Congress·In Committee·H.R. 7801

Rep. Obernolte Introduces Bill to Create National Network of Remote-Controlled Biotech Labs

Cloud LAB Act of 2026

20 days ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

This bill directs the National Science Foundation to create a national network of "cloud laboratories" — physical labs equipped with robots and advanced instruments that scientists can operate remotely from anywhere. These labs would run continuous experiments and collect biological data around the clock.
From policy text
“a physical laboratory that is equipped with research instrumentation and advanced robots that can be programmed and controlled remotely by scientists in order to conduct continuous experiments and collect associated data”
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A major goal is generating high-quality biological data that can be used to train AI models. The labs would also give researchers at smaller or less well-funded institutions access to cutting-edge equipment they couldn't otherwise afford.
From policy text
“Generate high-quality biological data through automated experimentation that will be collected for use and analysis by authorized researchers for the purposes of training artificial intelligence models or other types of biological data analysis models.”
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Researchers doing non-commercial, public-interest work would be able to use these cloud labs at little or no cost. The data generated would be made publicly available as a shared resource for the scientific community.
From policy text
“allows users doing nonproprietary work to access such cloud laboratories at no or minimal cost”
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An advisory board of scientists, industry experts, and security specialists would oversee the program, focusing on biosecurity, cybersecurity, and preventing misuse of the technology.
The program rolls out in three phases over four years: first, a network plan and advisory board within one year; then grants for at least 2 labs within two years; and grants for at least 3 more labs within four years. The entire program sunsets after 12 years.
From policy text
“This section shall cease to have effect on the date that is 12 years after the date of enactment of this Act.”
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Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Mar 4, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Mar 4, 2026

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 360 days of enactment

Cloud laboratory network and advisory board are established, and an implementation plan is sent to Congress

Within the first year, the government would map out existing cloud labs nationwide, set up rules for data access and security, and decide where to build new labs.

Within 3 years of enactment

First cloud labs (Phase II) become fully operational

At least 2 remote-controlled biotech labs open their doors (virtually) to researchers, who can start running experiments and generating data remotely.

Within 4 years of enactment

Phase III grants awarded to build at least 3 additional cloud labs

The network expands to at least 5 total labs, broadening access for scientists across the country and building on lessons from the first wave.

Related News

2 articles

ECO Magazine·5 days ago

AI-Ready Bio-Data Standards Act Introduced to Support US Leadership in the Convergence of AI and Biotechnology

The article highlights the Cloud LAB Act as a critical legislative priority to codify US leadership in AI and biotechnology. It describes the bill as a mechanism to provide scientists with access to high-quality biological data curated for discovery through a network of cloud laboratories.

FedScoop·3 months ago

Bipartisan Senate bill aims to create national network of cloud laboratories

While covering an earlier Senate version, this report details the foundational goal of establishing a national network of programmable cloud laboratories (PCLs). It explains how the NSF would select nodes to allow researchers to remotely conduct experiments and automate large data sets.