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119-s-3468119th CongressWALLET

National Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Fetterman, John [D-PA]

In Committee

Summary

National Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network would set up a small NSF-backed network of up to six cloud-enabled automated laboratories to speed remote experimentation, boost reproducibility, and help move federally funded research toward commercial use. It would fund designated nodes, require standards and security protocols, and push nodes to develop plans to become financially self-sustaining.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Create national cloud labs network

This bill would create a National Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network at NSF. The Director would name up to 6 nodes within one year after enactment. NSF would be directed to set aside $30 million each year for fiscal years 2026–2030, subject to appropriation. Grants to each designated node would be limited to $5 million per year for up to 5 years, and the program’s authorities would end on September 30, 2031.

Data and interoperability standards for labs

This bill would require NIST, working with NSF and participating entities, to issue interoperability and data standards within 180 days after all nodes are designated. The standards would cover instruments, data infrastructure, communication protocols, experiment execution, and secure sharing of biological and other experimental data. Standards would include minimum technical requirements to support remote experimentation and AI-assisted workflows and be updated periodically with private-sector input.

Rules for lab nodes and funding

This bill would require each designated node to support programmable workflows, AI-enabled tools, and secure sharing of experimental data, including biological data. Nodes would have to make a plan for long-term financial sustainability and could use user fees, licensing, or consortia to raise money. NSF would solicit applications from universities, nonprofits, private research groups, and consortia and give preference to applicants with private cost share and pre-existing infrastructure. To the extent practicable, at least one node should support cloud-enabled biotechnology research.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Fetterman, John [D-PA]

PA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 12/11/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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