U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced the Cloud Labs to Advance Biotechnology Act on March 4 alongside a bipartisan group of cosponsors to bolster U.S. competitiveness in AI-powered biotech research.
Under the bill, also known as the Cloud LAB Act, the National Science Foundation would build a nationwide network of cloud-based laboratories equipped with automated instrumentation to produce high-quality biological data. Researchers anywhere in the country would gain remote access to advanced tools and standardized data, with the goal of training the next generation of AI models and driving discoveries across health care, agriculture, defense, and advanced manufacturing.
“Artificial intelligence is only as strong as the data it is trained on,” Rep. Obernolte said. “To keep the United States the leader in AI-driven biotechnology, we must invest in the infrastructure that empowers our scientists. The Cloud LAB Act will help ensure America remains at the forefront of innovation while incorporating strong safeguards for security and responsible research.”
The bill would establish a phased pilot program to stand up at least five competitively awarded cloud labs nationwide, create an expert advisory board to guide data and security standards, and require annual reports to Congress to ensure transparency and accountability. It also promotes collaboration between academia, industry, and federal research agencies to reduce duplication and maximize impact.
Rep. Obernolte was joined by U.S. Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA), Rich McCormick (R-GA), and Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) in introducing the legislation.
“To compete in the 21st century, we need the infrastructure, data, and tools necessary to support cutting-edge AI research,” Rep. Khanna said. “Cloud labs will expand access to advanced biotechnology platforms, allowing researchers across the country to generate the high-quality data needed to power the next generation of AI-driven discoveries.”