WASHINGTON — Sen. Rand Paul convened a congressional hearing on Wednesday to scrutinize gain-of-function research, which a trio of scientists testified needs more oversight to continue performing safely.
Gain of function is a risky method used to manipulate pathogens that make viruses more transmissible or dangerous so they can be examined and scrutinized. Paul has accused the National Institutes of Health of funding such research that could have led to the global coronavirus pandemic.
“I would like to have a bipartisan bill that comes forward for better oversight,” said Paul, the Republican ranking member of a Homeland Security subcommittee that focuses on emerging threats and spending oversight.
