PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Dec 9, 2019
Engineering Biology Research and Development Act of 2019
This bill directs
the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to implement a National Engineering Biology Research and Development Initiative;
the OSTP to designate an interagency committee to coordinate the initiative;
the President to establish an Initiative Coordination Office;
the OSTP to designate or establish an advisory committee on engineering biology research and development;
the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a review and make recommendations with respect to the ethical, legal, environmental, and other appropriate societal issues related to engineering biology research and development; and
the NSF and certain other federal agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to carry out specified research activities as part of the initiative.
People & committees
Rep. Johnson, Eddie Bernice [D-TX-30] · D–TX
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H9356-9358)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H9356-9358)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4373.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9356-9359)
Ms. Johnson (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 215.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 116-270.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 116-270.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.4373 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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