Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Biotechnology Diplomacy and Expertise Enhancement Act of 2026

Expansion of the regional technology officer program to include biotechnology training and expertise

Section 9508 of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2022 (division I of Public Law 117–263; 22 U.S.C. 10305) is amended— (1)by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and (2)by inserting after subsection (c) the following:

(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.

Implementation plan for expanded Regional Technology Officer Program

(a)

In general

The Secretary of State shall advance the goals described in section 9508(d)(2) of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2022, as amended by section 2, by— (1)developing a comprehensive strategy for the recruitment and hiring of technical experts to join the Regional Technology Officer Program (referred to in this section as the Program); and (2)expanding the Program to include Regional Technology Officers with expertise in biotechnology during fiscal year 2026, and further expanding the Program, as needed. (b)

Implementation report

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit an implementation plan to Congress that outlines the Department of State’s strategies for— (1)advancing the goals of the Program with a focus on biotechnology diplomacy, security, and innovation; (2)hiring and training Regional Technology Officers with biotechnology expertise; and (3)expanding the Program to include Regional Technology Officers with specific expertise in biotechnology. (c)

Annual report

The Secretary of State shall submit to Congress an annual report that describes— (1)the progress of the biotechnology-focused Program, including— (A)the number of officers who have received the training required under section 9508(d)(2) of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2022, as amended by section 2; and (B)the countries or regions to which such officer have been assigned; and (2)outcomes from diplomatic efforts, partnerships, and agreements related to biotechnology, including results in advancing United States leadership in biotechnology security and innovation.

Targeted hiring freeze exemption for Regional Technology Officers

(a)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law or policy imposing a hiring freeze or personnel limitation within the Department of State, the Secretary of State may appoint and employ such additional personnel as may be necessary to carry out this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, including biotechnology-focused Regional Technology Officers. (b)

Priority

The Secretary of State shall prioritize the recruitment, training, and overseas deployment of Regional Technology Officers with expertise in biotechnology, biosecurity, and emerging life science technologies in order to support United States diplomatic engagement, technology monitoring, and international cooperation in the biotechnology sector.