In recent months, a letter signed by Sam Altman, Dario Amodei, and numerous experts in life sciences and national security has been sent to Congress, urging action to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence in creating bioweapons. The letter highlights the rapid advancements in AI technology, which have made it easier for individuals with malicious intent to access the knowledge required to develop biological weapons. The authors argue that the historical barriers preventing bad actors from obtaining such weapons are diminishing due to the proliferation of AI tools. They specifically call for Congress to implement mandatory screening for companies selling synthetic DNA and RNA, which could potentially be used in bioweapon creation. Currently, some companies conduct voluntary screenings, but the letter advocates for legally mandated measures to enhance biosecurity. This includes maintaining records of orders and specifications of synthetic materials sold, which would aid in biosecurity investigations. The urgency of this issue is underscored by a Stanford University study indicating that generative AI tools have reached over half of the global population in just three years, surpassing the adoption rates of personal computers and the internet. The letter comes at a time when publicly available AI models are increasingly capable of providing information on the creation and dissemination of biological weapons. Despite biological agents being rarely used in terrorist attacks, they pose a significant threat due to their often undetectable nature and potential for contagion. Historical incidents, such as the anthrax attacks in 2001, illustrate the devastating impact of biological weapons. Existing laws, including the Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act of 1989 and the PATRIOT Act, have been established to combat the threat of man-made biological agents. However, the recent introduction of the Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act of 2026 by Senators Tom Cotton and Amy Klobuchar aims to further strengthen safeguards around synthetic DNA and RNA sales. This legislation seeks to ensure that sellers screen their orders and customers while allowing exemptions for non-hazardous materials. As the bill progresses through Congress, experts emphasize the importance of collaboration between the AI industry and synthetic material sellers to address these biosecurity concerns effectively.