Bills · HR 5186
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5186Armed Forces and National Security
To authorize the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to support the defense biotechnology supply chain, and for other purposes.
INTRO SEP 8· LAST ACTION SEP 8
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a growing concern about the reliability of critical supply chains, especially for advanced technologies like biotechnology, which are increasingly vital for defense. If passed, it would allow the U.S. military to invest in domestic research, development, and manufacturing of biotech products, reducing its dependency on foreign suppliers for essential items like advanced materials, fuels, and chemicals. This could prevent disruptions in times of crisis and ensure that the military has access to the cutting-edge tools it needs.
Without this bill, or a similar initiative, the Department of Defense might continue to face vulnerabilities in its supply chain for biotechnologies. This could leave the U.S. vulnerable to supply shocks, cost increases, or reliance on geopolitical rivals for crucial defense components. Establishing such a program could enhance national security by fostering innovation and self-sufficiency in a key technological area.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a Biotechnology Supply Chain Resiliency Program to develop, scale, and transition biotechnology research for defense applications.
This allows the Pentagon to actively work on securing essential biotech materials and products for military use, reducing reliance on potentially unstable foreign sources.
PROVISION 02
Directs military service laboratories to conduct applied research, develop prototypes, and upgrade infrastructure in bioindustrials and biomanufacturing.
This provision ensures that military scientists are directly involved in creating new defense technologies and have the necessary facilities to do so.
PROVISION 03
Allows the Department of Defense to partner with private companies, research institutions, and academic organizations, and to support workforce development.
These collaborations are crucial for accelerating innovation and building a skilled American workforce in biotechnology for defense.
PROVISION 04
Requires regular reports to Congress on the program's activities, performance, challenges, and recommendations.
This ensures transparency and accountability for the program, allowing Congress to oversee its effectiveness and progress.
PROVISION 05
Establishes a 10-year sunset provision for the program, unless the President extends it for national security or economic reasons.
This sets a clear timeframe for the program, allowing for a review of its necessity and impact after a decade.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
50
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 2 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSSEP 8
Introduced in House
SEP 8
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5186
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 8, 2025
Last actionSep 8, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 8, 2025
House BillHR 5186Armed Forces and National Security
To authorize the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to support the defense biotechnology supply chain, and for other purposes.
INTRODUCED SEP 8, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 8, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
