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H.R.1986 / 116th Congress

Effective Prosecution of Possession of Biological Toxins and Agents Act of 2019

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 104.

Official summary

Version 07 · Reported to House · Jul 9, 2019

Effective Prosecution of Possession of Biological Toxins and Agents Act of 2019

This bill revises the criminal prohibition on the shipment, transport, possession, or receipt of a biological agent or toxin by a restricted person. Specifically, it updates references to the lists of agents and toxins covered by the prohibition.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Ratcliffe, John [R-TX-4] · R–TX

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
3 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 104.

  2. Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 116-141.

  3. Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 116-141.

  4. Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

  5. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  6. Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

  7. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  8. Introduced in House

  9. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.1986 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.1986 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.1986 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.1986 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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