H.R. 5193House119th Congress (2025-2027)In Committee

To direct the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to conduct a feasibility study on incorporating militarily-relevant applications of emerging biotechnology into wargaming exercises, and for other purposes.

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Updated November 23, 2025 at 10:13 PM UTC

H.R. 5193 directs the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to study whether and how emerging biotechnology can be incorporated into military wargaming exercises. The study will look at biotech that could boost soldier performance, provide new battlefield materials, and counter adversary biotech capabilities. After consulting with combatant commands and other experts, the Chairman must report recommendations and a plan for regularly updating wargames within six months.

Key Provisions

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must conduct a feasibility review on adding emerging biotechnology applications to military wargaming exercises.
The review must consider biotech that enhances warfighter cognition and physical performance, biotech‑enabled chemicals and materials for battlefield advantage, adversaries’ biotech use beyond traditional bioweapons, and any other relevant biotech uses.
The Chairman must consult combatant‑command commanders and other relevant DoD and external stakeholders to identify recent biotech advances that could be used in wargames.
A report detailing the review’s findings, recommended changes to wargames, and a plan for ongoing updates must be submitted to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees within 180 days of enactment.

Legislative Activity

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HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Armed Services Committee

September 8, 2025

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

September 8, 2025

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Armed Services Committee

September 8, 2025

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued September 8, 2025

119th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 5193

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 8, 2025

Mr. Khanna (for himself, Mr. Garamendi, and Mr. Davis of North Carolina) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

A BILL

To direct the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to conduct a feasibility study on incorporating militarily-relevant applications of emerging biotechnology into wargaming exercises, and for other purposes.

Feasibility study on incorporating militarily relevant applications of emerging biotechnology into wargaming exercises

(a)

In general

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall conduct a review to determine the feasibility and advisability modifying the design of wargaming exercises to ensure that such exercises incorporate militarily relevant applications of emerging biotechnology.

(b)

Elements

In conducting the review required under subsection (a), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall take into account—

(1)

biotechnology-enabled enhancements that improve the cognitive and physical performance of warfighters;

(2)

biotechnology-enabled chemicals and materials intended to provide a strategic advantage on the battlefield;

(3)

adversaries’ use of biotechnology for military purposes beyond traditional biological weapons; and

(4)

any other militarily relevant applications of biotechnology determined appropriate by the Chairman.

(c)

Consultation

In conducting the review under subsection (a), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall consult with—

(1)

the commanders of the combatant commands; and

(2)

other stakeholders within and outside the Department of Defense, as necessary, to identify recent militarily relevant advancements in the field of biotechnology that could potentially be incorporated into exercises.

(d)

Report

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the results of the review conducted under subsection (a). The report shall include—

(1)

a detailed summary of any recommended modifications to wargaming exercises; and

(2)

if applicable, a plan for regularly updating the design of such exercises to keep pace with advances in biotechnology.

(e)

Wargaming exercise defined

In this section, the term wargaming exercise means a military exercise conducted to test or improve tactical expertise, and includes the Globally Integrated Wargames.