Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security Commends Senators' New Bill to Create Federal Biotech Security Framework

February 5, 2026 – The U.S. Senate recently introduced the Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act, a positive step towards establishing clear regulations on gene synthesis and strengthening related biosecurity measures. “This bill sets the United States on a path to continue its global leadership in biotech innovation, while enhancing our national resilience to emerging biological risks. By establishing vital, practical standards, that are already implemented by many leading US biotech firms, it supports both research and industry, and public safety. We appreciate and applaud Senator Cotton and Senator Klobuchar for their leadership and hope to see this legislation enacted in a timely manner," said the Center’s Director, Tom Inglesby. 

CHS believes this proposed legislation will bolster our nation’s biosecurity and provide an additional safeguard for the quickly expanding industry. Learn more about the Center’s policy work around gene synthesis screening.