Biodefense Diplomacy Enhancement Act

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 7653 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7653 To enhance diplomatic engagement on international biotechnology and biosecurity matters. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 23, 2026 Mr. Self (for himself and Mr. Keating) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To enhance diplomatic engagement on international biotechnology and biosecurity matters. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Biodefense Diplomacy Enhancement Act''. SEC. 2. ENHANCEMENT OF DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL BIODEFENSE, BIOSECURITY, AND BIOTECHNOLOGY MATTERS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall advance United States foreign policy goals to improve cooperation in the field of international biodefense, biosecurity, and biotechnology matters with United States allies and partners, including by carrying out the activities described in this section. (b) Policy Development.--The Secretary of State, acting through the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security if the Secretary so delegates, in coordination with the Under Secretary for Political Affairs and the Permanent Representative of the United States to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), shall pursue enhanced biodefense cooperation within NATO, including by-- (1) advocating for the prioritization of policy development within NATO relating to biodefense, including in the areas of biotechnology, biosurveillance, and countermeasures in the field of biological threats; (2) identifying and evaluating opportunities to strengthen NATO planning, policies, and activities rela