Obernolte, Khanna, McCormick, Auchincloss Introduce Bipartisan Cloud LAB Act to Strengthen U.S. Leadership in AI and Biotechnology
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) today introduced the Cloud Labs to Advance Biotechnology Act, or the Cloud LAB Act, alongside Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17), Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07), and Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04) to strengthen America’s leadership at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
The legislation directs the National Science Foundation to establish a national network of advanced, cloud-enabled laboratories capable of generating high-quality biological data through automated instrumentation. By giving researchers across the country remote access to cutting-edge tools and standardized data, the bill will help train next-generation AI models and accelerate breakthroughs in health care, agriculture, defense, and advanced manufacturing.
“Artificial intelligence is only as strong as the data it is trained on,” saidCongressman Obernolte. “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.”
“To compete in the 21st century, we need the infrastructure, data, and tools necessary to support cutting-edge AI research. 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. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Obernolte to strengthen America’s leadership in innovation,” said Congressman Ro Khanna.
"I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Cloud LAB Act alongside Reps. Jay Obernolte, Ro Khanna, and Jake Auchincloss. The Cloud LAB Act represents the next generation of American research infrastructure, accelerating discovery and expanding access for researchers nationwide. This bill takes an important step in ensuring that the United States leads in both AI innovation and the data generation needed to power the technologies of the future," said Congressman Rich McCormick.
“Automating routine medical chemistry can help speed up experiments. Many companies, including in Massachusetts, are working on this, and public investment would complement those corporate efforts. The goal is tighter feedback between ideas, experiments, and results,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss.
“In our April 2025 report, the NSCEB found that the future of biotechnology is being driven by advances in AI, robotics, and automation,” said NSCEB Vice Chair Michelle Rozo. “Maintaining American leadership on the global stage will depend on our willingness to invest in the scientific infrastructure that allows these innovations to thrive. I’m grateful to our colleagues in the House for introducing this legislation to establish a network of labs that will shape the future of American scientific discovery.”
The bill establishes a phased pilot program to stand up at least five competitively awarded cloud labs nationwide, creates an expert advisory board to guide data and security standards, and requires 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.
###
