America’s Living Library Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 5, 2026
Bottom line
The bill creates a federally-led initiative to build a comprehensive genomic database of biodiversity within U.S. National Parks, aiming to advance scientific research, conservation, and national security through controlled data access.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the America's Living Library Project, a pilot program within the Department of the Interior, specifically the United States Geological Survey. Its primary purpose is to collect, catalog, and whole-genome sequence samples from animals, plants, fungi, and microbes found in units of the National Park System. The program mandates the creation of a publicly available genomic database and long-term storage of samples, while also implementing strict cybersecurity and biosecurity measures, including restrictions on access for foreign entities of concern.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that establishing America's Living Library Project is crucial for understanding and preserving biodiversity, especially in the face of climate change and habitat loss. They contend that genomic data will unlock new scientific discoveries, inform conservation strategies, and provide valuable resources for biomedical and public health research. Furthermore, by ensuring data security and restricting access by foreign entities of concern, the project protects national interests and promotes U.S. leadership in biotechnology.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about the significant financial investment required for the program, questioning whether the authorized appropriations are justified given other national priorities. They could also express skepticism about the feasibility of effectively coordinating multiple federal agencies and managing such a vast and sensitive genomic database without significant operational challenges or potential for data misuse, despite the safeguards outlined.
The bill is concise and clearly structured, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its core provisions and implications within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 2(b)-(c)
Establishment and Purpose of America's Living Library Project
This provision formally establishes the 'America's Living Library Project' as a pilot program under the Secretary of the Interior, specifically within the United States Geological Survey. Its stated purpose is to facilitate the collection of new genomic data from various species found within units of the National Park System, laying the foundation for a national biodiversity genomic database.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that establishing this project is a vital step for cataloging and understanding the nation's biodiversity, providing a foundational resource for future scientific research and conservation efforts.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the general establishment of a scientific research program, though concerns about scope or cost might arise.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for scientific advancement with the operational challenges of initiating a large-scale federal program.
Section 2(d)
Interagency Coordination and Data Management
This section outlines the core activities of the program, including the collection, cataloging, and whole-genome sequencing of samples from diverse life forms in National Parks. It mandates the creation of a publicly available genomic database, with specific requirements for withholding sensitive location data and personally identifiable information. It also requires coordination with multiple federal agencies like the National Park Service, USDA, Smithsonian, and NIH for data integration and long-term sample storage.
Section 2(e)
Program Office Establishment and Authority
This section directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish or designate an office within the United States Geological Survey to administer the program. This office is granted broad authority to carry out the program, including entering into contracts, leases, and cooperative agreements with federal agencies or public/private entities. Crucially, it allows for receiving in-kind contributions from biotechnology companies, provided there are strict vetting processes to prevent conflicts of interest.
Section 2(f)
Selection of National Park System Units
The bill mandates the Secretary to initially select 5 units of the National Park System within 180 days of enactment, and an additional 20 units within two years, for program implementation. These selections must be based on objective criteria including biological landscape, implementation feasibility, public engagement opportunities, research value, and geographic/ecological diversity. Public notice and justification for each selection are required.
Section 2(g)(1)
Data Standards and Cybersecurity
This provision requires the Secretary to leverage existing and emerging data standards to ensure high-quality, usable, and interoperable genomic data, including appropriate metadata. It mandates compliance with applicable federal data standards for biological data or, if none exist, program-specific standards based on FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, Reusability) principles. Crucially, it requires robust cybersecurity and access safeguards, including adherence to NIST special publications 800-53 and 800-111 for genomic data protection.
Section 2(g)(2)
Long-Term Sample Storage and Biosecurity
This section details requirements for the long-term storage of collected samples, mandating consultation with the Smithsonian and USDA. It specifies that ownership of samples remains federal, though they may be housed in qualified repositories. Before collection, species are evaluated for long-term storage and high-priority status, with strict biosafety measures for potential disease vectors or pathogens. Crucially, physical samples cannot be transferred, exported, or loaned outside the United States, and all physical storage and processing must occur within U.S. facilities.
Section 2(i)(3)
Expedited AI Model Access for U.S. Entities
This provision requires the implementation plan to facilitate expedited access pathways or other non-public services for the development, training, or evaluation of artificial intelligence models. This access is specifically limited to entities organized under U.S. laws that are not owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any 'foreign entity of concern,' as defined by existing law.
Section 2(k)
Program Funding Allocations
This section authorizes specific appropriations for the America's Living Library Project across multiple federal agencies for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. It allocates funds to the Secretary of the Interior (for program oversight and genome sequencing), the Smithsonian Institution (for sample storage), the Department of Agriculture (for two different sample storage programs), and the National Center for Biotechnology Information of the National Institutes of Health (for program data storage). The total authorized funding increases significantly over the five-year period.
The bill defines 'control' broadly to include direct or indirect ability to determine activities through ownership, asset authority, position, or contractual arrangement. It also defines 'foreign entity of concern' by reference to section 40207 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (42 U.S.C. 18741).
Section 2(a)(1) and (3)
Why it matters:Defining terms by reference is standard legislative practice to avoid redundancy and ensure consistency with existing law.
Case for: Supporters argue that clear and broad definitions of 'control' and 'foreign entity of concern' are essential to effectively implement the national security safeguards embedded in the bill, preventing circumvention of restrictions on data access and sample handling.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against the use of standard definitions, though the broadness of 'control' could be debated in other contexts.
Estimated impact: These definitions have a pervasive impact on who can access data and contribute to the program, affecting the entire scope of collaboration and security.
These clauses explicitly state that any physical samples collected under the program shall not be transferred, exported, or loaned outside the United States, and all physical storage, curation, and laboratory processing of samples must occur within facilities located in the United States.
Section 2(g)(2)(E) and (F)
Why it matters:These are technical operational requirements, often placed within detailed sections. However, their implications for international collaboration are significant.
Case for: Proponents argue these restrictions are paramount for national security, safeguarding unique biological assets and preventing potential exploitation or misuse of genetic material by foreign adversaries. It ensures U.S. sovereignty over its biological heritage.
Case against: Critics might argue that such strict geographical limitations could impede global scientific collaboration, potentially slowing down research progress that could benefit from international expertise or specialized facilities abroad.
Estimated impact: These provisions ensure complete U.S. control over the physical samples, impacting all aspects of international scientific collaboration involving the physical specimens.