America’s Living Library Act
Sponsored By: Senator Todd Young
Introduced
Summary
America's Living Library Project would build a public genomic library of species found in National Park System units. It creates a US Geological Survey pilot to collect, whole‑genome sequence, and securely store samples while coordinating with Smithsonian, USDA, NIH, Tribes, and other agencies.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Authorized funding for sequencing and storage
If enacted, the bill would authorize multi‑year funding for the program for FY2027–FY2031. It would give the USGS program office $16.5 million for each of FY2027–FY2028, $36 million for FY2029, and $54 million for each of FY2030–FY2031. NCBI would get $5 million for each of FY2027–FY2028, $10 million for FY2029, and $15 million for FY2030–FY2031 for data storage. The Smithsonian, USDA germplasm programs, and NC AUR would receive specified annual millions for sample storage. Program authority would expire 10 years after enactment.
New national park genome project
If enacted, the bill would create the "America's Living Library" pilot run by USGS. The Secretary would pick 5 park units within 180 days and 20 more within 2 years. The program would collect and sequence biological samples, build a public genomic database with privacy protections, and store physical samples in U.S. repositories. High‑priority species data would be held at the Smithsonian and USDA germplasm repositories. Physical samples and lab work would have to remain in U.S. facilities and could not be exported.
Early non‑public data access for U.S. groups
If enacted, the Secretary would submit a plan within 180 days to give expedited, non‑public access to data before public release. Early access would be limited to entities organized under U.S. law that are not owned or controlled by foreign entities of concern. Expedited access could include bulk data export APIs and computing resources located in the United States.
Vetted in‑kind help from biotech firms
If enacted, the program would be allowed to accept in‑kind contributions from biotechnology companies. Contributions could include materials, instruments, or sequencing services. Any contributions would be vetted and subject to conflict‑of‑interest safeguards to prevent undue influence.
Report and subscription plan for database
If enacted, the Secretary would report within 3 years with a methodological review and a funding plan. The report would recommend a graduated subscription model for database access developed with NIST and NIH. Subscription costs would be based on an organization's size and how much it uses the data. The report would also identify possible partnerships with universities and nonprofits.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Todd Young
IN • R
Cosponsors
Alex Padilla
CA • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Tom Cotton
AR • R
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Christopher Coons
DE • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Steve Daines
MT • R
Sponsored 3/5/2026
John Hickenlooper
CO • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Kevin Cramer
ND • R
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Tim Sheehy
MT • R
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Susan Collins
ME • R
Sponsored 3/9/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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