H.R. 8045

Genome Editing Threat Assessment Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a threat assessment of the potential homeland security vulnerabilities associated with genome modification and editing.

Such assessment shall include information relating to

• the dual-use of emerging biotechnology;
• the ability of gene editing to maliciously proliferate infectious diseases and pandemics on human, animal, and plant populations;
• the cybersecurity vulnerabilities in computer systems analyzing genomic data; and
• privacy concerns associated with analyzing genomic data.

Upon completion of the assessment, DHS shall make a determination if any changes to future DHS operations are required to address security vulnerabilities identified in such assessment.

DHS shall report to the congressional homeland security committees on the findings of such threat assessment, recommendations, plans for incorporating such recommendations into future DHS operations, and proposed legislative changes.