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HR7832119th Congress

America’s Living Library Act

Sponsored By: Representative Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a U.S.-run pilot to sequence and store genomes from species in National Park units. The program would collect samples, generate long-read sequence data and genome assemblies, and publish a public genomic database while keeping sensitive location and personal data restricted.

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  • Researchers and educators would gain standardized, interoperable long-read genomic data and annotations, with initial sampling from 5 park units and plans to add 20 more within two years. Non-public access paths would be available for qualified U.S. AI developers and institutions.
  • Tribal nations and conservation partners must be consulted and collections must follow endangered species, migratory bird, marine mammal, and other permitting laws. Precise collection localities and personal identifiers are withheld to protect people and resources.
  • Museums, USDA germplasm programs, and federal labs would store and curate samples under U.S.-only custody and written repository agreements. The bill authorizes dedicated funding for USGS program work, Smithsonian and USDA storage, and NCBI data hosting.

*Would authorize about $300 million across 2027–2031, increasing federal outlays if appropriated.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Sequencing rules and tribal consultation

If enacted, the bill would require federal agencies to use standard long‑read sequencing protocols, automated processing, and quality checks to make data consistent and reliable. The Secretary would partner with USDA, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and other relevant agencies to carry out sequencing and storage tasks. Sampling plans must follow applicable permits and laws like the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Lacey Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The bill would also require consultation with Indian Tribes under Department tribal consultation policies and applicable law before sampling.

Federal funding for genomic program

If enacted, the bill would authorize about $300 million total for FY2027–FY2031 to run the pilot genomic program. The largest share would go to the Department of the Interior for sequencing and program oversight (about $177 million over those years). Other funds would go to Smithsonian collections, USDA storage centers, germplasm programs, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information for data storage. These are authorizations only; Congress would still need to appropriate the money.

Limits on sample exports and duration

If enacted, the bill would ban transferring, exporting, or loaning any physical samples collected under the program outside the United States. It would require that storage, curation, and lab processing of those samples occur only in U.S. facilities. The bill would also set the program to end 10 years after enactment; after that date the Secretary would no longer have authority under the Act. These rules could raise costs and limit some international collaborations for labs and repositories that handle program samples.

Subscription funding and AI access

If enacted, the Secretary would have to deliver an implementation plan within 180 days and a preliminary report within 3 years that recommends long-term funding. The 3-year report would propose a graduated subscription model for database access, with costs tied to organization size and usage and developed with NIST and NIH. The plan must also describe expedited, non-public AI access paths (for example, bulk export APIs and U.S.-located computing) that would be limited to entities organized under U.S. law and not owned or controlled by a foreign entity of concern. The bill would also seek partnerships with universities, philanthropies, and nonprofits to help fund the program.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]

    OK • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2026

  • Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 3/5/2026

  • Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]

    PA • D

    Sponsored 3/19/2026

  • Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 4/16/2026

  • Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 5/21/2026

  • Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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