S4991Referred to Committee

A bill to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish an extremophile whole genome sequencing initiative, and for other purposes.

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Introduced
In Committee
3
Passed One Chamber
4
Passed Both
5
Signed into Law
119th
Congress
2026-07-15
Introduced
1
Cosponsors
S
ⓘ
Type

Sponsor

Mike Rounds
Mike Rounds
Republican · SD · Senator
Votes with party: 75.6% (850 recorded votes)
Top industries funding sponsor:
  • Conservative Groups$4,000k

Full profile: /officials/R000605

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

Cosponsors (1)

Members who have signed on to support this bill since introduction. Source: Congress.gov.

Latest Action

The most recent step in the bill's legislative path. Committee Activity below shows referrals and reports; the full action-by-action history including floor proceedings lives at Congress.gov →

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

2026-07-15

Source: Congress.gov

Committee Activity

Currently in

Plain-English Summary

The Department of Energy would launch a research program to map the complete genetic codes of extremophile organisms—creatures that survive in extreme environments like hot springs, frozen tundra, or highly acidic conditions. Scientists and biotechnology companies could use this genetic information to develop new materials, medicines, and industrial processes inspired by how these organisms function. The initiative would advance scientific understanding while potentially creating practical applications in fields like medicine, manufacturing, and environmental cleanup.

AI-assisted summary generated from the official bill metadata (title, subjects, actions) sourced from Congress.gov. Cached and reviewed. Always verify against the official text linked below.

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