Congressman McCormick Introduces Bill to Strengthen America’s Biotechnology Leadership

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07) introduced the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act, legislation to strengthen America's global leadership in biotechnology by establishing a dedicated biotechnology lead in the U.S. Department of State.

As biotechnology rapidly emerges as a critical arena of global competition, the United States faces growing pressure to maintain its leadership in innovation while countering strategic rivals. The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology recently recommended that the United States strengthen its biotechnology diplomacy, warning that the State Department currently lacks a senior official dedicated to coordinating America's international biotechnology strategy.

The Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act addresses that gap by creating a Senior Biotechnology Official within the Department of State to coordinate U.S. biotechnology diplomacy across the federal government, advise the Secretary of State on biotechnology policy, deepen cooperation with allies and partner nations, strengthen biotechnology supply chains, and represent American interests in international biotechnology forums.

"America has always led the world in innovation, and biotechnology should be no different," said Congressman McCormick. "If we want to win the next century, we need to treat biotechnology like the strategic asset it is. This bill ensures the State Department has the leadership necessary to advance American innovation, strengthen our partnerships, and keep our competitors one step behind."

"Our diplomatic infrastructure has not kept pace amid rapid advances in biotechnology that are transforming public health, food security, national defense, and industries across our economy," said Congressman Bera. "This bill addresses that challenge by creating a dedicated, high-level biotechnology position at the State Department to strengthen coordination with our allies and partners and ensure the United States remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and global leadership."

"Leadership in biotechnology isn't just about inventing the next breakthrough-it's about shaping the global environment in which innovations succeed. This legislation will help the United States promote innovation, deepen collaboration with trusted partners, and ensure American leadership advances both our economic and national security interests," said NSCEB Vice Chair Michelle Rozo.

"As shown by the work of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, the United States faces a critical gap in biotech diplomacy and collaboration with our allies," said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. "The establishment of a new senior biotechnology position within the Department of State is an important step towards increasing allied engagement where American competitiveness and security interests converge. With Honor Action proudly endorses the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act and applauds For Country Caucus member Rep. Rich McCormick and Rep. Ami Bera for their commitment to ensuring American biotech leadership."

"If we're going to meet the moment, and lead a global community increasingly focused on winning the race to capture the national and economic security benefits of biotechnology, we need top level people in all key U.S. departments setting and coordinating a U.S. biomanufacturing strategy. We appreciate Rep. McCormick's and Rep. Bera's commitment to establishing this role within the Department of State, a critical step toward enhancing U.S. competitiveness in biotechnology," said American Alliance for Biomanufacturing (AAB).

"Novonesis strongly supports the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act. As a global leader in biosolutions, we see firsthand how critical it is for the United States to have a coordinated, high-level voice on biotechnology in our diplomatic engagements abroad. Expanding market access, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring U.S. biotechnology standards lead internationally aren't just innovation priorities - they're economic and national security imperatives. A senior biotechnology official at the State Department would give American companies like ours a stronger partner in translating our technological leadership into lasting global influence. We urge Congress to act quickly," said Amy Davis, Head of Public Affairs North America, Novonesis.

Biotechnology is increasingly central to economic growth, public health, food security, and national defense. By strengthening U.S. diplomatic leadership in this critical field, the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act positions the United States to be in the driver's seat in shaping global biotechnology standards, expanding collaboration with trusted partners, and ensuring American innovation-not that of our adversaries-sets the pace for the future.

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