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119-s-4991119th Congress

Homestake AI Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Rounds, Mike [R-SD]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create the Extremophile Whole Genome Sequencing Initiative to collect, catalogue, and sequence whole genomes and metabolites from animals, plants, fungi, and microbes found in extreme environments. It would also establish a standardized, secure national database and plan for long-term, disaster-resilient physical storage to support scientific discovery and potential medical treatments.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

New national extremophile research program

If enacted, the Secretary of Energy would have to set up an extremophile whole genome sequencing initiative within 90 days. The Secretary could hire contractors and accept donated samples, including from other countries. The bill would allow creation of a 501(c)(3) foundation to receive in-kind private donations to support the initiative and the storage facility. The law would authorize appropriations of "such sums as are necessary" to run the program and would require a working group with named allied countries.

Plan and rules for sample storage

If enacted, the Secretary would develop a plan within one year to build a long-term storage facility for the samples. The plan must ensure the facility can continue to operate after a catastrophic incident. The Secretary would consult with USDA and the Smithsonian on storage and access management. The bill would require any high-priority species to be stored at the Smithsonian, the USDA germplasm repository, and the DOE covered facility once it is operational.

New rules for sample sites and exports

If enacted, the Secretary would pick at least five sample sites within 180 days of enactment. At least one chosen site must be a mine or former mine deeper than 4,500 feet that houses an underground science facility. The bill would ban collecting samples for the program after five years from enactment. The law would also bar sending physical samples collected under the initiative outside the United States and require that storage and lab work happen only in U.S. facilities.

Sequencing, database, and data security

If enacted, the initiative would collect, catalogue, and sequence whole genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes from selected sites. The Secretary would require standardized sequencing protocols, automated quality checks, and coordination with USDA and the Smithsonian. Sequence data and related metadata would be stored in a database accessible to people in the United States, and the Secretary would try to prevent sharing with adversary nations or foreign persons. The bill would require data standards and cybersecurity consistent with NIST guidance and applicable USGS rules.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Rounds, Mike [R-SD]

SD • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 7/15/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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