Report from Washington, D.C.
October Activity on the Hill
Written by: developer
by Charles A. Harris, Space Foundation Manager – Washington Operations
October was a slow month in the policy world, due to congressional recess in D.C. and the focus on the election. NASA authorization bills have been passed in both the House and Senate, and congressional staff from each side are meeting to reconcile the differences before sending a version off to the White House. It is unclear whether or not an authorization bill will be signed into law by the end of the year.
Congress passed a budget to narrowly avoid a government shutdown, extending funding for the federal government through Dec. 9. Once back in town, they will take up measures for a more long-term funding plan in the lame duck session.
Capitol Hill remains relatively quiet before the election, given the absence of members. With all eyes on Nov. 8, the space community is anticipating what priorities, policies and leadership a new administration will bring to the table.
Contact the Space Foundation’s Washington, D.C., office at 202.618.3060,1655 N. Fort Meyer Dr., Ste. 910, Arlington, Va. 22207.
This article is part of Space Watch: November 2016 (Volume: 15, Issue: 11).