Congress·Passed House·H.R. 706

DHS Biodetection Improvement Act

Next up: The SenateNo action in 15 months

The Senate must act next: Senate consideration, where most legislation needs 60 votes to advance.

Legislative Progress

✓ House

Senate

President

Law

Likely to pass

This bill passed the House with broad support and focuses on national security, which usually receives bipartisan backing in the Senate.

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to work more closely with national laboratories to improve how the country detects biological threats like viruses or bacteria. The goal is to use the best available science to spot dangerous germs in the air or water before they can cause a major outbreak.
The Department of Homeland Security must create a new plan to buy and use better detection technology for the BioWatch program. This program currently monitors major American cities for biological attacks, and this law aims to make sure the equipment used is modern and reliable.
The government will have to conduct regular outside reviews to find any weaknesses or gaps in its detection systems. This ensures that if a piece of equipment fails or a new type of threat appears, there is already a backup plan in place to keep the public safe.
The policy encourages the federal government to partner with local leaders, colleges, and private companies. By working together, these groups can develop new tools that meet the specific needs of different communities across the country.

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

4 milestones12 actions

Mar 12, 2025Senate

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.

Mar 11, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Mar 11, 2025House

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1046-1047)

The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.

Mar 11, 2025

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1046-1047)

The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.

Mar 11, 2025House

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1126)

No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Bill NumberHR 706

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

(1)

R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.