Restricting Funding for Virus Research in China and Official Accountability.
This act aims to restrict the use of federal funds for research on viruses that could become more dangerous or easily transmissible, conducted in China. It also introduces penalties for officials who intentionally misled or withheld information about the funding of such research. The goal is to enhance safety and transparency in the use of public funds.
Key points
Prohibits federal funding for gain-of-function research in laboratories or institutions in the People's Republic of China.
Requires recipients of federal funding for scientific research to certify they will not distribute funds for such research in China.
Imposes severe penalties, including loss of funding and federal employment, for officials who mislead or omit information about federal funding of international gain-of-function research.
Mandates a report assessing U.S. capacity to determine the extent of gain-of-function research in China and its potential links to the military.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_3159
Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Process start date: 2021-11-03