Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, House Administration, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
H.R. 7832, the “America’s Living Library Act,” creates a federal pilot project, managed by the Department of the Interior through the U.S. Geological Survey, to collect, sequence, and store biological samples from selected National Park System units and make the resulting genomic data available to the public. The bill directs the government to work with other federal agencies to set common standards for sampling and sequencing, store samples long term, and build a genomic database with safeguards to protect sensitive location information and personally identifiable data, along with cybersecurity protections. It requires Interior to choose 5 pilot park units within 180 days and add 20 more within two years using objective selection criteria, and to complete an implementation plan within 180 days that includes tribal consultation and steps for expanding to additional federal lands. It also sets reporting milestones, including a preliminary report at three years and a final report after the program ends, and it requires an approach for long-term funding such as a graduated subscription model. Funding is authorized for 2027 through 2031 across relevant agencies, and the program’s authority would expire 10 years after enactment.
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