Gain-of-function medical research, which involves genetically altering an organism in ways that could enhance the biological functions of gene products, would temporarily ban funding from taxpayer dollars under a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA).
“The more we learn about the origins of COVID-19, the more it becomes clear that gain-of-function research is an existential threat,” Rep. Carter said in a March 30 statement.
The Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act of 2023, H.R. 1827, which Rep. Carter sponsored on March 28 with two original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), would ban taxpayer dollars from funding gain-of-function research for five years to allow time for proper safety standards and protocols to be implemented, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“The National Institutes of Health and Dr. Fauci knew the risks but continued to fund this research with taxpayer dollars in America and overseas, including at the Wuhan Institute of Virology,” said Rep. Carter. “We must double down on our efforts to prevent irresponsible research and protect our communities from future pandemics.”
Gain-of-function research seeks new ways to combat infectious diseases, according to the bill summary, but does so through risky methods, such as developing and weaponizing viruses via altering a pathogen’s transmissibility, pathogenesis, and host range. Experts warn these practices could lead to widespread community infections and deaths, the summary says.
“Gain-of-function research has been directly linked to the spark of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Rep. Cuellar. “The bipartisan Pausing Enhanced Pandemic Pathogen Research Act is the best path forward to ensure that we avoid U.S. taxpayer funds from falling into the wrong hands.”
The White Coat Waste Project, a 501(c)(3) bipartisan coalition of three million members opposed to taxpayer-funded animal experiments, endorsed H.R. 1827, which has been referred to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.