Which organization oversees the United States' biological defense policies?

The Department of Defense (DoD) is the organization that oversees the United States' biological defense policies. The DoD's focus includes the protection of military personnel from biological threats and the ability to respond effectively to biological incidents. It plays a critical role in developing defense strategies, conducting research, and implementing programs to counter biological risks, including potential attacks involving biological agents.

In the context of biological defense, the DoD collaborates with various entities, including civilian agencies, to ensure a comprehensive approach to biological threats. The involvement of the DoD is essential for national defense, as it directly aligns with military readiness and response capabilities regarding biological warfare and biological attacks.

The other organizations listed, while important in their domains, focus on different aspects of public health and safety. The Department of Homeland Security is more focused on overall national security and emergency management, the National Institutes of Health primarily conducts research to enhance health and understanding of diseases, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deals with public health strategies, disease control, and outbreak responses. While all these organizations play a role in the broader context of health security, the specific oversight of biological defense policies is squarely within the purview of the DoD.