Summary of HR 5193: Feasibility Study on Biotechnology in Wargaming

Bill Number: HR 5193

Introduced: September 08, 2025

Status: Introduced in House

Primary Sponsor: Ro Khanna

Cosponsors: Donald G. Davis, John Garamendi

Related Bills: HR 3838 (companion)

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of HR 5193 is to direct the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to conduct a feasibility study on integrating emerging biotechnology applications into military wargaming exercises. The bill seeks to enhance the effectiveness of these exercises by ensuring they reflect the latest advancements in biotechnology that could provide strategic advantages in military operations.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several important provisions:

1. Feasibility Review:

   • The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is tasked with reviewing the current design of wargaming exercises to assess how they can incorporate militarily relevant applications of biotechnology.

2. Considerations for the Review:

   • The review must consider:
     • Enhancements that improve cognitive and physical performance of warfighters.
     • Chemicals and materials that could offer strategic advantages on the battlefield.
     • The use of biotechnology by adversaries beyond traditional biological weapons.
     • Any other relevant applications of biotechnology deemed appropriate by the Chairman.

3. Consultation Requirements:

   • The Chairman must consult with:
     • Commanders of combatant commands.
     • Other stakeholders within and outside the Department of Defense to identify recent advancements in biotechnology.

4. Reporting:

   • A report on the findings of the review must be submitted to the Committees on Armed Services of both the Senate and House within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This report should include:
     • A detailed summary of recommended modifications to wargaming exercises.
     • A plan for regularly updating these exercises to keep pace with advancements in biotechnology.

5. Definition of Wargaming Exercise:

   • The bill defines "wargaming exercise" as a military exercise aimed at testing or improving tactical expertise, including the Globally Integrated Wargames.

Impact

The implementation of HR 5193 could significantly influence military training and preparedness by:

• Ensuring that wargaming exercises reflect the latest technological advancements, thereby improving the effectiveness of military strategies.
• Enhancing the cognitive and physical capabilities of military personnel through biotechnology.
• Preparing the military to counteract adversaries' use of biotechnology in innovative ways.

Procedural Aspects

• Introduced in House: The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Armed Services on the same day, September 08, 2025.
• Timeline for Report: The Chairman is required to submit the report within 180 days of the bill's enactment, emphasizing the urgency of adapting military exercises to modern technological advancements.

In summary, HR 5193 seeks to modernize military wargaming by incorporating cutting-edge biotechnology, thereby enhancing the strategic capabilities of the U.S. military in an evolving battlefield landscape.