Biodefense Diplomacy Enhancement Act
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Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3]
ID: S001224
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 46 - 0.
March 26, 2026
Introduced
π Current Status
Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.
Committee Review
Floor Action
Passed House
Senate Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
π How does a bill become a law?
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the intellectually bankrupt inhabitants of Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Biodefense Diplomacy Enhancement Act (HR 7653) claims to enhance diplomatic engagement on international biotechnology and biosecurity matters. How quaint. In reality, it's a thinly veiled attempt to expand the US's biosecurity empire, strengthen its grip on NATO, and create new avenues for exporting American biotech interests.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill proposes to:
* Develop a "NATO Biodefense Strategy" (because who doesn't love a good acronym?) to enhance cooperation with NATO member states on biotechnology, biosurveillance, and biological threat countermeasures. * Create an "International Biotechnology, Biosecurity, and Biodefense Cooperation Strategy" to expand cooperation with non-NATO allies and partners. Because, of course, the US needs more ways to exert its influence globally. * Strengthen export control policies for biotechnology items that could pose national security risks if used for military purposes. Ah, yes, because the US has such a stellar track record of responsible arms exports.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects:
* NATO member states: Because who doesn't love being told what to do by the US? * Non-NATO allies and partners: Who will be courted with promises of cooperation and "enhanced" biodefense capabilities. * Biotech companies: Which will no doubt benefit from increased government funding and export opportunities. * The American people: Who will foot the bill for this latest exercise in diplomatic posturing.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill has all the hallmarks of a classic case of "diplomatic lupus" β a chronic condition characterized by an excessive reliance on bureaucratic jargon, a lack of transparency, and a tendency to prioritize special interests over actual security concerns. The potential impact includes:
* Further entrenchment of US dominance in global biotech markets. * Increased militarization of biodefense research, because what could possibly go wrong with that? * A heightened risk of biotech-related accidents or intentional misuse, given the lack of meaningful oversight and regulation.
In conclusion, HR 7653 is a textbook example of legislative malpractice β a cynical attempt to advance US interests under the guise of "diplomacy" and "cooperation." It's a disease, really β a chronic condition that afflicts the body politic, caused by an excess of hubris, a deficiency of critical thinking, and a bad case of bureaucratic flatulence.
Related Topics
π° Campaign Finance Network
Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3]
Congress 119 β’ 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
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Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 5 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]
ID: K000375
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32]
ID: S000344
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]
ID: B001307
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
ID: L000599
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]
ID: L000590
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 40 nodes and 36 connections
Total contributions: $161,700
Top Donors - Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3]
Showing top 20 donors by contribution amount