Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3029, the Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act, introduced by Representative Salinas of Oregon, along with Representative McCormick of Georgia. This bill is about protecting two things we all care about: American leadership in the life sciences and the security of the American people. Today, an American company or university laboratory can legally order made-to-order DNA, the basic building blocks of biology, and have it delivered in a matter of days. This technology powers new medicines and vaccines, stronger crops, and advanced manufacturing.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+39Stable$749K raised
Brian Babin
Representative · Texas · Republican
Brian Babin
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8790, the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, sponsored by my colleagues, Representatives Harrigan and Salinas. This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to include novel geothermal approaches and directs the Department of Energy to support these baseload energy-producing technologies. Thanks to breakthroughs in drilling methods pioneered by the oil-and- gas sector, we can now drill deeper and increase rock permeability.
Madam Speaker, H.R. 3029 is a practical, targeted bill. It directs NIST to develop the science-based standards and best practices needed to make the screening of synthetic DNA much more reliable, helping to ensure that the very technology driving American biotechnology cannot be turned against us. That is why this bill earned bipartisan support in the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and why it deserves the support of the full House today. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3029, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Biography
Brian Babin, a former dentist and Air Force veteran, was elected as the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 36th congressional district in 2014. Babin focuses on border security, flood mitigation, and veterans’ issues, drawing on his service background and experience in rural healthcare. He authored the SANE Act to streamline NASA’s priorities and has served on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Babin’s pragmatic approach centers on delivering federal resources and advocating for the needs of his Gulf Coast district.
Education
- M.D., University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX1993
- D.D.S., University of Texas Dental Branch1989
- B.S., Lamar University, Beaumont, TX1981
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2015–PresentRepresented Texas's 36th congressional district for 6 terms.
Board Member, Lower Neches Valley Authority
1999–2015Appointed by Governor George W. Bush and reappointed by Governor Rick Perry to the regional water management authority until resigning before entering Congress.
Member, Woodville Independent School District Board
1992–1995Served on the local school board in Woodville, Texas.
Chair, Tyler County Republican Party
1990–1995Led the county Republican Party organization in Tyler County, Texas.
City Councilman, City of Woodville
1984–1989Served on the Woodville City Council following his term as mayor.
Mayor, City of Woodville
1982–1984Served as mayor of Woodville, Texas, while also operating his dental practice.
Policy Focus
Health16%
Government Operations and Politics16%
Immigration16%
Education11%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Brian Babin's record in Congress.
Veterans' Access to Dental Care
Sponsored the Dental Care for Veterans Act to expand dental care eligibility for veterans through the VA.
Spaceport Funding
Helped secure federal funding for the Houston Spaceport to promote aerospace industry growth in Texas.
Hurricane Harvey Relief
Advocated for and secured disaster recovery funds for Southeast Texas communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
Opposition to Syrian Refugee Resettlement
Introduced legislation to temporarily halt Syrian refugee resettlement in the U.S. for national security review.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Science, Space, and TechnologyChair
- House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Rep. Brian Babin FAQ
Reach Texas Lawmakers
Representative Babin focuses on Health, Government Operations and Politics and Immigration. Deliver personalized constituent letters to Texas's federal, state, and local officials — live in under five minutes.
Grassroots advocacy & legislator intelligence. Used by nonprofits, associations, and GR firms nationwide.
Start a Campaign