Washington Updates

Dec. 2: House and Senate Armed Services leadership reached an agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2015 (S. 1847). This annual bill funds the Department of Defense (DoD), including key military space and cyber-security programs. The bill:Instructs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report assessing the ability of the DoD…

In November, Jillianne Pierce joined the Space Foundation’s Washington Operations team as a Government Affairs Associate. A native Floridian, Jillianne has a life-long passion for all things space. She brings with her a wealth of experience from working for Walt Disney World Government Relations, as well as previous positions working on public policy issues. Jillianne…

by Space Foundation Vice President – Washington Operations Brendan Curry Due to the mid-term elections, there can be expected some impact to U.S. space policy in the coming 114th Congress, which will be seated early next calendar year. And due to a number of Members of Congress either being defeated or retiring, the various committees…

On Sept. 10, the House Science, Space & Technology Subcommittee on Space held a hearing entitled “Exploring Our Solar System: The ASTEROIDS Act as a Key Step.” The American Space Technology for Exploring Resource Opportunities in Deep Space (ASTEROIDS) Act of 2014 would establish and protect rights for commercial space exploration and utilization of asteroid…

Sept. 11David Radzanowski was confirmed by the Senate to become NASA’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Radzanowski served previously as Chief of Staff to NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. Sept. 18 The Senate passed the FY 2015 Continuing Resolution (CR), funding the Federal government through December 11, 2014, avoiding a government shutdown. CongressCongressional members have adjourned to…

Legislative activity in Washington, D.C., slowed down in August as Congress recessed for the month to return home to their families and constituents. Congress adjourning for a summer break has long been a tradition going back to 1791, but it was not until Congress passed the Legislative Reorganization Act in 1970 that August officially became…