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HR 237 101th Congress House Crime and Law Enforcement Biological warfare Electronic surveillance Extraterritoriality Forfeiture Injunctions Jurisdiction Mass destruction weapons Searches and seizures Terrorism Wiretapping

Biological Weapons Act of 1989

Introduced: January 3, 1989 See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 101st Congress ended
It never became law before the 101st Congress (1989–1990) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 21 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
May 8, 1990
Laid on the table. See S. 993 for further action.
May 8, 1990
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 408 - 0 (Roll No. 99).
May 8, 1990
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
May 8, 1990
Considered as unfinished business.
May 8, 1990
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 5, rule I, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
May 8, 1990
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
May 8, 1990
On ordering a second Agreed to by voice vote.
May 8, 1990
Considered under suspension of the rules.
May 8, 1990
Mr. Smith (TX) demanded a second on the motion to suspend the rules.
May 8, 1990
Mr. Kastenmeier moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
May 7, 1990
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 291.
May 7, 1990
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 101-476.
May 2, 1990
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
May 2, 1990
Ordered to be Reported (Amended).
May 1, 1990
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
May 1, 1990
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
May 1, 1990
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended).
Apr 10, 1989
Executive Comment Requested from Justice, State, DOD, and.
Mar 27, 1989
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and International Law.
Jan 3, 1989
Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.
Jan 3, 1989
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 1
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
May 8, 1990 House · vote #99 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass Passed 408–0 See who voted →
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act of 1989 - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to implement the Biological Weapons Convention and to protect the United States from biological terrorism.

Amends the Federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties upon anyone who knowingly develops, produces, stockpiles, transfers, acquires, or possesses any biological agent, toxin, or delivery system for use as a weapon, or assists a foreign state or any organization to do so. Provides for extraterritorial Federal jurisdiction over an offense committed by or against a U.S. national.

Authorizes the Attorney General to request the issuance of a warrant authorizing the seizure of any such agent, toxin, or delivery system that exists by reason of conduct prohibited under this Act or that is of a type or in a quantity that has no apparent justification for prophylactic, protective, or other peaceful purposes. Authorizes the seizure and destruction of such an agent, toxin, or delivery system upon probable cause without a warrant in exigent circumstances. Establishes as an affirmative defense against forfeiture that such agent, toxin, or delivery system is for a peaceful purpose and is of a type and quantity reasonable for that purpose.

Authorizes the United States to obtain an injunction against conduct prohibited by this Act.

Authorizes the interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications related to biological weapons offenses under specified conditions.

What's happening now May 8, 1990

Laid on the table. See S. 993 for further action.

 Related & companion bills 1
  • S 993 Related bill Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act of 1989
 Bill text 2 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
 Cosponsors 3
All 3 Democratic 3
D
Kaptur, Marcy
Ohio · Jun 29, 1989
 D
Pelosi, Nancy
California · Jun 29, 1989
 D
Markey, Edward J.
Massachusetts · Apr 11, 1989
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 237: Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act of 1989. 101st Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/101-HR-237/
MLA
"H.R. 237: Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act of 1989." 101st Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/101-HR-237/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 237, 101st Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/101-HR-237/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 237: Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act of 1989](https://openamerica.io/bill/101-HR-237/)
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