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Biocom California CEO Testifies at the State Capitol; DC Announces New Reciprocal Tariffs; San Diego’s Solution to Transportation; Bay Area Ferry Improvements; New Life Science Motion in Los Angeles; and more.
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Biocom California CEO Testifies at State Capitol on Federal Cuts
On August 19, Biocom California President & CEO Tim Scott testified before the Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology, chaired by Assemblymember Chris Ward of San Diego. He warned that declining federal research dollars threaten early-stage discovery—fundamental to attracting venture capital support—and California’s global leadership in biotechnology. In 2024, California received 10,624 research awards totaling $5.7 billion from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF). Scott stressed that cuts to these programs jeopardize both scientific progress and California’s economy, with the life sciences industry generating nearly $396 billion in output and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs last year. Biocom California will continue advocating for sustained federal investments to ensure the state remains a global hub for innovation.
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Advocating for Our Members
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Federal ► New Round of Reciprocal Tariffs Announced
- President Trump announced a new round of reciprocal tariffs on imports from over 60 countries, ranging from 10% to 50%, with notable levies such as 15% on the EU, Japan, and South Korea, a rise to 35% on Canada, and a delayed 25% tariff on Indian exports starting August 27.
- The president has also threatened steep, phased tariffs on imported drugs (up to 250%), except for those manufactured in the U.S. Most tariffs implemented exclude pharmaceuticals pending Section 232 investigations, which Biocom California previously submitted comments in response to the investigations.
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State ► Second Annual Biocom California PAC Reception in Sacramento
- Biocom California’s State Advocacy team hosted the second annual PAC Elected Officials and Candidates Reception in Sacramento. The evening allowed for members to mingle with over 20 state Senators and Assemblymembers.
- Thank you to everyone who attended and our event sponsors: Neurocrine Biosciences, Novartis and Organon.
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San Diego ► Report Highlights Multi-Agency Permitting as Key Issue in California Transit Projects
- A report from Circulate San Diego says complex, multi-agency permitting causes delays and cost overruns for California transit projects. It contrasts the state’s high-speed rail with San Diego’s smoother Mid-Coast Trolley extension to the city’s life science hub. The group recommends giving transit agencies more authority, rewarding cities that speed approvals and expanding CEQA exemptions to meet California’s transit, housing and climate goals.
- Biocom California consistently advocates for more reliable and affordable public transportation options for life science employees across the state.
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Bay Area ► Biocom California Joins Working Group for Bay Area Ferry Line Improvements
- Biocom California has been invited to join a working group to improve ferry service for the Bay Ferry South San Francisco line. In addition to Biocom, the group includes regional industry leaders as well as city and county officials.
- Our involvement underscores the importance of reliable public transportation for the life science community in the Bay Area. For more information, please contact Christy Shirilla.
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- On July 15, the LA County Board of Supervisors passed a milestone motion to boost life science through new policies and funding. Biocom California helped shape the report behind the motion, and the action plan launched at our LA Forum on July 17.
- Attention Pasadena members: Show your support for life science and attend the city’s 710 Land Use meeting on August 28 at 4:30pm at Robinson Park Recreation Center to advocate for dedicating part of the 50 acres from Caltrans to our industry.
- Biocom California submitted letters of support for two key proposals before the LA City Council that aim to shorten and streamline the permitting process for building construction and LADWP – measures that could accelerate life science development in the city.
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Federal:
- President Trump’s recent Executive Order, Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking, centralizes control of discretionary grants with senior political appointees and bans funding for programs that do not demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities. The order also allows agencies to terminate active grants that no longer align with administration priorities.
- On July 29, the Senate voted 51–47 to confirm Dr. Susan Monarez as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she had served as Acting Director since January.
- Biocom California submitted comments on the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA).
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Biocom California Advocacy
Biocom California is the largest, most experienced leader and advocate for California’s life science sector. Our public policy staff is strategically located in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. We work with federal, state and local governments to collectively pursue outcomes that benefit regional life science growth and contribute to a more innovation-friendly state.
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