US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB421

Introduced
2/14/23  

Caption

Defund the Wuhan Institute of Virology Act

Impact

If enacted, SB421 will change the federal funding landscape for institutes conducting research related to virology, particularly those in China. It proposes a suspension of financial support, which could significantly affect research collaborations, scientific information exchange, and overall health security strategies. This bill emphasizes a cautious approach to funding practices linked to foreign research facilities, especially those perceived as potentially hazardous to national and global health.

Summary

SB421, known as the 'Defund the Wuhan Institute of Virology Act', aims to prohibit any federal funding from being allocated to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. This bill reflects concerns surrounding the institute's affiliation with the Chinese government and potential health risks associated with research practices there. The legislation seeks to address funding transparency and accountability regarding federal dollars directed toward international entities, particularly those connected with China.

Contention

The bill has generated a debate regarding the balance between securing U.S. interests and international scientific collaboration. Proponents argue that it is crucial to halt financial support to entities that might pose a risk and to maintain strict oversight of where taxpayer funds are going, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, opponents suggest that this prohibition could hinder legitimate scientific research and cooperation, which are essential for addressing global health challenges. They warn that it may alienate scientists and diminish trust in U.S. research initiatives on the international stage.

Companion Bills

US HB1025

Same As Defund the Wuhan Institute of Virology Act

Previously Filed As

US HB229

World Deserves To Know Act This bill requires sanctions on certain members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and officials of Chinese health agencies. It also addresses related issues. The President must impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on any foreign person who is a CCP official and who is knowingly responsible for or complicit in (1) the disappearances of whistleblowers and citizen journalists in China relating to COVID-19, or (2) limiting free speech and academic freedom in China relating to COVID-19. The President must also impose such sanctions on specified individuals who have leadership positions in China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention and China's National Health Commission (NHC). The authority to impose such sanctions shall end when the President certifies to Congress that an independent and unimpeded investigation into the potential origin of COVID-19 from the Wuhan Institute of Virology has taken place. The bill also bars federal funds and certain federal student assistance from going to institutions of higher education that enter into a contract with any element or China-based affiliate of the NHC. Federal funding to the National Academy of Sciences may not be used to enter into a contract with any element or China-based affiliate of the NHC. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress a review of all funds that the National Institutes of Health have made available to the NHC since FY2010. This report must also be publicly available.

US HB881

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

US HB102

Space Research Innovation Act This bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a university-affiliated research center to fund analyses and engineering support related to cis-lunar and deep-space missions and interplanetary research. Entities eligible to participate in the center include institutions of higher education, operators of federally funded research and development centers, and nonprofit research institutions.

US SB1694

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

US SJR4

Research and education: federal funding cuts: the National Institutes of Health and postsecondary educational institutions.

US HB127

Relating to measures to protect institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; increasing a criminal penalty.

US AR29

Urges U.S. President and Congress to cease funding gain-of-function research.

US SB230

To Repeal The Arkansas Trust Institutions Act; And To Create The Arkansas Trust Institutions Act Of 2025.

US HR9

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that China is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic and must be held financially liable for $16,000,000,000,000.

US HB66

Native American Education Opportunity Act This bill addresses education savings account programs and charter schools for tribal students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, at the request of federally recognized Indian tribes, to provide funds to tribes for tribal-based education savings account programs. Tribes must use these funds to award grants to education savings accounts for students who (1) attended or will be eligible to attend a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or (2) will not be attending a school operated by the BIE, receiving an education savings account from another tribe, or attending public elementary or secondary school while participating in the program. Funds may be used for items and activities such as costs of attendance at private schools, private tutoring and online learning programs, textbooks, educational software, or examination fees. The Government Accountability Office must review the implementation of these education savings account programs, including any factors impacting increased participation in such programs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund charter schools at any school that it operates or funds.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.