Biotechnology Diplomacy and Expertise Enhancement Act of 2026

“(d) Expansion of training To include biotechnology expertise

“(1) In general—The Secretary shall establish hiring directives to expand the Program to include biotechnology experts and to ensure the Program requires current and new Regional Technology Officers to receive specialized training in biotechnology and emerging biotechnologies. These biotechnology-trained Regional Technology Officers shall serve as critical diplomatic assets for the United States in fostering international collaboration, strengthening national security, driving innovation, and shaping policy development in biotechnology.

“(2) Goals—The goals of the training required under paragraph (1) shall be to prepare Regional Technology Officers to—

“(A) promote diplomatic engagement to advance United States leadership in biotechnology and biomanufacturing innovation and security in international forums and partnerships;

“(B) work with government and non-government partners to increase the deployment of biotechnology in support of democratic values;

“(C) shape diplomatic agreements in regional and international fora with respect to biotechnology;

“(D) facilitate the role of biotechnology in advancing the foreign policy objectives of the United States through engagement with foreign governments, international organizations, private sector entities, research labs, incubators, and venture capitalists;

“(E) promote the responsible use and secure international transfer of biotechnologies; and

“(F) maintain the advantages of the United States with respect to biotechnology.

“(3) Specialized training requirements—The Secretary shall develop and implement a comprehensive training program for all Regional Technology Officers, with a focus on biotechnology and emerging biotechnologies, including training on—

“(A) advances in biotechnology, such as gene editing technologies, synthetic biology, and bioengineering;

“(B) biotechnology security and biosecurity, including the protection of sensitive biotechnology research and preventing the misuse of biotechnologies;

“(C) ethical considerations in biotechnology research and the responsible application of biotechnologies in areas such as public health, agriculture, defense and security;

“(D) international regulations and policies governing biotechnology; and

“(E) diplomatic engagement strategies specific to biotechnology-related issues, such as establishing multilateral agreements and negotiating biotechnology-related trade agreements.

“(4) Collaboration—The Secretary is encouraged to collaborate with relevant Federal agencies, private-sector stakeholders, international biotechnology associations, and academic institutions while developing and implementing the training programs required under this subsection.

“(5) Continuing education—The Secretary should ensure continuing technology education for Regional Technology Officers, including requirements for refresher training on the latest advances in biotechnology and their impacts on international policy and relations.

“(6) Geographic and diplomatic priorities—Regional Technology Officers who have received biotechnology training pursuant to this subsection shall receive priority to be assigned to regions or countries where biotechnology research and development are critical to United States foreign policy interests, including regions and countries with growing biotechnology sectors, strategic biotechnology partnerships, or emerging security risks.”