Representative Rich McCormick, a Republican from Georgia, introduced the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act on July 16, 2026, formally designated as H.R. 9755.
The bill aims to strengthen America’s position in what is rapidly becoming one of the most consequential areas of international competition among major global powers.
According to McCormick’s press release, the legislation would “strengthen America’s global leadership in biotechnology by establishing a dedicated biotechnology lead” in the U.S. Department of State.
The press release frames the urgency plainly, stating that as biotechnology emerges as a “critical arena of global competition,” the United States faces pressure to maintain its leadership in innovation while countering strategic rivals.
A key driver behind the bill is a recommendation from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, which has been closely monitoring gaps in U.S. diplomatic strategy around the sector.
The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology warned that the State Department currently lacks a senior official dedicated to coordinating America’s international biotechnology strategy, according to the McCormick press release.
If passed, the legislation would create a Senior Biotechnology Official within the State Department to serve as a central point of coordination across the federal government.
That official would be tasked with advising the Secretary of State on biotechnology policy, a role that carries significant weight given the sector’s growing strategic and economic importance.
The new position would also be responsible for deepening cooperation with allies and partner nations, an effort seen as critical to building resilient international coalitions around shared biotechnology interests.
Additional responsibilities outlined in the bill include strengthening biotechnology supply chains, a priority that has gained urgency following global disruptions that exposed vulnerabilities in critical technology sectors.
The Senior Biotechnology Official would also represent American interests in international biotechnology forums, ensuring the United States has a consistent and authoritative voice in multilateral discussions.
The bill reflects a broader recognition in Washington that biotechnology is no longer purely a scientific or commercial concern, but a central pillar of national security and diplomatic strategy.