Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced the Risky Research Review Act, a proposal to establish a Life Sciences Research Security Board within the Executive Branch. This independent board will oversee funding for gain-of-function research and other high-risk life sciences research that could pose threats to public health, safety, or national security.

The proposed Life Sciences Research Security Board will evaluate gain-of-function research and other studies involving potential pandemic pathogens. Currently, there is insufficient government oversight on such research, allowing taxpayer dollars to be spent without appropriate checks. Dr. Paul’s legislation aims to establish a stringent review process for assessing high-risk research proposals.

The Risky Research Review Act outlines several key provisions:

- Establish an Independent Oversight Board: The Life Sciences Research Security Board will evaluate and issue binding determinations on high-risk life sciences research proposals seeking federal funding.

- Define High-Risk Research: High-risk life sciences research includes studies with potential dual-use applications or those posing threats to public health, safety, or national security.

- Ensure Board Independence: The board will be an independent agency within the Executive Branch, consisting of one executive director, five non-governmental scientists, and two national security experts appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

- Restrict Funding Without Approval: Federal agencies will be prohibited from awarding funding for high-risk life sciences research without board approval.

- Mandate Majority Vote: A majority vote of board members will be required to approve high-risk life sciences research.

- Empower the Board: The board will have authority to compel agencies to provide necessary information and records, including classified information.

- Demand Full Disclosure: Grant applicants must declare if their research falls under high-risk categories or involves select agents or toxins.

- Automatic Referral: Positive attestations must be automatically referred to the board.

- Continuous Subcontract Disclosure: Continuous disclosure of subcontracts or subawards is required, with agencies submitting these disclosures to the board.

- Annual Reporting: The board must submit an annual report summarizing determinations and findings related to high-risk life sciences research.

Supporters of the bill include:

Dr. Redfield, former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stated, “This is a very important bill which when implemented will ensure national security is prioritized when making US life science funding decisions.”

Jay Bhattacharya from Stanford University remarked that “the Risky Research Review Act is a great step forward toward protecting the American people from dangerous experiments.”

Dr. Alina Chan from MIT and Harvard emphasized that “research with pandemic risks must be subject to external and independent oversight.”

Richard H. Ebright from Rutgers University noted that “addressing gaps in oversight is essential,” adding that this proposal balances strengthened oversight with minimal costs.

Steven Quay from Atossa Therapeutics compared this legislation to historical measures like the 1946 establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission.

Bryce Nickels from Rutgers University described it as "much-needed common-sense legislation."

Meryl Nass also commended Senator Paul for his efforts in improving biodefense safety.

The bill has additional endorsements from Neil Harrison at Columbia University in his personal capacity.