Washington Updates

Jan. 5 marked the opening of the 112th Congress, which welcomed 96 new members to the House of Representatives and 16 to the Senate. Florida’s 24th district, home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, is now represented by Rep. Sandra Adams (R-FL). Also, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is Florida’s new junior senator. Alabama’s 5th district, home…

The Senate Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee held a hearing on Transition and Implementation in December: The NASA Authorization Act of 2010. The hearing was the first NASA oversight hearing since President Barack Obama signed the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 into law. Senators told NASA and the Obama Administration they would take the necessary…

Space Foundation CEO Elliot Pulham attended the George Washington University Space Policy Institute and Trachtenberg School symposium, From Vision to Execution: Implementing U.S. Space Policy, on Oct. 29. He spoke on the panel, “Implementation Issues and U.S. Industry,” along with fellow panelists: Marion C. Blakey, president and chief executive officer of the Aerospace Industries Association;…

The Space Foundation was right in the middle of a historic gathering of international space agencies Nov. 17 in Washington, D.C. The International Academy of Astronautics Heads of Space Agencies Summit was an unprecedented gathering of more than 300 world leaders, academicians and space experts, including the heads of 30 space agencies from around the world – from…

As a result of the midterm elections in November, there will be at least 93 new Representatives and 16 new Senators in the 112th Congress. Republicans picked up at least 60 seats in the House of Representatives, enough to give them the majority in the 112th Congress. In the Senate, Republicans picked up six seats to…

The Senate Armed Service Committee held a hearing on Nov.18 on President Barack Obama’s nomination of Air Force Gen. C. Robert Kehler to lead U.S. Strategic Command, based at Offutt AFB, Neb. During the hearing, Kehler outlined his top four priorities as commander, if confirmed: Provide a safe, secure and effective strategic nuclear force to provide strategic deterrence for…