A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Homestake AI Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Energy to start an initiative to sequence the whole genomes of extremophiles. The program involves collecting and cataloging samples of microbes, fungi, plants, and animals from unique or extreme locations. The Secretary must create a database for this data and a new long-term storage facility capable of surviving catastrophic incidents. The goal is to advance scientific discovery and potentially develop new healthcare treatments. The bill also establishes a foundation for private sector contributions and a working group to coordinate with allied countries.
Yes· 3 of 37
- Scored +9
Does this put more money into scientific research?
Creates a comprehensive initiative for genome sequencing and scientific discovery.
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into medical research?
Directly funds a large-scale genomic sequencing initiative and scientific discovery.
- Scored +6
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
Focuses on developing treatments for dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill mandates the establishment of a new initiative and a long-term storage facility.
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
The bill authorizes 'such sums as are necessary', which increases government spending.
- Scored -2
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
Open-ended appropriation of necessary funds lacks specific fiscal constraints.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Healthcare Advancement: The initiative aims to support the development of new treatments for diabetes, dementia (including Alzheimer's), and cancers, specifically those affecting children and people with high mortality rates. (Section 2(c)(3)(B)(iv))
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Scientific Discovery: The collection of new genomic data is intended to contribute to general advances in scientific discovery. (Section 2(b)(2))
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Public Data Access: The database created for the collected genomic data will be made accessible to persons within the United States. (Section 2(c)(1)(D))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Financial Burden: The bill authorizes the appropriation of "such sums as are necessary" to carry out the initiative, which could result in significant government spending. (Section 2(f))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would retired people be better off under this? — Specific focus on Alzheimer's and dementia research. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Focuses on developing treatments for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Would children be better off under this? — Specifically mentions developing treatments for cancers affecting children. Would business owners be better off under this? — Opportunities for biotech and pharmaceutical companies to collaborate and innovate. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Focus on dementia and Alzheimer's treatment is highly beneficial. Would students be better off under this? — Increases opportunities for academic research and collaboration. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — General healthcare advancements. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — General healthcare advancements. Would billionaires be better off under this? — General healthcare advancements. Would high-income households be better off under this? — Potential for more effective and accessible healthcare treatments. Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this? — General healthcare advancements. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — General healthcare advancements. Would LGBTQ people be better off under this? — General healthcare advancements. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Potential for more effective and accessible healthcare treatments. Would men be better off under this? — General healthcare advancements. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Advances in healthcare for chronic diseases benefit adults. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Potential for more effective and accessible healthcare treatments. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — General healthcare advancements. Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this? — General healthcare advancements. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — General healthcare advancements. Would white Americans be better off under this? — General healthcare advancements. Would women be better off under this? — General healthcare advancements. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Advances in scientific discovery and healthcare generally benefit younger populations. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Possible economic activity from facility construction in remote areas.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — Directly funds a large-scale genomic sequencing initiative and scientific discovery. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The initiative aims to develop new treatments for cancer, diabetes, and dementia. Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak? — Genomic sequencing of extremophiles and a secure storage facility can aid in understanding and fighting novel pathogens.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Establishes a working group to coordinate with specifically listed allied countries. Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — Mandates strict cybersecurity and access safeguards for genomic data. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — Promotes scientific collaboration with allied nations.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — Creates a comprehensive initiative for genome sequencing and scientific discovery. Does this give people more control over their personal data? — Implements high cybersecurity standards for genomic data storage.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Makes the genomic database accessible to persons within the United States. Does this give the federal government more power? — Expands the role of the Secretary of Energy in scientific research and data management.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Potential for economic growth through biotechnology and pharmaceutical advancements. Is this likely to create jobs? — The initiative involves construction of a new facility and contracts with third-party entities for sample collection. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill mandates the establishment of a new initiative and a long-term storage facility. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — Open-ended appropriation of necessary funds lacks specific fiscal constraints. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — The bill authorizes 'such sums as are necessary', which increases government spending.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — Potential for development in remote areas selected for the storage facility.
- 7/15/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico