Bipartisan Bill Intends to Advance U.S. Leadership in Biotechnology

On May 21, 2026, Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced the Standards and Calibration for American Leadership in Engineering Biology (SCALE Biology) Act (H.R. 8981). According to McClain Delaney’s May 22, 2026, press release, the bipartisan legislation would establish a new federal program dedicated to biometrology, “an advanced science critical to U.S. leadership in emerging biotechnology, including healthcare innovation, agricultural research, domestic biomanufacturing, national security, and public well-being.” The press release states that biometrology “is the science of measurement applied to engineering biology, which promises to help unlock the potential of the global bioeconomy.” To ensure researchers, developers, and regulators communicate effectively, a “common language” is essential. The SCALE Biology Act would establish a dedicated research program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to lead the development of standardized measurements, guidelines, methodologies, procedures, and processes that support this shared framework.