Contact Congress about S. 854: Risky Research Review Act

Federal agencies could not fund certain risky life sciences research unless a new board approves it. Labs would also have to pause work and report changes if a project may become high-risk.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Risky Research Review Act is a Senate bill waiting for floor action. The latest recorded action: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 164.

Latest action on S. 854: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 164.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects universities, labs, companies, and other groups that seek federal money for advanced biological research. It also affects federal agencies that fund life sciences work, because they would have to screen proposals and follow the board's decisions. Researchers working with dangerous germs, toxins, or research that could be misused would face the biggest changes.

Why this matters: This bill matters because some useful disease research can also create serious risks if it is mishandled or misused. It would move key funding decisions to an independent board instead of leaving each agency to decide on its own. That could make review more consistent and tougher. It could also slow or limit some research that helps prepare for outbreaks.

Key provisions in S. 854

• Creates a new Life Sciences Research Security Board inside the executive branch. The board would make binding decisions on whether agencies may fund high-risk life sciences research.
• Defines the main covered terms in the bill. These include high-risk life sciences research, gain-of-function research, dual-use research of concern, high-consequence pathogen, and select agent or toxin. The board could add some categories later through a public Federal Register notice.
• Sets the board at nine presidential appointees, including an Executive Director. Members would include five life science scientists from outside government, two national security experts, and one biosafety expert. Conflict-of-interest and employment limits would apply.
• Requires board members, the Executive Director, and staff to get high-level security clearances. The board could see classified information and special access program information when it needs that material for reviews.
• Makes the board's decisions binding on agencies. That includes decisions on whether research is high-risk and whether federal funding may start or continue.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 854

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 854

What is S. 854?

Federal agencies could not fund certain risky life sciences research unless a new board approves it. Labs would also have to pause work and report changes if a project may become high-risk.

How do I support or oppose S. 854?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 854?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 854 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.