Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act

This legislation, known as the Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act, aims to halt federal funding for institutions engaged in specific types of high-risk scientific inquiry. It mandates a moratorium on all Federal research grants to any institution of higher education or other research institute found to be conducting dangerous gain-of-function research. The bill precisely defines "gain-of-function research" as any study involving the genetic alteration of an organism to enhance its biological functions, such as increased infectivity, transmissibility, or pathogenicity. It also includes research reasonably anticipated to confer such attributes or otherwise pose a threat to national security, public safety, or the health of humans and various animal species. The scope of organisms covered by this prohibition includes influenza viruses, coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2, and agents or toxins listed by federal health and agriculture departments.