PHOTO RELEASE: Rep. McBride Joins Senator Coons, Biotech Leaders, and NSCEB Commissioners to Highlight Innovation, Workforce Investment

NEWARK, DE - Today, Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-DE.) joined Senator Chris Coons (D-DE.), Commissioners from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), and University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis for a visit to National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL)'s state-of-the-art facility to see firsthand how biotechnology is advancing U.S. national security, economic resilience, and workforce development-both in Delaware and nationwide.

Representative McBride delivered the following remarks at the site visit:

"Good morning, everyone.

"Let me begin by thanking Dr. Kelvin Lee and the incredible team at NIIMBL for hosting us today-and for your tireless work to ensure that America not only innovates in biotechnology, but does so with safety, speed, and purpose.

"I also want to thank Senator Coons for his leadership and partnership. His deep commitment to science, security, and economic development continues to shape Delaware's future and our nation's.

"The report unveiled today by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology makes one thing abundantly clear: the next era of global competition won't just be about silicon chips or satellites-it will be about cells, proteins, and DNA.

"Biotechnology is no longer just a field of discovery; it is a platform for design-a way to grow stronger crops, cure diseases, defend our nation, and yes, even build our economy from the ground up.

"But the report also warns us: time is short. China has spent two decades building a biotech ecosystem designed to dominate global supply chains. If we fail to act-if we fall behind-we may never catch up.

"That's why what's happening here at NIIMBL matters so much. Right here in Delaware, we are proving that the United States can lead this revolution-ethically, equitably, and strategically.

"We're training a skilled workforce. We're partnering across sectors. We're making real investments in real people. And we're building an ecosystem where innovation doesn't just serve markets-it serves our communities, our security, and our shared values.

"The Commission's message is urgent, but it is also empowering. We have what we need to lead-if we choose to act boldly and together.

"So let's invest in our talent. Let's protect our intellectual property. Let's build resilient supply chains. And let's show the world that the future of biotechnology is not just about scientific progress-but about democratic leadership, national resilience, and economic opportunity for every American.

"Thank you-and let's get to work."

The visit to NIIMBL's headquarters at the University of Delaware's STAR Campus followed the recent release of NSCEB's bipartisan report outlining the urgent need for federal investment in emerging biotechnology, warning that the U.S. risks falling behind China in this critical sector without swift action.

As the Commission's report makes clear, biotechnology is a foundational platform for the future-shaping everything from pandemic preparedness to defense innovation to precision medicine. The report calls for expanding public-private partnerships like NIIMBL, securing intellectual property, and investing in U.S.-based manufacturing and skilled workforce development.

NIIMBL is one of 18 Manufacturing USA innovation institutes and plays a national role in accelerating biopharmaceutical innovation, scaling advanced manufacturing technologies, and preparing the next generation of biotech workers.

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Delaware's Congresswoman Sarah McBride serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittees on Europe and on Oversight & Intelligence, she also serves on the House Space, Science and Technology Committee and its subcommittee on Research and Technology. She serves as a Deputy Whip for Policy in the Democratic Caucus.