NSCEB Monthly Newsletter
May 2026
I should probably lead with a motivational cover note, but this month I think our actions speak louder than anything I could write. From a new bill introduction to appropriations provisions to movement from the ITC investigation, we’re making progress in Washington while the #BiotechAcrossAmerica Roadshow continues across the country.
If you're not excited about being a part of our work by the time you're done reading, I don't know what to tell you... scroll down for the good stuff!
– Caitlin
NSCEB by the Numbers
As of May 1, 2026:
- 35 NSCEB recommendations have seen bipartisan legislative action in either the House or the Senate.
- 21 standalone bipartisan bills with NSCEB recommendations have been introduced in either the House or Senate.
- 26 provisions that reflect NSCEB recommendations, either in full or in part, have been signed into law.
- 9 NSCEB recommendations have been included in White House executive actions.
- 20 states have been visited on the Biotech Across America Roadshow.
- 400+ organizations have participated in Roadshow events.
U.S. International Trade Commission Hearing
Following an NSCEB recommendation, the US ITC is investigating the impact of China’s state support and pricing practices in the biotechnology sector. On May 27, the US ITC will hold a public hearing as part of their investigation. If that investigation results in the US ITC determining that the Chinese government has manipulated markets and deliberately disadvantaged American biotechnology firms, that will enable subsequent executive branch action to level the playing field.
For more information on how to participate in the hearing, check out the US ITC’s dedicated hearing page.
There are also non-public ways to contribute to the US ITC’s investigation. You can learn more about the process and timeline here, or by reaching out to the NSCEB for more information via email at ideas@biotech.senate.gov.
NEW! The Biotech Across America District Spotlight Series
Building off the success of the Biotech Across America Roadshow, the NSCEB invites you to participate in the Biotech Across America District Spotlight series.
From May 25th – June 5th, the Commission encourages partners around the country to host policy discussions with biotech stakeholders to discuss your region’s successes, challenges, and how federal policy might better support the ecosystem’s future growth. Commission staff will work with you to design the event, including content and communications support. If you are interested in organizing or participating in an event in your area, please email ideas@biotech.senate.gov.
Legislative News
This month, biotech champions on the Hill introduced a new bipartisan bill and included 16 biotech provisions in the House appropriations bills.
NEW! Biotechnology for All High School Students Act (H.R.8268) – Introduced on April 14, this bill will enable the National Science Foundation to make competitive, merit-based awards to support teacher training, classroom resources, and partnerships for biotechnology education at the high school level. Many Americans enter the workforce immediately after high school, making that a key period to develop the workforce necessary to ensure the United States can compete globally in biotechnology. Learn more here.
House Sponsors: Representative Sarah McBride (D-DE-At Large), Representative Richard McCormick (R-GA-07), Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06)
FY27 House Appropriations Biotech Provisions (Full Committee Markups)
The House Appropriations Committee kicked off the FY27 appropriations process by marking up several bills with important biotech provisions. Each bill includes two parts, bill text and report language. Bill text now moves on to the House floor, while report language is given the weight of law once the bill passes out of committee.
You can read an exhaustive list of all of the FY27 appropriations biotech provisions here.
Key highlights include:
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies bill includes a provision for the Secretary of Agriculture to be included on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for cases related to agriculture biotechnology. Separately, the accompanying report directs the USDA, along with EPA and FDA, to develop a framework for regulating biotechnology products as platforms. Both of these provisions reflect NSCEB recommendations.
The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs report includes a requirement for the State Department to work on biotechnology data-sharing agreements with other countries. Separately, the report urges development of a strategy to harmonize export controls on biotechnology.
FDA’s FY27 Proposal for Legislative Reform
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed legislative reforms to modernize U.S. clinical trials for innovative medical products and prioritize supply chain security for critical medical products. While these proposals are not yet law, many of them align with NSCEB recommendations, including the highlights below. Learn more here.
- Create a new Clinical Trial Notification Pathway to serve as an alternative to the burdensome existing Investigational New Drug Pathway to accelerate drug development timelines.
- Allow disclosure of certain information in complete response letters.
- Give FDA significant enforcement authorities, including civil monetary penalties and the authority to pull products off of market if API source data is not reported.
Monthly Legislative Spotlight
Each month we’ll highlight a different piece of legislation reflecting key NSCEB recommendations. We encourage you to continue using your voice to advocate for these key policy ideas.
National Biotechnology Initiative Act (S.1387/H.R.2756)
Summary: The NBIA would effectively establish a whole-of-government approach to promote federal coordination on biotechnology and streamline the federal regulatory structures currently inhibiting biotechnology commercialization.
Background: The U.S. government has not adequately recognized biotechnology as a strategic priority, despite its serious implications for economic and national security. In contrast, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has made biotechnology a strategic priority for 20 years. This bill elevates biotechnology across the federal government.
Legislative Details:
Senate Co-Sponsors: Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Alex Padilla (D-CA)
House Co-Sponsors: Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Joseph Morelle (D-NY-25), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04), Pete Sessions (R-TX-17), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-7), Mike Flood (R-NE-1), Greg Landsman (D-OH-1), Max Miller (R-OH-7), James Baird (R-IN-4), Joe Neguse (D-CO-2), April McClain Delaney (D-MD-6), Donald Davis (D-NC-1), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), George Whitesides (D-CA-27), Ami Bera (D-CA-6), Delegate James Moylan (R-GU-AL)
Biotech Across America Roadshow
Recent Roadshow Stops
New Orleans, Louisiana – April 22
Commissioner Alexander Titus visited New Orleans where a strong culture of supporting biotech startups is making the city a regional hub for innovation. Product development and scale-up, commercialization, and early investment are major challenges for the sector. The strong support for early-stage biotech companies shows how strategic action can boost the industry and regional economic growth. Learn more here.
Huntsville, Alabama – April 28
Commissioner Paul Arcangeli visited the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, joining HudsonAlpha leadership and researchers for a campus tour, including the state-of-the-art Chan Greenhouse where recent discoveries could revolutionize American agriculture. In roundtable discussions with HudsonAlpha associate company leaders, local and state officials, and academics, participants explored how Huntsville’s biotech ecosystem is leveraging cross-sector innovation to drive health, space technology, and more. Learn more here.
NSCEB in the News
Can the United States Win the Biotech Race? | Council on Foreign Relations
NSCEB Chair Senator Todd Young participated in a panel convened by CFR for a discussion about the state of U.S. biotech, competition with China for dominance in this critical sector, and the importance of strategic policy that elevates biotechnology to a national priority.
In a recent article, Noubar Afeyan, Founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering, discussed how critical it is to establish a coordinated national strategy for biotechnology and to streamline the regulatory process.
Huntsville biotech boom draws national security focus | Axios
At the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, education, gene sequencing, AI, and biocybersecurity are making Alabama a biotech hub. Already a deep well for innovation in defense and aerospace, biotechnology is converging across sectors in Huntsville to strengthen food security, economic security, and national security.
May Look Ahead
- May 5-7: SynBioBeta Summit, San Jose, CA
- May 12-14: Roadshow stop, Phoenix, Arizona
- May 14: U.S. Pharma and Biotech Summit 2026, New York, NY
- May 27: US ITC hearing on “China’s State Support and Pricing Practices in the Biotechnology Sector: Impact on U.S. Industry”
About NSCEB: The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology is a time-limited, high-impact legislative branch advisory entity whose purpose is to advance and secure biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and associated technologies for U.S. national security and to prepare the United States for the bioindustrial revolution. The Commission published a comprehensive report in April 2025, including recommendations for action by Congress and the federal government. The bipartisan Commission is composed of Congressionally-appointed Commissioners with members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as experts from industry, academia, and government. For more information about the Commission and to view the report, visit: biotech.senate.gov.
Contacts:
NSCEB: press@biotech.senate.gov
