SCALE Biology Act

Sponsor: April McClain Delaney (Democratic-MD)May 21, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.

New program would boost biology and manufacturing research.

This bill would create a new program at NIST to improve how we measure and understand advanced biology. It would help U.S. industries innovate faster and more safely in advanced biology and manufacturing. This means better standards and more reliable data for new products.

What Would Change

Currently, there isn't a dedicated, comprehensive program at NIST specifically focused on measurement research for engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biotechnology. If this bill passes, NIST would create a new "Biometrology Laboratory Program." Its mission would be to develop standards, conduct research, and provide resources for advanced biological fields, supported by specific funding.

Key Provisions

Establishes a new Biometrology Laboratory Program within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Requires NIST to perform research to support the development of voluntary technical standards and best practices for engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biotechnology.
Directs NIST to provide access to advanced research equipment and facilities for industry, universities, and government agencies.
Requires NIST to support graduate and postgraduate research and training in biometrology.
It authorizes specific funding for the program: $55 million for the government's budget year 2026, $60 million for 2027, $70 million for 2028, $78 million for 2029, and $85 million for 2030.

View on Congress.gov

HR 8981 · 119th Congress · May 21, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 10/10

SCALE Biology Act

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity