H.R. 9923 — Biotechnology Diplomacy and Expertise Enhancement Act of 2026

This section expands the Regional Technology Officer Program to include biotechnology experts and requires current and new officers to receive specialized training in biotechnology and emerging biotechnologies. The training covers advances such as gene editing, synthetic biology, and bioengineering; biosecurity protections; ethical considerations in public health, agriculture, and defense; international regulations; and diplomatic engagement strategies, with continuing education requirements and priority assignments to regions where biotechnology research and development are critical to United States foreign policy interests.

This section directs the Secretary of State to develop a strategy for recruiting technical experts into the Regional Technology Officer Program and to expand the Program to include officers with biotechnology expertise in fiscal year 2026. It requires submission of an implementation plan to Congress within 180 days and annual reports detailing the number of trained officers, their assignments, and diplomatic outcomes in biotechnology security and innovation.

This section authorizes the Secretary of State to appoint and employ additional personnel, including biotechnology-focused Regional Technology Officers, to implement the Act notwithstanding any hiring freeze or personnel limitation at the Department of State. It directs the Secretary to prioritize recruitment, training, and overseas deployment of such officers with expertise in biotechnology, biosecurity, and emerging life science technologies to support U.S. diplomatic engagement, technology monitoring, and international cooperation.