amended by paragraph (1), shall be completed by not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is amended by amending the item relating to section 615 to read as follows: ``Sec. 615. Next-generation geothermal systems research and development.''. The SPEAKER pro tempore.”
“``(3) An assessment of the barriers to commercialization of next-generation geothermal technologies. ``(4) Such other information as the Secretary considers appropriate.''. (b) Update to Geothermal Resource Assessment.-- (1) In general.--Section 2501 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (30 U.S.C. 1028) is amended-- (A) in subsection (c)-- (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``quadrennially'' before ``update''; (ii) in paragraph (1)(D)(ii), by striking ``and'' at the end; (iii) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (iv) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) to the maximum extent practicable, by assessing regions of the United States, including the United States territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.”
“17196; relating to organization and administration of programs)-- (A) in subsection (e), by striking ``Committee on Science and Technology'' and inserting ``Committee on Science, Space, and Technology''; and (B) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows: ``(f) Progress Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that contains the following: ``(1) A description of the maximum potential of geothermal resources in the United States, including a consideration of next-generation geothermal systems. ``(2) Information relating to the results of projects undertaken under this section.”
“``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Such amounts shall be derived from amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department.''; and (5) in section 617 (42 U.S.C.”
“``(ii) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to the following: ``(I) Applicants, including for-profit entities and public- private partnerships, with demonstrated expertise relating to in-field development and commercial operations for geothermal energy projects. ``(II) Projects with the greatest ability to advance near- term commercial deployment of enhanced geothermal systems and closed-loop geothermal systems. ``(III) Projects that advance the commercialization of geothermal energy projects in diverse geological conditions or supercritical conditions. ``(D) Cost sharing.--The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out with a grant under this paragraph shall be not more than 80 percent.”
“``(B) Focus areas.--Grants may be awarded under this paragraph for innovative technologies, including the following: ``(i) Hardrock drilling equipment, components, and systems, including bit design and vibration control. ``(ii) Reservoir characterization, well design and spacing, and completions. ``(iii) Data acquisition and analysis, including fiber optic sensing tools and methodologies. ``(C) Applications.-- ``(i) In general.--An entity seeking a grant under this paragraph shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.”
“``(iii) Support workforce development across the next- generation geothermal systems energy development lifecycle. ``(iv) Provide educational, technical, and analytical assistance on next-generation geothermal systems to Federal agencies, industry, and State, local, and Tribal governments. ``(v) Collect and disseminate information on best practices in all areas relating to developing and managing geothermal energy resources and energy systems, including next- generation geothermal systems. ``(5) Commercial-readiness innovation grants.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies identified as areas for improving the performance of commercial geothermal energy projects using next-generation geothermal systems.”
“``(C) Purpose.--The center of excellence referred to in subparagraph (A) shall coordinate among existing FORGE sites, the Department, and National Laboratories to carry out the following: ``(i) Advance research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of next-generation geothermal energy technologies, including supercritical geothermal technologies, in response to industry and commercial needs, including by partnering with other academic or research institutions, industry, non-governmental organizations, and State, local, or Tribal governments. ``(ii) Foster collaboration for education, research, and partnership initiatives in order to support the technology, deployment, and workforce needs of the United States geothermal energy industry, including a focus on next- generation geothermal systems.”
“``(ii) The establishment of a next-generation geothermal systems center of excellence. ``(B) Location.--In selecting National Laboratories, multi- institutional collaborations, public-private partnerships, or institutions of higher education (or a consortia thereof) for a center of excellence referred to in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider the following criteria: ``(i) Whether the entity hosts an existing geothermal energy research and development program. ``(ii) Whether the entity has proven technical expertise to support geothermal energy research. ``(iii) Whether the entity has access to geothermal resources.”
“``(E) Technological and operational improvements that could lead to decreases in water withdrawal and consumption of next-generation geothermal systems. ``(4) Next-generation geothermal center of excellence.-- ``(A) Establishment.--The Secretary shall award grants through a competitive, merit-reviewed process, to National Laboratories (as such term is defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801)), multi- institutional collaborations, public-private partnerships, or institutes of higher education (or consortia thereof) for the following: ``(i) The continuation and expansion of research, development, demonstration, testing, and commercial application activities applicable to FORGE sites, including activities in supercritical conditions.”
“``(3) Report on water use.--Not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the following: ``(A) Water use and estimated needs of enhanced geothermal systems. ``(B) Water use and estimated needs for closed-loop, and next-generation geothermal energy production. ``(C) The ability of next-generation geothermal systems to use brackish and nonpotable water. ``(D) The withdrawal and consumption of water per megawatt hour of next-generation geothermal systems, as compared to other power-generation technologies.”
“``(B) Prioritization.--In carrying out next-generation geothermal research under the program described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall prioritize projects best able to produce iterative data for deep drilling projects in unique geodynamic settings on the following topics: ``(i) Characterization and crustal stress. ``(ii) Lab work. ``(iii) Drilling. ``(iv) Stimulation. ``(v) Power production. ``(C) Administration.--The Secretary may administer grants to institutions of higher education and private sector entities to carry out activities on the topics specified in subparagraph (A) and, to the maximum extent practicable, share data, results, and information publicly.”
“``(2) Focus areas.-- ``(A) In general.--The program described in paragraph (1) shall focus on the following topics: [[Page H4668]] ``(i) Well completion. ``(ii) Permeability creation and management, including proppants and packers. ``(iii) Materials development and equipment design, including power production, specific to supercritical geothermal systems. ``(iv) Sensor development. ``(v) Water-rock geochemistry. ``(vi) Rock properties. ``(vii) Hard rock and deep drilling. ``(viii) Any other topics the Secretary determines necessary.”
“17194; relating to enhanced geothermal systems research and development)-- (A) in the section heading, by striking ``enhanced'' and inserting ``next-generation''; (B) in subsection (a), by striking ``enhanced'' and inserting ``next-generation''; (C) in subsection (b)-- (i) in the heading, by inserting ``and Closed-loop'' after ``Enhanced''; (ii) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``and closed-loop'' after ``enhanced''; (iii) in paragraph (11), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (iv) in paragraph (12), by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and (v) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(13) the research topics specified in subparagraphs (1) through (12) in supercritical conditions.''; (D) in subsection (c)-- (i) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and (ii) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph: ``(7) Next-generation geothermal testing.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that at least one FORGE site has the capabilities to include next-generation geothermal testing, including in supercritical conditions.''; and (E) by adding at the end the following new subsections: ``(e) Next-generation Geothermal Research and Development Program.-- ``(1) In general.--Within the Geothermal Technologies Office of the Department, the Secretary shall support a program of next-generation geothermal research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities, including in supercritical conditions.”
“``(F) Study on site selection characteristics for supercritical geothermal.--The Secretary of the Interior shall, in consultation with the Secretary, conduct a study on site selection characteristics in representative geological provinces in the United States, including the United States territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, for supercritical geothermal.''; (4) in section 615 (42 U.S.C.”
“``(ii) Prioritization.--To the maximum extent practicable, activities conducted pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under clause (i) shall prioritize heat, lithology, and strain profiles through deep exploration boreholes and control points for deep heat mapping and geothermal development. ``(E) Regional data probes.--The Secretary of the Interior may, in consultation with the Secretary, commission the drilling of supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes in representative geological provinces in the United States to provide control points for deep heat mapping and geothermal development. The resulting data shall include an exploration of heat, lithology, and strain profiles, and shall be shared publicly on the repository established under paragraph (1).”
“``(D) Memorandum of understanding.-- ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of the Interior, and with the heads of other relevant Federal departments, for notifying, sharing, and providing opportunities for additional data collection regarding shared geothermal development data from projects funded by the Department of the Interior and each such other relevant department, including data from mining, critical minerals, and energy projects, such as subsurface heat data, seismic data, lithology data, boundaries of State and federally protected areas, and existing transmission capacity.”
“``(ii) Enhance the accessibility and usability of data to increase analysis of geothermal energy and next-generation geothermal systems on regional, local, and site-specific scales. ``(iii) Increase uses of data, including data viewable by map and organization by common attributes, such as region. ``(iv) Make other improvements in functionality and usability, as determined by the Secretary.”
“17193; relating to general geothermal systems research and development)-- (A) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``among the Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,'' and inserting ``across the Department''; and (B) in subsection (h)-- (i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and publicly available subsurface data, including data reported as part of fossil fuel and mining operations,'' after ``geothermal drilling information''; and (ii) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: ``(C) Updates.--The repository established under paragraph (1) shall be periodically updated in order to carry out the following: ``(i) Standardize data in a uniform manner to the maximum extent practicable and enable analysis across different projects.”
“17192(b)(1); relating to hydrothermal research and development), by striking ``advanced geologic tools to assist'' and inserting ``advanced tools, including machine learning algorithms, to assist''; (3) in section 614 (42 U.S.C.”
“17191; relating to definitions)-- (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (10), respectively; (B) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph: ``(1) Closed-loop geothermal systems.--The term `closed- loop geothermal systems' means a wellbore or subsurface circuit of wellbores containing a fluid heated through contact with the borehole wall.''; (C) by inserting after paragraph (8), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph: ``(9) Next-generation geothermal systems.--The term `next- generation geothermal systems' means-- ``(A) enhanced geothermal systems; ``(B) closed-loop geothermal systems; ``(C) in supercritical conditions-- ``(i) enhanced geothermal systems; or ``(ii) closed-loop geothermal systems; and ``(D) other innovative energy technologies.''; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(11) Supercritical geothermal.--The term `supercritical geothermal' means energy derived from a subsurface rock resource in-situ existing at or above the supercritical conditions, whether relating to temperature or pressure, of the primary fluid present.''; (2) in section 613(b)(1) (42 U.S.C.”
“8790 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act''. SEC. 2. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY. (a) In General.--The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140) is amended-- (1) in section 612 (42 U.S.C.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4667-H4670] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] NEXT-GENERATION GEOTHERMAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8790) to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities in support of next-generation geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems in various conditions, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R.”
“It directs NIST to develop the science-based standards and best practices needed to make the screening of synthetic DNA much more reliable, helping to ensure that the very technology driving American biotechnology cannot be turned against us. That is why this bill earned bipartisan support in the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and why it deserves the support of the full House today. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3029, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3029, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.”
“Businesses, small and large, in Oregon and across the country, will benefit from this partnership with NIST. These standards will drive sustainable growth while helping to keep this industry and the good jobs it supports right here in America. Through a commonsense partnership between government and industry, we will unlock responsible and trustworthy growth that benefits industry, workers, and consumers across the economy. Madam Speaker, in closing, I want to extend my great gratitude to Chairman Babin and Mr. McCormick for their bipartisan work. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 3029, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, H.R. 3029 is a practical, targeted bill.”
“These are an important tool though that allows scientists to study gene function, develop novel vaccines, improve diagnostic tests, and pursue countless other life-changing discoveries. Companies like Twist Bioscience in my district are pushing the envelope to accelerate and scale-up production, which, in turn, will facilitate faster discoveries. As this field advances, particularly with the development of AI systems to design nucleic acid sequences, we need to double down on efforts to ensure the [[Page H4667]] technology is used safely and responsibly. H.R. 3029, the Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act, directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to carry out measurement research and lead consensus-driven standards development to ensure these tools can be harnessed in a trustworthy manner.”
“In recent years, we have seen breakthroughs that have delivered promising new treatments for Alzheimer's, new biological alternatives to pesticides, and plastic- eating bacteria, just to name a few. These innovations are making Americans healthier, driving a more sustainable economy, and supporting good jobs. However, while America leads the world in these emerging technologies, our competitors are close behind. If we want to ensure American industry stays on top, then American consumers must have confidence in the safety and reliability of our advancements. One of the key ways American companies produce these breakthroughs is by producing synthetic nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, for use in biotech research.”
“It also directs NIST to convene a consortium of the people who actually do this work, including industry, universities, and nonprofit organizations, to develop consensus best practices and a roadmap for the future. This legislation does not create a new regulatory regime for American biotechnology. It strengthens our biosecurity while safeguarding the innovation that keeps us ahead of our competitors, and it passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on a bipartisan basis. I thank Representatives Salinas and McCormick for their work on this bill, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. SALINAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, American biotech companies are leading a scientific revolution that is transforming our economy.”
“However, as this field continues to advance rapidly, the lack of common technical standards and best practices for screening presents an emerging biosecurity risk. That is exactly the kind of work the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST, was built to do. NIST is our Nation's measurement and standards laboratory. It does not regulate industry. It provides industry with the tools and benchmarks and the best practices needed to get this right. H.R. 3029 directs NIST to carry out the measurement research needed to make this screening more accurate and reliable by improving screening tools, securing databases of concerning sequences, and developing ways for providers to demonstrate that their screening systems work as intended.”
“This bill is about protecting two things we all care about: American leadership in the life sciences and the security of the American people. Today, an American company or university laboratory can legally order made-to-order DNA, the basic building blocks of biology, and have it delivered in a matter of days. This technology powers new medicines and vaccines, stronger crops, and advanced manufacturing. It is a real source of American strength. However, the same technology that lets us build the biology of the future could, in the wrong hands, potentially be used to assemble the genetic material of a dangerous pathogen. Responsible providers already guard against this. They screen incoming orders against sequences of concern and verify the identities of their customers.”
“Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin) and the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Salinas) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas. General Leave Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 3029, the bill now under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas? There was no objection. Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3029, the Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act, introduced by Representative Salinas of Oregon, along with Representative McCormick of Georgia.”
“``(B) Develop roadmaps to inform the activities carried out under paragraph (1). ``(3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the first meeting of the consortium under paragraph (2), the Director shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report summarizing the findings of the consortium. ``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--Of the funds authorized to be appropriated for the National Institute of Standards and Technology pursuant to this section for scientific and technical research and services laboratory activities, there is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this subsection.''. The SPEAKER pro tempore.”
“``(B) Best practices, including security and access controls, for operational security and managing sequence-of- concern databases to support such screening. ``(C) Technical implementation guidance to ensure such screening is effective and secure. ``(D) Conformity-assessment best practices and technical standards. ``(E) Methods to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the implementation of subparagraphs (A) through (D). ``(2) Consortium.--In carrying out this subsection, the Director shall convene a consortium of stakeholders, including industry, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and customers to carry out the following: ``(A) Develop and periodically update consensus priorities and best practices, as appropriate, for synthetic nucleic acid procurement screening mechanisms.”
“SUPPORTING NUCLEIC ACID SCREENING. Section 10221 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 18931; enacted as part of title II of division B of Public Law 117-167) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1)-- (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph: ``(D) best practices, guidelines, and technical standards for risk management associated with engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence; and''; (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: ``(b) Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening Tools and Standards.-- ``(1) In general.--The Director, in consultation with heads of Federal agencies the Director considers appropriate, shall carry out measurement research to support the development and improvement of best practices and technical standards for biosecurity measures related to nucleic acid synthesis, including the following: ``(A) Testing to improve the accuracy, efficacy, and reliability of screening for nucleic acid synthesis.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4666-H4667] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1720 NUCLEIC ACID STANDARDS FOR BIOSECURITY ACT Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3029) to amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to support nucleic acid screening, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 3029 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited ``Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act''. SEC. 2.”
“Speaker, on December 31, 2026, Judge Jimmy Sylvia will conclude three decades of distinguished public service. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my friend and offer my best wishes to his wife, Laura Lou, their children, and grandchildren as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. May God bless Chambers County, and may He continue to bless the Sylvia family. ____________________”
“For 17 years, Judge Sylvia has hosted a Hurricane Workshop that brings together local, state, and federal organizations to prepare for hurricane season. In May of this year, he was awarded the Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award in recognition of his achievements that have demonstrated a positive and significant impact on emergency management programs or community resilience, a well-deserved honor for a public servant who leads with integrity and a servant's heart. I have worked closely with Judge Sylvia on many projects, and the most significant was the de-obligation of $9 million of Hurricane Ike cleanup debt that FEMA erroneously charged to Chambers County. His diligence and advocacy were instrumental in resolving that issue. Mr.”