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Bill

S 4770

Web of Biological Data Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Andy Kim and 3 co-sponsors

Create a centralized, interoperable Web of Biological Data as a single federal data access point with strong cybersecurity and phased expansion.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · S 4770

Overview

Web of Biological Data Act of 2026 (S. 4770) proposes that the Secretary of Energy establish a centralized, federated data resource—the Web of Biological Data (Web)—to accelerate biological research through advanced computational methods, including artificial intelligence. The bill directs the creation of a National Laboratory–led data hub, with an emphasis on data quality, interoperability, usability, and robust cybersecurity. It envisions collaboration across federal agencies, academia, industry, philanthropy, and international partners, and sets out phased implementation with a concrete funding plan.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a single, centralized entry point for federally funded biological data, enabling easier access, sharing, and analysis.
  • Facilitate cutting-edge computational research, including AI, by standardizing data quality, formats, and accessibility.
  • Improve data curation, storage, and management practices for biological data held by or funded by the federal government.
  • Establish governance, partnerships, and cybersecurity safeguards to ensure responsible use and protection of data.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment (b):

    • Within 180 days, the Secretary must award a competitive grant to a National Laboratory to establish the Web and launch a parallel R&D program on data science for biological data.

  • Contents and capabilities (b)(2):

    • Web serves as a single access point to diverse biological data sources (including hosted data or direct access to existing databases).
    • Includes metrics and metadata on data quality (usability, interoperability, completeness).
    • Incorporates tiered cybersecurity safeguards and access controls.

  • Director’s duties (c):

    • Enter data-sharing and cost-sharing agreements with federal agencies and non-governmental entities.
    • Build partnerships with federal agencies, academia, industry, and international partners to optimize usability and performance.
    • Pursue other activities to advance data curation and sharing.

  • Implementation plan (d):

    • Due within 1 year, detailing how to acquire federally funded data, digitize government-owned samples, initial project types, cost-sharing strategies, cybersecurity, and partnerships.

  • Phase I (e):

    • Within 2 years, test an initial Web version focusing on select data subtypes, featuring a user-centric, single entry interface with tiered security.
    • Develop initial APIs with NIST guidance for data hosting.
    • Include safeguards to limit access from adversarial countries and non-participating reciprocation partners.

  • Phase II (f):

    • Within 5 years, expand access to U.S. researchers, broaden data types, and enable expansion as new data emerges.
    • Features include a fully realized single entry interface, interoperability frameworks, advanced search across metadata, human-centered design, AI-friendly data formats, and continued data-sharing restrictions as defined.

  • Cybersecurity and independent review (g, i):

    • Biannual independent cybersecurity assessment.
    • Advisory Board (h): 12-person board (Chair is the Director) to oversee usability and cross-sector data access; FACA exemptions apply.

  • Reporting and oversight (j):

    • Biennial reports to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on progress, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and maintenance plans.

  • Appropriations (k):

    • $30 million (3 years) for initial R&D on the data program.
    • $310 million (3 years) for Web development and implementation.
    • $80 million per year for the following 2 years to sustain operations.

Who would be affected

  • Federal agencies and departments that generate, fund, or host biological data.
  • National Laboratories and researchers in academia and industry who would use the Web.
  • Biotech stakeholders, data scientists, AI researchers, and developers who build tools and workflows around the Web.
  • Entities participating in data-sharing and cost-sharing arrangements.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced June 11, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  • Key milestones: grant award within 180 days; implementation plan within 1 year; Phase I within 2 years; Phase II within 5 years; ongoing annual reporting.
  • Provides a structured funding path with explicit appropriations for the initial years and continued support after Phase I.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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