House Science Space and Technology Committee: “Full Committee Markup of the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024”

U.S. House Committee on Science Space and Technology

“Full Committee Markup of the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024”

Wednesday, July 10, 2024  

Watch the Markup

Introduction

The House Committee on Science Space and Technology (HSST) held a full committee markup of H.R. 8958, the “NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024” on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The committee approved the bill in a 38-0 vote. More information.

Key Highlights

• Frank Lucas (R-OK) introduced H.R. 8958, the “NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024,” which would authorize $25.2 billion for NASA on Wednesday, July 9, 2024. The bill was co-sponsored by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Brian Babin (R-TX), and Eric Sorensen (D-IL).
• A total of 24 amendments were submitted and considered during the markup, of which 20 were approved by voice vote.
• The markup followed the House Appropriation Committee’s (HAC) approval of a Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) appropriation bill, which allocates $25.2 billion to NASA.

Opening Statement

Full Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK)

In his opening statement, Chairman Lucas acknowledged this pivotal moment in space exploration, highlighting the Artemis program’s goal of returning astronauts to the Moon and the ongoing scientific missions. He underscores the competition from the People’s Republic of China, specifically the Chang’e 6 mission that returned samples from the far side of the Moon, and stresses the importance of U.S. leadership in space. He stated the NASA Reauthorization Act aims to provide strategic guidance to NASA, reaffirming support for human space exploration, particularly through the Artemis and the Moon to Mars programs. He emphasized the legislation promoted the need for a steady flight cadence using the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew capsule, facilitated the transition to commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) services, and ensured the productivity of the International Space Station (ISS). The bill also addresses issues of time and cost overruns in science missions, supports a balanced portfolio of missions, citing Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and Mars Sample Return (MSR). It also emphasizes NASA’s role in aeronautics research, including hypersonic systems and space technology development, which drive economic growth and ensure U.S. leadership in space. Chairman Lucas highlighted that the legislation is the result of bipartisan efforts and recognized the contributions of Ranking Member Lofgren. Read the Full Statement.

Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) 

In her opening statement, Ranking Member Lofgren voiced strong support for the NASA Reauthorization Act, emphasizing its bipartisanship and commitment to advancing American space exploration, earth and space science, aeronautics, innovation, education, and inspiration. While acknowledging that the bill does not align perfectly with Democratic priorities, she underscored its critical role in preserving NASA’s leadership in fostering innovation and economic growth through technology spin-offs and scientific missions benefiting all Americans. She highlighted NASA’s significant impact on STEM education and workforce diversity, emphasizing the legislation’s backing of NASA’s STEM initiatives, including the Minority University Research and Education Project. She noted that this sends a clear message to the Appropriations Committee about prioritizing the next generation and sustaining a diverse research and aerospace workforce. Ranking Member Lofgren emphasized NASA’s crucial role in addressing climate change through Earth science missions and supported ongoing scientific endeavors such as the Mars Sample Return program and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. She stressed the importance of community input in any decisions regarding operating astrophysics missions. She expressed gratitude to Chairmen Lucas and Babin, Ranking Member Sorensen, colleagues, and staff for their leadership, collaboration, and contributions to shaping the legislation. Read the Full Statement.

Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX)

In his opening statement, Chairman Babin endorsed the NASA Reauthorization Act, highlighting the bill’s critical role in overseeing NASA’s activities regularly. He emphasized the need for sustained congressional support to uphold U.S. leadership in space, especially amidst changes in administrations and budget fluctuations. He stated that the legislation reinforces the Artemis Program, ensuring support for essential components like SLS, the Orion spacecraft, the Human Landing System (HLS), next-generation space suits, and other systems for lunar exploration. It also outlines a clear path for sustained operations in LEO, including continued utilization of the ISS and the development of commercial space stations. Additionally, the bill includes a robust aeronautics research section aimed at advancing next-generation aircraft technology and features a well-balanced science agenda designed to facilitate discoveries on the Moon, throughout the solar system. Chairman Babin underscored the bill’s oversight provisions, aimed at ensuring NASA’s programs are effectively managed and taxpayer funds are spent responsibly. He expressed gratitude to Chairman Lucas, Ranking Member Lofgren, Ranking Member Sorensen, and the committee staff for their support and collaboration to come to this bipartisan legislation. Read the Full Statement.

Subcommittee Ranking Member Eric Sorensen (D-IL) 

In his opening statement, Subcommittee Ranking Member Sorensen expressed pride in co-leading the NASA Reauthorization Act, underscoring its bipartisan foundation within the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee. He underscores NASA’s critical role in aeronautics, science, human exploration, and space technology, emphasizing the agency’s inspirational impact in science and technology. He stated the bill builds upon the 2022 NASA Authorization Act, advancing Artemis and Moon to Mars efforts while supporting research and development in LEO and fostering technological innovation in aviation. He stressed NASA’s broader contribution outside the scientific community, particularly its support for sectors like agriculture through the dissemination of Earth science data. Sorensen also applauded the inclusion of H.R. 7687, the NASA Streamlining Partnerships for Research and Education for Engineering and Science Act (SPREES), which aims to enhance collaboration among various federal agencies for scientific and engineering research.

Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA)

In her opening statement, Rep. McClellan emphasized the NASA Reauthorization Act’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge research, scientific innovation, and space exploration for the United States. She highlighted the inclusion of the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response to Operations (ACERO) Act, which she co-led with Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA), which aims to codify and expand a NASA program to improve drone technology for wildfire management, particularly crucial given recent destructive wildfires. She also noted the provisions related to the future of the Chandra X-ray telescope included in the bill.

Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI)

In her opening statement, Rep. Stevens expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts within the HSST, commending Chairman Babin and Ranking Member Sorensen for their work on the NASA Reauthorization Act. She emphasized the bill’s role in providing support and direction to NASA, particularly in the face of global competition by the PRC. She highlighted Michigan’s significant contributions to aerospace and automotive supply chains, which are closely intertwined with NASA’s mission and the goals outlined in the reauthorization bill. She also noted her satisfaction with the robust support for commercial space suppliers included in the legislation, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships for maximizing federal investments.

Consideration of Legislation

A total of 24 amendments were submitted and considered for H.R. 8958, the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024, of which 20 were approved by voice vote. Four amendments were withdrawn.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute, Offered by Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Makes technical changes

Amendment #079, Offered by Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC) with Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Rep. Dale Strong (R-AL) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Codifies NASA ability to have no fewer than two human space lander systems.

Amendment #024, Offered by Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Report on the risk of losing access to low-Earth orbit on research and development.

Amendment #055, Offered by Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) with Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Requires NASA to maintain the average crew and cargo flight cadence necessary to support the health and safety and full utilization of the ISS.

Amendment #098, Offered by Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO) – Withdrawn

• Reauthorizes and updates the STIM program to reflect the growing demand for civil, commercial, and national security launches.

Amendment #062, Offered by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Directs the NASA Administrator to conduct orbital debris research and development with considerations for certain activities.

Amendment #035, Offered by Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) – Withdrawn

• To promote the development of certain plans, policies, and standards for managing cybersecurity risks and protecting sensitive technology relating to National Aeronautics and Space Administration spacecraft systems, and for other purposes.

Amendment #047, Offered by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Directs NASA to develop a strategy for time standardization for the Moon and other celestial bodies.

Amendment #104, Offered by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Establishes NASA’s FireSense program, which conducts science and technology development for operational users to support wildland fire mitigation and management across all phases of the fire cycle.

Amendment #105, Offered by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Aligns ongoing science activities at NASA with science, data, and technology recommendations made by the National Wildland Fire Management and Mitigation Commission’s 2023 Report.

Amendment #099, Offered by Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Allows NASA to conduct or support STEM engagement activities focused on expanding opportunities for students to pursue skilled technical workforce occupations in space and aeronautics.

Amendment #064, Offered by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Directs the NASA Administrator to prioritize the award of Space Grant Fellowships to persons in partnership with K-12 Stem education providers.

Amendment #079, Offered by Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Expands the scope of the report on merits and options for establishing an institute relating to space resources to include business and the use of resources on Earth.

Amendment #077, Offered by Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) with Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-OH) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Clarifies that NASA has the authority to pay contractors if the facilities are not accessible.

Amendment #078, Offered by Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) with Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Directs the GAO to review current and possible future safety issues at NASA facilities.

Amendment #080, Offered by Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Restricts the obligation or expenditure of Federal funds relating to certain Chinese space and scientific activities.

Amendment #064, Offered by Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-OH) with Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Establishes Public Private Talent Exchange Program.

Amendment #052, Offered by Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Requires NASA to submit to Congress a report regarding intellectual property considerations in Space Act agreements and industry feedback regarding those considerations.

Amendment #070, Offered by Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Establishes and maintains a comprehensive Agency-wide mentoring program for early-career, mid-level, and senior-level employees at all NASA Centers and NASA Headquarters.

Amendment #048, Offered by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Authorizes NASA to enter into an agreement with the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia to reimburse costs of developing a plan to replace drinking water wells currently located on NASA property. Directs NASA to provide Congress with a plan within 18 months of enactment.

Amendment #178, Offered by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) – Withdrawn

• Prohibits funds to finalize, implement, or enforce the FAR Council’s proposed rule entitled “Federal Acquisition Regulation: Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Related Financial Risk.”

Amendment #179, Offered by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) – Withdrawn

• Prohibits funds for Executive Order 14019

Amendment #052, Offered by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-CA) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the ability of an Administration employee to discuss scientific research performed by that employee in accordance with the Administration’s scientific integrity policies.

Amendment #006, Offered by Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA) – Passed by Voice Vote

• Amends Title 51, United States Code, to establish the Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics Program.

An archive of the previous markups and hearings coverage is available here.