America’s Living Library Act
Sponsored By: Representative Khanna
Introduced
Summary
Creates a US Geological Survey pilot to collect and publish genomic data on species from National Park units into a protected, public database. The program sets data standards, limits sensitive location details, coordinates with agencies and museums, and authorizes funding through fiscal years 2027–2031.
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- Researchers and conservationists gain a standardized genomic resource with long-read sequence data, genome assemblies, annotations, and metadata to support research and conservation.
- Indian Tribes and nearby communities get formal consultation and protections because the database must withhold personally identifiable information and sensitive collection localities to protect people, specimens, and resources.
- Museums, germplasm repositories, and labs must keep physical samples under U.S. custody. Samples cannot be transferred or exported outside the United States and pathogenic materials face enhanced biosafety controls.
*Authorizes federal funding through fiscal years 2027–2031 for program operations, sequencing, and long-term sample storage.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
Funding for the genomics pilot
This bill would authorize specific funding for the America’s Living Library pilot for fiscal years 2027–2031. The Secretary would get $16,500,000 for FY2027 and FY2028, $36,000,000 for FY2029, and $54,000,000 for each of FY2030 and FY2031. The Smithsonian NMNH would get $3,000,000 for FY2027–FY2028, $7,000,000 for FY2029, and $10,000,000 for FY2030–FY2031. USDA research and germplasm programs and NIH NCBI would receive the annual amounts listed for each fiscal year to support storage, sequencing, and data curation.
New Interior office to run program
This bill would create the "America’s Living Library Project" office inside the U.S. Geological Survey to run the pilot. The office would hire staff and could enter contracts, leases, and cooperative agreements with federal and non‑federal partners. It would be allowed to accept in‑kind contributions from biotech companies, limited to materials, instruments, or technology and subject to conflict‑of‑interest vetting. The office could also use other agencies’ services and facilities with that agency’s consent.
Sampling, sequencing, and Tribal rules
This bill would require sampling and collection procedures to follow laws like the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Lacey Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and 18 U.S.C. § 42. It would require standardized long‑read sequencing protocols, automated data processing, and quality checks. The Secretary would need to consult with Indian Tribes and leverage existing Department research programs when developing sampling plans.
Stronger data and cybersecurity rules
This bill would require the program’s genomic data to follow federal biological data standards and FAIR principles. It would require cybersecurity controls consistent with federal genomic data rules and NIST SP 800‑53 and SP 800‑111 or successors. The Secretary would withhold personally identifiable information and sensitive collection locality details (like exact coordinates) to protect staff, specimens, and resources.
Definitions and 10-year program end
This bill would define key program terms, including "control," "foreign entity of concern" (by reference to existing law), and how "high‑priority species" are designated by multiple agency officials. The bill would also end the authority to carry out the program on the date that is 10 years after enactment. The definitions would guide who can access services and how species are chosen, while the sunset would limit the program’s legal life.
Park selection and limited access
This bill would require the Secretary to pick 5 National Park units within 180 days of enactment and 20 more within 2 years, and to post brief public justifications within 15 days of each selection. It would require an implementation plan to Congress within 180 days that describes expansion to other federal lands and a plan for expedited, non‑public access pathways. Those expedited non‑public access pathways would be limited to entities organized under U.S. law that are not owned or controlled by any foreign entity of concern.
Domestic custody, storage, and biosafety
This bill would keep ownership of samples with the federal program and allow samples to be housed under written repository agreements with U.S. institutions like the Smithsonian or USDA. It would require that samples for long‑term storage and all lab processing remain in U.S. facilities and forbid transfer, export, or loans outside the United States. Microbial or pathogen materials needing enhanced biosafety would be accessioned and stored separately and handled only in appropriate containment facilities.
Reports and proposed subscription plan
This bill would require a methodological preliminary report to Congress not later than 3 years after enactment that includes a plan for sustainable long‑term funding. The report must include recommendations for a graduated subscription model for non‑public or expedited access, with fees based on the accessing organization’s size and data usage. A final methodological report would be required after the program ends.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Khanna
CA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
OK • R
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Auchincloss
MA • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]
PA • D
Sponsored 3/19/2026
Davis (NC)
NC • D
Sponsored 4/16/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov