America’s Living Library Act
Sponsored By: Senator Young, Todd [R-IN]
Introduced
Summary
Would create a USGS-run pilot to collect and sequence whole genomes of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes in National Park System units and compile a public genomic database. The program would set rules for domestic sample storage, data standards and privacy, Tribal consultation, and phased expansion across park units.
Show full summary
- Researchers and conservationists: Would get a publicly accessible database of long-read sequence data, genome assemblies, annotations, and metadata to support research and conservation efforts.
- Tribal Nations and resource protection: Would require Tribal consultation, allow withholding of sensitive location and personal data, and bar transfer or export of physical samples outside the United States.
- Federal operations and repositories: Would create a USGS Program Office, authorize interagency contracts and vetted in-kind contributions, and authorize about $300 million for sequencing, storage, and data services for FY2027–2031.
*This bill would authorize about $300 million in federal funding for FY2027–2031, increasing federal spending over that period.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
New national park genome project
If enacted, this bill would create the America’s Living Library Project at USGS to collect and whole‑genome sequence plants, animals, fungi, and microbes from selected national park units. Physical samples would have to be stored in U.S. facilities and could not be transferred or exported. The program would build a public genomic database with long‑read sequences, assemblies, annotations, and metadata while withholding personal and sensitive location details. The Secretary would consult with USDA and the Smithsonian and must follow wildlife, export, and biosafety laws when sampling.
Funding for sequencing and storage
If enacted, the bill would authorize funding for FY2027–FY2031 to support program operations, sequencing, and storage. The Secretary would get $16.5 million for each of 2027 and 2028; $36 million for 2029; and $54 million for each of 2030 and 2031. The Smithsonian would get $3 million for 2027–2028, $7 million for 2029, and $10 million for 2030–2031. USDA NCAUR would get $3M for 2027–2028, $6M for 2029, and $9M for 2030–2031. USDA Germplasm would get $1M for 2027–2028, $2M for 2029, and $3M for 2030–2031. NCBI (NIH) would get $5M for 2027–2028, $10M for 2029, and $15M for 2030–2031.
Program ends after ten years
If enacted, the bill would end the authority to carry out the program 10 years after the date of enactment. After that date, the program could not start new activities under this authority.
Data access, AI use, and fees plan
If enacted, the Secretary must file an implementation plan within 180 days that describes program rollout, partnerships, and data governance. The plan must include a way to give expedited, non‑public AI access (for training or testing) before public release only to entities organized under U.S. law that are not owned or controlled by any foreign entity of concern. A preliminary methodological report is due in 3 years and must recommend a sustainable funding model, including a graduated subscription model developed with NIST and NIH that sets costs based on size and usage.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Young, Todd [R-IN]
IN • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
AR • R
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
DE • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
MT • R
Sponsored 3/5/2026
John Hickenlooper
CO • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND]
ND • R
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]
MT • R
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
ME • R
Sponsored 3/9/2026
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 3/23/2026
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 5/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov