(Washington, DC) – Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed eight bipartisan bills at a full committee markup. The legislation considered spanned various sectors, from space and energy to research and technology.
“Today’s markup reflects our committee’s continuous bipartisan efforts to strengthen our world-class scientific enterprise,” Chairman Frank Lucas said. “Our four space bills will improve NASA’s current protocols and expand partnerships and resources to maintain our global leadership in space. The passage of two research security bills continues our response to protecting American research from adversarial theft and modernizes our academic research fleet. Lastly, our energy legislation invests in critical research and development to modernize pipeline systems and improve the energy efficiency of cement, concrete and asphalt manufacturing. Many thanks to our Members for their hard work, and I look forward to steering these bills through House passage.”
Bill details:
H.R. 272 - ASTRO Act
Provides for transportation of government astronauts after they return to Earth. Currently, the NASA Administrator must approve each astronaut’s ground transportation until they are medically cleared to drive.
H.R. 6219 - ASCEND Act
Directs the NASA Administrator to establish a commercial satellite data acquisition program with NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. The bill allows the Administrator to procure Earth remote sensing data from commercial providers to help fulfill the agency’s need. Additionally, the bill requires the Administrator to submit a report to Congress about the commercial agreements signed by the Administrator.
H.R. 7687 - NASA Streamlining Partnerships
Allows NASA to receive funds from other federal agencies for scientific or engineering research and education. These funds will be limited to the awarding of grants or cooperative agreements. The bill requires NASA to report to Congress on the amount of funds transferred to NASA and how those funds were utilized.
H.R. 4152 – Space Resources Institute Act
Directs the NASA Administrator and the Secretary of Commerce to submit a report to Congress on the merits and feasibility of establishing either a virtual or physical space resources institute. The bill directs the Secretary and Administrator to identify risks and encourage the distribution of space resources. Additionally, the bill directs the Administrator and Secretary to explore the potential benefits of partnering with institutes of higher education and industry.
H.R. 7630 - ANCHOR Act
Improves cyberinfrastructure and communication capabilities of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet and provides necessary updates to safeguard oceanographic research in remote locations. Research vessels extend America's ability to make observations and conduct scientific research globally and require reliable and secure digital networking and communications for effective scientific practices.
H.R. 7686 - To Clarify the Definition of Foreign Country for Purposes of Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment:
Updates the definition of “malign foreign talent recruitment programs” included in the CHIPS and Science Act to provide clarity to our federal research agencies and universities as they identify and address threats to our scientific research enterprise.
H.R. 7073 – Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act
Improves public-private partnerships and increases federal research, development, and demonstration related to the evolution of next-generation pipeline systems.
H.R. 7685 - IMPACT Act
Strengthens and enhances the competitiveness of American industry through the research and development of advanced technologies to improve the efficiency of cement, concrete, and asphalt production.