National Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator John Fetterman
Introduced
Summary
National Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network would create a coordinated set of remotely programmable, AI-enabled laboratory nodes to speed automated experiments, tech transfer, and U.S. leadership in scientific automation.
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- Researchers and universities would gain access to up to six designated programmable cloud laboratory nodes that let teams run remote, automated experiments, share data, and use AI-enabled analysis tools. Eligible applicants include colleges, nonprofits, private research entities, and consortia.
- Private industry and tech transfer would be encouraged through required sustainability plans, incentives for third-party cost sharing, public-private partnerships, and pathways for licensing and commercialization that aim to reduce long-term federal funding needs.
- Standards, security, and coordination would be driven by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which must develop interoperability and secure data-sharing protocols within 180 days after node designation, plus an assessment of other programmable labs. The Network and its programs would end on September 30, 2031.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Annual reports and lab assessment
If enacted, the Director would brief two congressional committees within 1 year and every year after. Each briefing would report on research alignment with national priorities, node sustainability, and performance metrics. Within 180 days after the final node is named, NSF would assess non-designated labs and publish a nonproprietary summary. NSF may provide a protected annex to congressional committees to protect proprietary information.
Federal lab interoperability standards
If enacted, NIST would develop standards within 180 days after all Network nodes are named. The standards would cover instruments, data systems, communication protocols, and experiment execution systems. They would set secure data‑sharing rules and minimum technical requirements for remote, AI‑assisted workflows. NIST would update the standards periodically with private partners and the Network.
New national cloud lab network
If enacted, the bill would create a National Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network. The Director would name up to 6 nodes within 1 year. Nodes could be universities, nonprofits, private research groups, or consortia. Selected nodes would offer remote programmable labs, AI-enabled instruments, and must make sustainability plans that may include user fees or licensing. The Network and its authorities would end on September 30, 2031.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
John Fetterman
PA • D
Cosponsors
Ted Budd
NC • R
Sponsored 12/11/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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