April McClain Delaney
05/22/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/22/2026 09:09
Rep. McClain Delaney Announces New Bipartisan Bill to Advance U.S. Leadership in Biotechnology
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Rep. April McClain Delaney (MD-06) and Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-08) announced bipartisan legislation to establish a new federal program dedicated to biometrology - an advanced science critical to U.S. leadership in emerging biotechnology, including healthcare innovation, agricultural research, domestic biomanufacturing, national security, and public well-being.
Biometrology is the science of measurement applied to engineering biology, which promises to help unlock the potential of the global bioeconomy. To ensure researchers, developers, and regulators can communicate effectively, a "common language" is essential. The Standards and Calibration for American Leadership in Engineering Biology (SCALE Biology) Act would establish a dedicated research program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to lead the development of standardized measurements, guidelines, methodologies, procedures, and processes that support this shared framework.
"We are in the midst of a global race in biotechnology, and the United States needs to lead it. Right now, we have the ability to read DNA and even write or edit it, but one of the biggest barriers holding us back is the lack of common standards and measurements needed to move the industry forward faster," said Rep. McClain Delaney. "Establishing a biometrology program at NIST will play a critical role in developing the gold standards and measures that researchers, companies, and regulators will rely on."
The Congresswoman represents Maryland's Sixth District-home to many public, private, and nonprofit organizations on the leading edge of biotechnology innovation. This includes federal agencies such as NIST, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases laboratory at Fort Detrick.
"America's biotechnology leadership depends on more than breakthrough research. It also requires the trusted measurements, reliable data, and technical standards needed to move discoveries from the lab into real-world applications," said Rep. Obernolte. "The SCALE Biology Act will help ensure NIST has the tools and authority to strengthen our national biometrology capabilities, support domestic biomanufacturing, and keep the United States at the forefront of this critical emerging field."
Biometrology is the science of measurement applied to engineering biology, which promises to help unlock the potential of the global bioeconomy. To ensure researchers, developers, and regulators can communicate effectively, a "common language" is essential. The Standards and Calibration for American Leadership in Engineering Biology (SCALE Biology) Act would establish a dedicated research program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to lead the development of standardized measurements, guidelines, methodologies, procedures, and processes that support this shared framework.
"We are in the midst of a global race in biotechnology, and the United States needs to lead it. Right now, we have the ability to read DNA and even write or edit it, but one of the biggest barriers holding us back is the lack of common standards and measurements needed to move the industry forward faster," said Rep. McClain Delaney. "Establishing a biometrology program at NIST will play a critical role in developing the gold standards and measures that researchers, companies, and regulators will rely on."
The Congresswoman represents Maryland's Sixth District-home to many public, private, and nonprofit organizations on the leading edge of biotechnology innovation. This includes federal agencies such as NIST, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases laboratory at Fort Detrick.
"America's biotechnology leadership depends on more than breakthrough research. It also requires the trusted measurements, reliable data, and technical standards needed to move discoveries from the lab into real-world applications," said Rep. Obernolte. "The SCALE Biology Act will help ensure NIST has the tools and authority to strengthen our national biometrology capabilities, support domestic biomanufacturing, and keep the United States at the forefront of this critical emerging field."
The legislation is co-sponsored with Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Del. James Moylan (Guam).
"From agriculture to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology is central to the future of our nation's economy," said Rep. Lofgren, who serves as Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. "I'm pleased to be an original cosponsor of Congresswoman McClain Delaney's SCALE Biology Act. To realize our potential in this field, we need to advance the development and use of biometrology to improve efficiency, ensure safety and reliability, and increase consumer confidence in biotechnologies. This bill will help us achieve that. I appreciate the leadership Congresswoman McClain Delaney has shown on this issue and so many others."
"As the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly important to our strategic future, investments in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and biosecurity are essential to protect our national security," said Del. Moylan. "The SCALE Biology Act strengthens innovation, preparedness, interoperability, and economic opportunity in these fields by advancing biotechnology standards and measurement capabilities. This effort is especially important for Guam and the broader Pacific region, where resilient biotechnology and biosecurity infrastructure will remain critical to our national security and strategic readiness."
The bill was introduced yesterday at a Capitol Hill event hosted in partnership with the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, on which Rep. McClain Delaney serves.
Read the bill.
"From agriculture to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology is central to the future of our nation's economy," said Rep. Lofgren, who serves as Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. "I'm pleased to be an original cosponsor of Congresswoman McClain Delaney's SCALE Biology Act. To realize our potential in this field, we need to advance the development and use of biometrology to improve efficiency, ensure safety and reliability, and increase consumer confidence in biotechnologies. This bill will help us achieve that. I appreciate the leadership Congresswoman McClain Delaney has shown on this issue and so many others."
"As the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly important to our strategic future, investments in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and biosecurity are essential to protect our national security," said Del. Moylan. "The SCALE Biology Act strengthens innovation, preparedness, interoperability, and economic opportunity in these fields by advancing biotechnology standards and measurement capabilities. This effort is especially important for Guam and the broader Pacific region, where resilient biotechnology and biosecurity infrastructure will remain critical to our national security and strategic readiness."
The bill was introduced yesterday at a Capitol Hill event hosted in partnership with the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, on which Rep. McClain Delaney serves.
Read the bill.
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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.
Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland's 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland's 6th District.
April McClain Delaney published this content on May 22, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 22, 2026 at 15:09 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]