Bill Summary
This legislation mandates the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to conduct a feasibility study on the integration of emerging biotechnology into military wargaming exercises. The study aims to evaluate how these technologies can enhance military effectiveness, including improving the performance of personnel, providing strategic advantages, and addressing the potential use of biotechnology by adversaries. The Chairman is required to consult with military commanders and relevant stakeholders to identify significant technological advancements that could be incorporated into exercises. A report summarizing the findings and any recommended modifications to wargaming exercises must be submitted to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees within 180 days of the bill's enactment. The term "wargaming exercise" refers to military simulations aimed at enhancing tactical skills, such as the Globally Integrated Wargames.
Possible Impacts
The legislation outlined could have several impacts on people, including military personnel, researchers, and the general public. Here are three examples:
1. **Enhanced Military Training and Readiness**: By incorporating biotechnology into wargaming exercises, military personnel may receive training that is more aligned with emerging threats and technologies. This could lead to improved cognitive and physical performance amongst warfighters, enhancing their effectiveness in real-life combat situations. As a result, service members might feel more prepared and confident in their roles, which can contribute positively to their mental and physical well-being.
2. **Increased Research Opportunities**: The feasibility study may stimulate interest and investment in biotechnology research among academic and private-sector organizations. Researchers could have increased opportunities to develop and test new biotechnological applications that could be utilized by the military. This might lead to advancements in fields such as bioengineering, neuroscience, and materials science, creating potential job opportunities and fostering innovation that could benefit society at large.
3. **Ethical and Public Health Concerns**: As the military explores the use of biotechnology for military purposes, there could be rising concerns among the general public regarding the ethical implications of biotechnological advancements in warfare. Issues such as the potential for bioweapons, the impact on public health, and the regulation of biotechnology in military contexts could provoke public debate and necessitate oversight. This could lead to increased activism and calls for transparency in how these technologies are developed and used, affecting public policy and military practices.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5193 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5193
To direct the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to conduct a
feasibility study on incorporating militarily-relevant applications of
emerging biotechnology into wargaming exercises, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 8, 2025
Mr. Khanna (for himself, Mr. Garamendi, and Mr. Davis of North
Carolina) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Armed Services
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To direct the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to conduct a
feasibility study on incorporating militarily-relevant applications of
emerging biotechnology into wargaming exercises, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FEASIBILITY STUDY ON INCORPORATING MILITARILY RELEVANT
APPLICATIONS OF EMERGING BIOTECHNOLOGY INTO WARGAMING
EXERCISES.
(a) In General.--The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall
conduct a review to determine the feasibility and advisability
modifying the design of wargaming exercises to ensure that such
exercises incorporate militarily relevant applications of emerging
biotechnology.
(b) Elements.--In conducting the review required under subsection
(a), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall take into
account--
(1) biotechnology-enabled enhancements that improve the
cognitive and physical performance of warfighters;
(2) biotechnology-enabled chemicals and materials intended
to provide a strategic advantage on the battlefield;
(3) adversaries' use of biotechnology for military purposes
beyond traditional biological weapons; and
(4) any other militarily relevant applications of
biotechnology determined appropriate by the Chairman.
(c) Consultation.--In conducting the review under subsection (a),
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall consult with--
(1) the commanders of the combatant commands; and
(2) other stakeholders within and outside the Department of
Defense, as necessary, to identify recent militarily relevant
advancements in the field of biotechnology that could
potentially be incorporated into exercises.
(d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House
of Representatives a report on the results of the review conducted
under subsection (a). The report shall include--
(1) a detailed summary of any recommended modifications to
wargaming exercises; and
(2) if applicable, a plan for regularly updating the design
of such exercises to keep pace with advances in biotechnology.
(e) Wargaming Exercise Defined.--In this section, the term
``wargaming exercise'' means a military exercise conducted to test or
improve tactical expertise, and includes the Globally Integrated
Wargames.
<all>