Clermont Times

Washington, D.C. - The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has been called upon to conduct an analysis of the international biosafety and biosecurity standards implemented by G20 countries. This request was made by Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman Brad Wenstrup and Ranking Member Raul Ruiz in a letter to GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro.

The need for improved oversight of high-risk laboratories in the United States and abroad was highlighted during an October hearing by the Select Subcommittee. Expert witnesses testified about the existing gaps in current biosafety and biosecurity standards. In light of these concerns, the Chairman and Ranking Member have emphasized the importance of evaluating and comparing the biosafety and biosecurity standards employed by G20 countries with the existing policies in the United States.

Chairman Wenstrup and Ranking Member Ruiz stated, "As we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, biosafety and biosecurity issues have the potential to affect the international community. While the United States evaluates its own biosafety and biosecurity standards, precautions taken by other nations remain highly relevant to the Select Subcommittee’s work. To that end, the Select Subcommittee requests a comprehensive report of the G20 member nations' biosafety and biosecurity standards."

The Select Subcommittee's aim is to ensure that judicious and modernized biosafety and biosecurity practices are implemented worldwide to prevent future health crises. By examining the standards employed by G20 countries, valuable insights can be gained to inform and guide the United States' own policies and practices.

The letter to GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro can be read in full here.

###

To find out more, go to this link: https://wenstrup.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=407860