Web of Biological Data Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9307
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-11: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-29T18:29:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation establishes a centralized federal data resource, known as the Web of Biological Data, to improve access to biological datasets—especially those funded by the government—for researchers using advanced computational tools such as artificial intelligence. It also creates a related research and development program focused on generating, storing, and managing such data.
Key Provisions
- Establishment and Structure: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of Energy must award a grant to a National Laboratory to create the Web and launch a supporting research program. The Web will act as a single entry point for data access, include quality metrics, and feature tiered cybersecurity controls.
- Phased Implementation:
- Phase I (within 2 years): Test an initial version focused on selected data types, with a user-friendly interface, basic API frameworks, and safeguards against access by adversarial countries.
- Phase II (within 5 years): Expand to full access for U.S. researchers, broader data types, interoperability tools, and AI-compatible standards.
- Director Duties: The selected National Laboratory Director may form data-sharing agreements with other agencies, cost-sharing deals with private entities, and partnerships with academia, industry, and allies.
- Oversight and Collaboration: An 11-member advisory board (including industry, academic, and federal representatives) will guide implementation. The Director must collaborate with agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and National Library of Medicine.
- Reporting and Funding: Annual reports to congressional committees are required, along with authorized appropriations totaling up to $420 million over the first five years.
- Safeguards: Independent biannual cybersecurity assessments and explicit preservation of existing privacy, consent, and human-subjects protections.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill creates a new program under the Department of Energy without directly amending prior statutes. It introduces requirements for centralized data hosting and tiered access controls while maintaining all current rules on privacy and data use limitations. The advisory board is exempt from the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Energy takes the lead role, requiring coordination with other federal entities for data integration and digitization of federally owned samples. Additional funding and staff resources will be needed.
- Citizens and Researchers: U.S. scientists gain streamlined access to curated biological data, potentially accelerating AI-driven research in biology and biotechnology.
- International Relations: Data sharing is restricted with adversarial nations, while partnerships with allies are encouraged to enhance system performance.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal departments and agencies involved in bioscience and data management.
- Researchers in academia, industry, and National Laboratories.
- Biotechnology and AI companies seeking data access.
- The advisory board and external partners involved in system development.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation emphasizes national security through biosecurity safeguards and limits on foreign access, which may intersect with existing export-control and data-protection policies. It includes a rule of construction that reinforces constitutional privacy interests and informed-consent requirements without creating new exemptions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-11: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-06-11: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Web of Biological Data Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-11 — PDF (13 pages)