Bill · H.R. 9307· House(119-HR-9307)
Web of Biological Data Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/11/2026
- Last activity
- 6/11/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Sponsored by
- Matt Van Epps
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Web of Biological Data Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Energy to provide a grant to a National Laboratory to create a centralized data resource called the "Web of Biological Data." This resource is designed to help biological research by using advanced computational methods like artificial intelligence. The act establishes a research and development program for managing biological data and creates an advisory board to oversee the project. The rollout happens in two phases, starting with testing specific data subtypes and eventually expanding access to United States researchers. It also includes requirements for cybersecurity safeguards and independent assessments.
Yes· 3 of 20
Does this put more money into scientific research?+8
Provides substantial funding for biological data curation and the use of AI in research.
Does this put more money into medical research?+7
Directly establishes a research and development program for biological data science.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+6
Requires tiered cybersecurity safeguards and biannual independent assessments for biological data.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-3
The act authorizes over $400 million in new spending for grants and program implementation.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-1
The bill authorizes significant new federal spending for the Web of Biological Data.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Easier Access to Research Data: The Web will serve as a single point of entry for researchers to access various biological data sources, particularly those funded by the Federal Government (Section 2(b)(2)(A)).
-
Improved Data Quality: The resource will use metrics and metadata to show data quality, including how complete and usable the data is (Section 2(b)(2)(B)).
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Advancement of AI in Biology: The act establishes a research and development program to improve how biological data is generated, stored, and managed to enable AI and other advanced computational methods (Section 2(b)(1)(A) and (B)).
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Enhanced Data Security: The bill requires tiered cybersecurity safeguards and access controls to protect biological data assets (Section 2(b)(2)(C)).
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User-Friendly Design: The interface will be built using human-centered design principles to optimize the user experience (Section 2(e)(1)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Data Sharing: The Secretary may limit access to the Web for adversarial countries or countries that do not participate in reciprocal data sharing (Section 2(e)(1)(D)).
-
Potential for Misuse of Data: While safeguards are required, the bill acknowledges the need for protections to prevent the misuse of sensitive biological data (Section 2(f)(2)(G)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+5Good For Business Owners+4Good For Young Adults+3Good For Children+1Good For Middle Aged+1Good For Seniors+1
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+7Improves Pandemic Preparedness+5Reduces Prescription Drug Costs+2Improves Healthcare Access+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+8Improves Data Privacy+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4Improves Privacy Rights+2Increases Federal Power+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+6Improves International Alliances+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3Improves Small Business Support+2Increases Job Creation+2Reduces Government Spending-3Reduces National Debt-1
- 7/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/11/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jake AuchinclossDemocrat · Massachusetts
James BairdRepublican · Indiana