H.R. 9628, titled the 'Assessment of Critical Technologies in Adversarial Ventures and Emerging Threats Act' or 'ACTIVATE Act,' was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 17, 2024, by Representative Ro Khanna. The bill directs the Secretary of Defense to collaborate with a federally funded research and development center to assess the biotechnology capabilities of potential adversaries of the United States, such as China, Iran, and Russia. The assessment aims to identify scientific topics related to biotechnology, evaluate the current capabilities and future needs of these adversaries, and develop recommendations for monitoring their advancements. The Secretary is required to submit a report with the findings and recommendations to congressional defense committees and the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology by October 1, 2025. ([congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/9628/text?utm_source=openai))
Media coverage of the ACTIVATE Act has been limited. However, proponents argue that the bill is a proactive measure to safeguard national security by understanding and monitoring the biotechnology advancements of potential adversaries. They believe that this assessment will help the United States maintain a strategic advantage in biotechnology and prevent potential threats.
Critics of the ACTIVATE Act express concerns about the potential for escalating tensions with the countries being assessed. They argue that focusing on the biotechnology capabilities of specific nations could be perceived as antagonistic and may hinder diplomatic relations. Additionally, some question the allocation of resources for this assessment, suggesting that the funds could be better utilized in other areas of national security or domestic needs.
The analysis of H.R. 9628, sponsored by Ashley Hinson, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter related to TEACH grants. While there is significant lobbying activity in the education policy area, the contributions from these entities do not directly correlate with the provisions of the bill. For instance, Paramount Skydance Corporation and HealthEquity, Inc. each contributed $50,000, but their interests do not appear to intersect with higher education funding or grant usage. The total lobbying contributions from various entities amount to $240,000, but without direct ties to the bill's focus, the risk of conflict remains low. Voters should be aware that while there are substantial lobbying dollars involved, they do not indicate a clear conflict regarding the bill's intent.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN ACADEMY OF HOME CARE MEDICINE | TARPLIN, DOWNS & YOUNG, LLC | $70,000 |
| MATHEMATICA, INC | TARPLIN, DOWNS & YOUNG, LLC | $60,000 |
| MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM | MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM | $60,000 |
| PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE CORPORATION | INNOVATIVE POLICY, PLLC | $50,000 |
| ACTUM ON BEHALF OF HEALTHEQUITY, INC. | TARPLIN, DOWNS & YOUNG, LLC | $50,000 |
| COALITION FOR THE USE OF SAFE AND EFFICIENT REFRIGERANTS | WILLIAMSON LAW + POLICY PLLC | $20,000 |
| JAMESTOWN S'KLALLAM TRIBE | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | $10,000 |
| ASSOCIATION FOR MATERIALS PROTECTION AND PERFORMANCE (AMPP) | ASSOCIATION FOR MATERIALS PROTECTION AND PERFORMANCE (AMPP) | undisclosed |
| SYSTEMS & METHODS, INC. | CAPROCK STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| HEALING LODGE OF THE SEVEN NATIONS | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| PUEBLO OF SANTA ANA | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| TIGERSWAN | ALPHA STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| LWRC INTERNATIONAL, LLC | ALPHA STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| NATIVE VILLAGE OF EYAK | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION | HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Ashley Hinson, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
