S.Amdt. 3663

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Young and Mr. Kim, adds the Cloud Labs to Advance Biotechnology Act of 2025 (or the Cloud LAB Act of 2025) to bill S. 2296.

The purpose of this amendment is to establish a pilot program to create a cloud laboratory network. These are physical labs with advanced robots and instrumentation that scientists can control remotely to run experiments and collect data.

The amendment aims to add the following to the bill:

• Network Coordination: It directs the Director of the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, to coordinate a network of both government-funded and independent cloud laboratories (from private industry and academic institutions).

• Core Objectives: The network is designed to track biotechnology capabilities, help researchers find the tools they need, and collaborate on data standards. Individual labs will focus on generating high-quality biological data to train artificial intelligence models and providing researchers access to high-end equipment.

• Phased Implementation:

  • Phase I: Focuses on creating an implementation plan, an advisory board, and a strategy for secure data access and cybersecurity.
  • Phase II: Authorizes competitive grants for at least 2 cloud laboratories.
  • Phase III: Authorizes competitive grants for at least 3 additional cloud laboratories.

• Accountability and Access: The amendment requires a plan to ensure equitable access for underresourced entities, such as minority-serving institutions and historically Black colleges and universities. It also mandates annual progress reports to Congress.

• Funding and Duration: It authorizes specific appropriations from fiscal year 2025 through 2029 and sets a sunset date for the section 12 years after the Act is enacted.