Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act

Senate Bill

S. 738

119th Congress

Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 26, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Roger Marshall

Senator

Republican

KS

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Health

Summary

This bill prohibits universities and research institutes conducting gain-of-function research from receiving federal research grants. Gain-of-function research involves genetically altering viruses like coronavirus to change or enhance their functions, including their ability to spread disease.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill prohibits universities and research institutes conducting gain-of-function research from receiving federal research grants. Gain-of-function research involves genetically altering viruses like coronavirus to change or enhance their functions, including their ability to spread disease.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium ActThis bill prohibits institutions of higher education or other research institutes that are conducting gain-of-function research from receiving federal research grants. Gain-of-function research means research that (1) involves the genetic alteration of specified viruses, agents, and toxins (e.g., coronavirus) to change or enhance their functions, such as their ability to cause or spread disease; or (2) may reasonably be anticipated to give new traits to such organisms that enhance such functions or otherwise threaten public health or national security.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Prohibits federal grants for gain-of-function research
Covers research enhancing virus spread or danger
Applies to universities and research institutes
Includes coronaviruses and other specified pathogens
Addresses public health and national security concerns

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Research institutions would be barred from receiving federal funding if they conduct experiments that could make viruses more dangerous. This addresses concerns about laboratory safety and the potential for enhanced pathogens to escape.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Health

Related Subjects

Genetics

Higher education

Infectious and parasitic diseases

Medical research

Research administration and funding

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

738, 119th Congress (2025). "Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-738