A bipartisan group of Senators introduced May 15 legislation designed to strengthen the nation’s bioeconomy.
The Bioeconomy Research and Development Act of 2020 seeks to advance research and development, advance biomanufacturing, develop the future bioeconomy workforce, and support various types of research in field. Further, it would establish a committee to coordinate research in engineering biology across the federal agencies.
“Like the technological revolution and the Industrial Revolution before it, the biological revolution will reshape how we interact with and understand the world around us,” Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO), one of the bill’s sponsors, said. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop a stronger bioeconomy, which will lead to new scientific developments like improved vaccines and innovations in agriculture, food, medicine, clothing, and more.”
The bill was also sponsored by Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Marco Rubio (R-FL).
“Investing in engineering biology research is critical for our country, now and for our future,” Gillibrand said. “In addition to helping scientists develop a vaccine to protect Americans from coronavirus, engineering biology research touches everything from our food to our environment, to our health care. Strengthening and coordinating our nation’s research initiatives will not only make us safer, but it will bolster our economy and put the United States at the forefront of global research leadership. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill in the Senate.”
Engineering biology research is used to develop new vaccines, grow nutritious specialty crops that are resilient to climate change, make food safer, help wounded service members regain quality of life with advanced prosthetics and treatments, develop low-cost lifesaving drugs and early detection of cancer; and clean the environment by creating non-polluting batteries.
“Biotechnology and life sciences innovation drives our bioeconomy, and this legislation will ensure that the United States remains a leader in engineering biology research and innovation, supporting the hundreds of thousands of workers in the health, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors that contribute to this field,” Markey said.
The bill would establish an initiative through the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to strengthen and broaden the country’s research capacities. OSTP would lead an interagency coordination committee and define the roles of participating agencies.
“The preservation of the American economy is reliant on cutting edge innovation, technology, and discovery,” Rubio said. “Amid the coronavirus pandemic, it is more important now than ever that we invest in engineering biology research to help scientists working to develop a vaccine, while also establishing a legal framework to safeguard the research.”