What does Preamble of Cloud LAB Act of 2026 do?

This bill requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out a cloud laboratory network program. The bill's stated purpose is to establish a cloud laboratory network program.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Cloud LAB Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Cloud Labs to Advance Biotechnology Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Cloud LAB Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Artificial intelligence” is defined as the meaning given in section 5002 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 9401). An “authorized researcher” is an individual authorized to access data from cloud laboratories through a process established by the Director. “Biological data” refers to information derived from biological systems, measured, collected, or aggregated for analysis. A “cloud laboratory” is a physical laboratory with research instrumentation and robots that can be remotely controlled for continuous experiments. The “Director” refers to the Director of the National Science Foundation. A “phase II cloud laboratory” is funded by a grant under section 3(c). A “phase III cloud laboratory” is funded by a grant under section 3(d). The “Under Secretary” refers to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

What does CLOUD LABORATORY NETWORK PILOT PROGRAM. of Cloud LAB Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a Cloud Laboratory Network Pilot Program. The Director, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the Under Secretary, will carry out this program. The program aims to coordinate existing and new cloud laboratories, tracking biotechnology capabilities and facilitating researcher connections. Each cloud laboratory should generate high-quality biological data for AI model training and provide researchers access to instrumentation and data. Phase I requires the establishment of the network within 360 days of enactment and the submission of an implementation plan to Congress. The implementation plan must include an assessment of existing cloud laboratories, a plan for a national network and grant program, and a data access and storage plan. A Cloud Laboratory Advisory Board will be established to provide guidance on data priorities, laboratory development, and research security. Phase II and Phase III authorize grant awards for the development and operation of cloud laboratories, with Phase II awards made within 2 years and Phase III within 4 years of enactment. The Director will prepare annual reports to Congress on the progress of the cloud laboratories. This section sunsets 12 years after the date of enactment.

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Cloud LAB Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/4/2026 · Introduced: 3/4/2026

Author: Jay Obernolte (R-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a Cloud Laboratory Network Pilot Program within the National Science Foundation to coordinate existing and new cloud laboratories focused on biotechnology.
The program will provide researchers access to instrumentation and biological data for artificial intelligence model training and includes grant funding for cloud laboratory development in Phase II and Phase III.
The Director of the National Science Foundation will oversee the program, submit implementation plans and annual reports to Congress, and establish a Cloud Laboratory Advisory Board for guidance.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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