Limitation on certain research in countries of concern

(a) Limitation on foreign research The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, shall prohibit research, education, or extension activities involving vertebrate animals carried out or funded under the jurisdiction of the Research, Education, and Economics mission area from being conducted in, or performed in collaboration with, the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation or other foreign countries of concern (as defined in section 10638(2) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (42 3 U.S.C. 19237(2)). (b) Waiver authority The Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics (and no other Federal official) may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis if the Under Secretary determines that the research is necessary to protect national security, animal and crop health, or public health, safety, or welfare. (c) Congressional Notification Not later than 30 days before granting a waiver under subsection (b), the Under Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a written notification that includes— (1) a detailed justification for the waiver, including the specific national security or public health need; (2) a description of the research to be conducted, including the location, collaborators, and number and species of animals involved; (3) the projected cost to taxpayers; and (4) the expected duration of the waiver.