Bill · S. 4023· Senate(119-S-4023)
America’s Living Library Act
- Introduced
- 3/5/2026
- Last activity
- 9/16/2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
- Sponsored by
- Todd Young
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 7
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes a pilot program called the America's Living Library Project managed by the Department of the Interior. The main goal of the program is to collect samples from animals, plants, fungi, and microbes found in our national parks and run whole-genome sequencing on them. It requires the creation of a publicly available online database to house all of the resulting genomic data and metadata. The bill also sets strict rules to keep certain sensitive location information and personal details out of the public eye for safety. Furthermore, it directs federal agencies to store physical samples securely within the United States and bans exporting them out of the country. Finally, the program is authorized with specific funding levels across several agencies before it sunsets ten years after enactment.
Yes· 3 of 14
Does this put more money into scientific research?+6
The bill provides significant funding for the collection and sequencing of biological data to advance science.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+5
The bill enhances biological resource preservation through long-term genomic storage and research.
Does this put more money into medical research?+5
The bill funds the creation of a large-scale genomic database to aid scientific research.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Sensitive Information: Under Section 2(d)(1)(B), the public genomic database must withhold any personally identifiable information and precise collection site locations or coordinates. This provision protects personnel, park specimens, and natural resources from being exploited or harmed.
-
Keeping Research and Resources Local: According to Section 2(g)(2)(E) and (F), physical samples collected under the program cannot be transferred, exported, or loaned outside the United States, and all physical storage and laboratory processing must happen domestically. This ensures that American biological materials and the jobs tied to processing them stay right here at home.
-
Safeguarding Public Health: Section 2(g)(2)(B)(iv) requires that any microbial or pathogen material needing enhanced biosafety measures must be stored separately in an access-controlled collection with appropriate containment controls. This common-sense safeguard protects the public from dangerous biological agents.
-
Involving Native Tribes: Section 2(h) mandates that the Secretary must engage in consultation with Indian Tribes during the implementation of the program. This ensures that indigenous voices and tribal laws are respected as public lands are studied.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Substantial Use of Taxpayer Funds: Section 2(k) authorizes significant appropriations of taxpayer dollars to various federal agencies for program management, sample storage, and data storage, ramping up to tens of millions of dollars annually by fiscal year 2030. This places a heavy financial burden on the American people to fund the operations.
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 Business Owners+3Good For Students+3Good For Farmers+2Good For Native Americans+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+6Improves Data Privacy+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+5Improves Public Land Management+4
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+5Improves Pandemic Preparedness+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Improves Privacy Rights+2Increases Federal Power+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+4
- 9/16/2026
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
- 8/7/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/23/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/5/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Susan CollinsRepublican · Maine
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Tom CottonRepublican · Arkansas
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
John HickenlooperDemocrat · Colorado
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon