Limitation on certain research in countries of concern

(a) Limitation on foreign research (1) In general 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 any other foreign country of concern (as defined in section 10638 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 19237)). (2) Scope The limitation under paragraph (1) shall only apply to activities carried out or funded under the jurisdiction of the Research, Education, and Economics mission area. (b) Waiver authority (1) In general The Secretary may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis if the Secretary determines that the research is necessary to protect national security, animal and crop health, or public health, safety, or welfare. (2) Delegation of authority The Secretary may delegate the waiver authority under paragraph (1) to the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics. (c) Congressional notification Not later than 30 days before granting a waiver under subsection (b), the 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, animal and crop health, or public health, safety, or welfare 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.