Protecting Biological Data as Critical Infrastructure Act
Directs CISA to protect genetic and other sensitive biometric data systems and coordinate with biotechnology stakeholders.
In the House Homeland Security Committee since Sept. 24, 2026, 14 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Genetic and other biometric data systems can raise distinct security concerns. The bill would give CISA added responsibilities for protecting those systems, treat genetic-data systems as critical infrastructure, and provide for federal training and coordination with biotechnology stakeholders. It would also create a secure channel for stakeholders to report concerns and request technical help.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Assign CISA responsibility for data security
The bill would direct the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to oversee security planning and coordination for systems holding genomic sequences and other sensitive biometric data, and to take steps to protect that data and related biotechnology infrastructure. It also calls for sufficient CISA staff to carry out these duties.
- Treat genetic data systems as critical infrastructure
The bill would require CISA to treat systems involving genomic sequences and other sensitive biometric data as critical infrastructure.
- Train relevant federal personnel
CISA would provide relevant federal personnel with training on protecting these systems, including their distinct security challenges and ethical considerations.
- Coordinate with biotechnology stakeholders
CISA would consult with biotechnology stakeholders and relevant federal agencies on security protocols, and work with stakeholders on emerging concerns, including the link between genetic sequence data and physical samples. It would provide a secure way for them to raise concerns, report incidents, and request technical help.
The bill identifies genetic data systems, sensitive biometric data, and biotechnology infrastructure as areas needing security protection. It also points to concerns at the boundary between digital genetic sequence data and physical samples.
The practical difference would be a larger, more explicit role for CISA in protecting these systems and coordinating with the organizations that work with them.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026HOUSESEP 24, 2026By Rep. Khanna with 2 original cosponsorsReferred to Homeland Security
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeSEP 24, 2026HOMELAND SECURITY NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 14 daysNo hearing yet
- 14 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 14, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 2 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. The smaller side has 1 member.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. The smaller side has 1 member.
Rep. Khanna’s record: sponsored 54 bills this Congress. 2 passed the House; 1 became law.
- Stephanie I. BiceR-OK-5ORIGINAL
- Scott H. PetersD-CA-50ORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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