119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 9923
This bill establishes a new program to recruit and train diplomats specializing in biotechnology to represent U.S. interests abroad. The legislation amends the existing Regional Technology Officer program at the State Department to require current and new officers to receive specialized training in biotechnology topics including gene editing, synthetic biology, biosecurity, and international biotechnology regulations. These trained officers would serve as diplomatic experts to advance U.S. leadership in biotechnology, negotiate international agreements, work with foreign governments and private partners, and ensure responsible use of biotechnology technologies. The bill requires the Secretary of State to submit an implementation plan within 180 days and annual progress reports to Congress, and it exempts these new biotechnology positions from any existing government hiring freezes. While the legislation does not specify funding amounts, it directs the State Department to begin expanding the program during fiscal year 2026 with priority placement of trained officers in regions critical to U.S. biotechnology interests.