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Over the past several years, biotechnology has moved from the margins of public policy to the center of America’s economic and national security debates. Advances in synthetic biology, bioindustrial manufacturing, and artificial intelligence-driven biotech are reshaping how we defend our nation, build resilient supply chains, and compete with adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).  Until recently, Washington lacked a comprehensive approach to understanding and securing the future of biotechnology.

That is why Congress established the NSCEB to provide strategic recommendations and guidance for the Federal Government and industry.

What Is the NSCEB?

Created in the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the NSCEB is an independent, bipartisan commission charged with studying biotechnology’s role in U.S. national security. Modeled after earlier commissions on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, the NSCEB’s mandate is to:

• Assess how emerging biotechnologies will shape the Department of Defense’s current and future operations.
• Recommend the methods, means, and investments necessary to secure America’s leadership in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
• Provide Congress and the Administration with a clear roadmap for advancing biotechnology in ways that strengthen—not weaken—our defense and democratic values.

Why Was It Created?

The NSCEB was born out of a recognition that the U.S. cannot afford to fall behind in the global biotechnology race. In 2021, With Honor Action – a partner organization of the With Honor Institute – worked with Senator Todd Young, Representatives Mike Gallagher and Seth Moulton, and other members of the bipartisan For Country Caucus to advance the provision establishing the commission.

Several realities drove its creation:

• National Security Risks: Biotechnology is increasingly dual-use. Advances have helped us eat better and live longer, but bad actors can also use them to develop bioweapons.
• Strategic Competition with CCP:  biotech firms, many tied to the CCP, have been implicated in misusing genetic data and exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Missed Coordination: Biotechnology spans multiple agencies (DoD, USDA, HHS, DOE) yet lacks a unifying national strategy.

In short, Congress created the NSCEB because America needed a comprehensive, bipartisan framework to guide how biotechnology advances are integrated into our defense and security planning.

Why Does It Matter to the Institute?

At With Honor Institute, we believe the NSCEB’s work represents more than a technical policy exercise. It is about trust, leadership, and bipartisan problem-solving in the face of profound challenges.

The Commission’s recommendations—ranging from creating a White House biotechnology coordination office to strengthening bioindustrial manufacturing supply chains to establishing biotech workforce development programs—all have direct implications for U.S. global leadership.

This matters deeply to us for three reasons:

1. Integrity in National Security: We must ensure that biotechnology investments are transparent, ethical, and aligned with democratic values—not exploited by adversaries.
2. Civility in Policymaking: Implementing the NSCEB’s recommendations requires bipartisan cooperation across Congress and collaboration with allies and partners abroad.
3. Courage in Leadership: As with past transformative technologies, bold leadership will be necessary to manage risks while seizing opportunities in biotech.

Looking Ahead

With the NSCEB’s final report to be released in April 2025, the next stage is legislating and implementation. Just as earlier commissions on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity spurred concrete reforms, this report should catalyze action in Congress, the Executive Branch, and the private sector.

With Honor Institute is committed to ensuring that principled leaders—especially veterans and servant leaders in public service—help shape these policies. Biotechnology will touch many parts of American life, from healthcare to defense to agriculture. Guiding its future with integrity, civility, and courage is not just a policy challenge—it is a test of leadership.