Homeland Security Committee, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation aims to enhance the Department of Homeland Security's biodetection capabilities by directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct an assessment. This assessment will evaluate how the Department has utilized Department of Energy national laboratories and sites for research and development related to its biodetection missions. Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary must submit this assessment to Congress, along with a comprehensive strategy. This strategy will detail how DHS plans to coordinate with DOE national laboratories to address biodetection research and development needs. Key components of this strategy include identifying suitable biodetection technologies, developing an acquisition plan for these technologies for existing BioWatch jurisdictions, and conducting external evaluations to identify potential gaps and failure points. Furthermore, the strategy requires assisting in the development of clear program and technical requirements for future DHS environmental biodetection programs, in partnership with federal, state, local, tribal governments, academic institutions, and the private sector. The bill also mandates that the Secretary provide Congress with an update on the assessment and strategy, including any implementation challenges, within one year of the Act's enactment.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1046-1048)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 706.
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Green (TN) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1126)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1046-1047)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1046-1047)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1046-1048)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 706.
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Green (TN) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1126)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1046-1047)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1046-1047)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Government Operations and Politics
Advanced technology and technological innovationsChemical and biological weaponsCongressional oversightDrug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulationInfectious and parasitic diseasesPublic contracts and procurementResearch and development
DHS Biodetection Improvement Act
USA119th CongressHR-706| House
| Updated: 3/12/2025
This legislation aims to enhance the Department of Homeland Security's biodetection capabilities by directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct an assessment. This assessment will evaluate how the Department has utilized Department of Energy national laboratories and sites for research and development related to its biodetection missions. Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary must submit this assessment to Congress, along with a comprehensive strategy. This strategy will detail how DHS plans to coordinate with DOE national laboratories to address biodetection research and development needs. Key components of this strategy include identifying suitable biodetection technologies, developing an acquisition plan for these technologies for existing BioWatch jurisdictions, and conducting external evaluations to identify potential gaps and failure points. Furthermore, the strategy requires assisting in the development of clear program and technical requirements for future DHS environmental biodetection programs, in partnership with federal, state, local, tribal governments, academic institutions, and the private sector. The bill also mandates that the Secretary provide Congress with an update on the assessment and strategy, including any implementation challenges, within one year of the Act's enactment.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1046-1048)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 706.
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Green (TN) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1126)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1046-1047)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1046-1047)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1046-1048)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 706.
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Green (TN) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1126)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1046-1047)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1046-1047)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Homeland Security Committee, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee
Government Operations and Politics
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Advanced technology and technological innovationsChemical and biological weaponsCongressional oversightDrug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulationInfectious and parasitic diseasesPublic contracts and procurementResearch and development