Biodefense Diplomacy Enhancement Act

The Biodefense Diplomacy Enhancement Act would direct the Secretary of State to advance U.S. foreign policy goals by improving cooperation with NATO allies and partners on biodefense, biosecurity, and biotechnology matters. The bill would require the Secretary of State to develop a NATO Biodefense Strategy and pursue enhanced biodefense planning and policies within NATO, including strengthening NATO capabilities in detection, response, and recovery from biological threats. The legislation would also authorize the Secretary of State to coordinate with allied nations on export control policies for biotechnology items, including dual-use items that could pose national security risks if used for military purposes, and to promote adherence to safety and security standards in biological research among U.S. allies and partners.

The bill would authorize the Secretary of State to assess current cooperation between the United States and NATO member states in biotechnology, biosurveillance, and biological threat countermeasures, and to propose commitments or agreements for expanded cooperation on international security matters relating to biotechnology. It would also direct the Secretary to evaluate opportunities for NATO to research, develop, and deploy biotechnology for international security purposes. Some portions of the required strategies and assessments would be permitted to include classified annexes, allowing certain sensitive information to remain confidential.