Bipartisan Bills Target DNA Bioweapons Screening and Battery Supply Chain Credits
Bipartisan Bills Target DNA Bioweapons Screening and Battery Supply Chain Credits
Two Bills, Two Fronts
Congress introduced two bipartisan measures in early February 2026 that could reshape how chemical and materials companies operate. One targets biosecurity gaps in DNA synthesis; the other extends and expands tax credits for domestic battery manufacturing while phasing out Chinese mineral dependence.
Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act
Introduced February 4 by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), this bill would require DNA synthesis companies to screen all orders for potentially dangerous genetic sequences. The Department of Commerce would compile and maintain a list of hazardous sequences used for vetting, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy would have 90 days to identify biosecurity gaps and develop an implementation plan.
The impetus: AI tools can now generate DNA sequences that evade current biosecurity screening filters. Research labs that order synthesized DNA could face new compliance requirements once this bill takes effect.
Critical Minerals and Manufacturing Support Act 2.0
Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Gabe Evans (R-CO) introduced this bill on February 11. The key provisions:
- Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit: Increases from 10% to 25% for battery cells, modules, and electrode materials
- Extended timeline: Pushes the credit expiration from 2032 to 2041
- Silicon eligibility: Next-generation silicon anodes become newly eligible for credits
- Chinese mineral phase-out: Starting 2027, batteries using Chinese critical minerals lose federal support
The bill affects nickel, cobalt salts, lithium compounds, and battery-grade graphite. Battery maker EnerSys has cited $4 million in quarterly benefits from the existing credit program.
Other Policy Developments
The same C&EN policy roundup noted several other developments worth tracking:
- EPA PFAS coordination: A new inter-agency group launched February 6 to streamline PFAS work across EPA departments
- UN Plastics Treaty: Ambassador Julio Cordano of Chile was elected new INC chair on February 7
- CSB investigation: The Chemical Safety Board is investigating a fatal hydrogen sulfide release at Woodland Pulp in Baileyville, Maine, which killed one worker and injured nine in January 2026
Alliance's Take
The battery supply chain bill is particularly relevant for chemical suppliers. As domestic battery manufacturing ramps up, demand for high-purity lithium compounds, nickel salts, cobalt chemicals, and graphite will grow. Alliance Chemical supplies lab-grade and industrial chemicals used in battery research and quality testing.
On the biosecurity front, labs that work with DNA synthesis already rely on chemical reagents and analytical-grade solvents. Tighter screening requirements may increase demand for verified, documented chemical supply chains. Every product we ship comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — exactly the kind of traceability that regulated environments require.
Questions about sourcing lab chemicals for battery R&D or biosecurity-compliant research? Contact us at sales@alliancechemical.com.
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