Synthetic Biology Advancement Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 2695
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2695Agriculture and Food
Synthetic Biology Advancement Act of 2025
INTRO SEP 3· LAST ACTION SEP 3
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Farmers and agricultural businesses could be directly affected by new technologies and practices developed through the center's research, potentially leading to more efficient, resilient, and sustainable operations. Researchers, scientists, and students at eligible universities (1862, 1890, and 1994 Institutions) and National Laboratories would be directly impacted as they become eligible to receive grants and participate in research projects.
Ultimately, all Americans could be indirectly affected as the bill aims to enhance the nation's food security, improve the nutritional quality and availability of food, and potentially lower environmental impacts associated with agriculture. Consumers might see new food products or more stable food prices in the long term due to agricultural advancements.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes a National Synthetic Biology Center within the Department of Agriculture.
Creates a dedicated federal entity focused on advancing synthetic biology for food and agriculture.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes the Center to award competitive grants to eligible universities (1862, 1890, 1994 Institutions).
Provides funding for research and development in key agricultural areas at academic institutions.
PROVISION 03
Requires grant recipients to partner with at least one other entity, such as non-profits, state agencies, or National Laboratories.
Encourages collaboration and broader impact across different sectors in synthetic biology research.
PROVISION 04
Prioritizes research in areas like gene editing, cellular biology, microbiomes, and climate-resilient crop development.
Directs research efforts towards specific, high-impact scientific and agricultural challenges.
PROVISION 05
Mandates the creation of a website to disseminate findings and connect researchers for collaboration and commercialization.
Ensures research results are shared widely and helps new technologies move from labs to practical use.
Farmers and agricultural businesses could be directly affected by new technologies and practices developed through the center's research, potentially leading to more efficient, resilient, and sustainable operations. Researchers, scientists, and students at eligible universities (1862, 1890, and 1994 Institutions) and National Laboratories would be directly impacted as they become eligible to receive grants and participate in research projects.
Ultimately, all Americans could be indirectly affected as the bill aims to enhance the nation's food security, improve the nutritional quality and availability of food, and potentially lower environmental impacts associated with agriculture. Consumers might see new food products or more stable food prices in the long term due to agricultural advancements.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a National Synthetic Biology Center within the Department of Agriculture.
Creates a dedicated federal entity focused on advancing synthetic biology for food and agriculture.
high
Authorizes the Center to award competitive grants to eligible universities (1862, 1890, 1994 Institutions).
Provides funding for research and development in key agricultural areas at academic institutions.
med
Requires grant recipients to partner with at least one other entity, such as non-profits, state agencies, or National Laboratories.
Encourages collaboration and broader impact across different sectors in synthetic biology research.
high
Prioritizes research in areas like gene editing, cellular biology, microbiomes, and climate-resilient crop development.
Directs research efforts towards specific, high-impact scientific and agricultural challenges.
med
Mandates the creation of a website to disseminate findings and connect researchers for collaboration and commercialization.
Ensures research results are shared widely and helps new technologies move from labs to practical use.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act
The National Synthetic Biology Center shall begin awarding grants.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Synthetic Biology
A field of science that involves redesigning organisms and biological systems to create new capabilities, often by engineering genetic material to produce new functions.
1862 Institution
Refers to a specific type of land-grant university established under the Morrill Act of 1862, typically well-known public universities with a focus on agriculture and engineering.
1890 Institution
Refers to Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that were designated as land-grant institutions under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, also with a strong focus on agricultural research and extension.
1994 Institution
Refers to tribal colleges and universities that were designated as land-grant institutions in 1994, focusing on community development and education relevant to Native American communities.
National Laboratory
A government-owned, contractor-operated research and development institution, often focused on advanced scientific and technological research for national interests.
Gene Editing
A type of genetic engineering in which DNA is inserted, deleted, modified or replaced in the genome of a living organism.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
SEP 3, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
SEP 3, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
The collection of all microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) that live in a particular environment, such as the soil, an animal's gut, or a plant.
Digital Agriculture
The use of advanced technologies like sensors, GPS, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to monitor, measure, and manage agricultural production.
