Bill · H.R. 7801· House(119-HR-7801)
Cloud LAB Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/4/2026
- Last activity
- 3/4/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Sponsored by
- Jay Obernolte
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Cloud LAB Act of 2026," directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a cloud laboratory network pilot program. These laboratories consist of physical facilities equipped with advanced robots and instrumentation that scientists can control remotely. The program aims to coordinate various cloud laboratories to track biotechnology capabilities and help researchers connect with necessary resources. It includes specific phases for awarding grants to develop and operate these laboratories. The initiative also involves creating a cloud laboratory advisory board to provide guidance on data priorities and security. The entire program is set to expire 12 years after its enactment.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this put more money into scientific research?+5
The bill establishes a network of cloud laboratories to advance biotechnology research and AI model training.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+4
The bill mandates the inclusion of cybersecurity and research security considerations in the development of cloud laboratories.
Would students be better off under this?+3
The bill supports advanced research capabilities and data access for academic researchers and students.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Research Capabilities: The network helps researchers connect to the specific capabilities they need to pursue their lines of research (Section 3(a)(3)(B)).
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Access to Advanced Tools: Researchers will be provided access to high-quality experimental instrumentation and data collection to advance their individual research projects (Section 3(a)(4)(B)).
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Support for Nonproprietary Work: The implementation plan requires a model that allows users doing nonproprietary work to access cloud laboratories at no or minimal cost (Section 3(b)(2)(E)(ii)).
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Data for Artificial Intelligence: The laboratories are intended to generate high-quality biological data for training artificial intelligence models or other biological data analysis models (Section 3(a)(4)(A)).
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Collaboration Opportunities: The network provides a way for different cloud laboratories to connect and collaborate on data standards, needs, and best practices (Section 3(a)(3)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Requirement for Subscription or Payment: The plan includes a mechanism for a payment or subscription model required to access cloud laboratory infrastructure and data (Section s3(b)(2)(E)).
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Security and Misuse Risks: The bill notes the need for safeguards to prevent the misuse of cloud laboratories and to ensure rigorous cybersecurity (Section 3(b)(3)(D)(v)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Government Transparency+1
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+3
- 3/19/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/4/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Jake AuchinclossDemocrat · Massachusetts
Chrissy HoulahanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Ro KhannaDemocrat · California
Richard McCormickRepublican · Georgia