‘Significant step forward’: NASA reauthorization passes through House committee

The NASA Reauthorization Act, H.R. 8958, was voted out of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee to the House Floor for consideration.

The NASA Reauthorization passed out of committee unanimously on a vote of 38 to 0.

“Passage of today’s bill marks a significant step forward in shaping the future of space exploration and technology,” Committee Chairman Frank Lucas said. “H.R. 8958 provides the overarching support necessary to responsibly back NASA’s ambitious endeavors and ensure the United States maintains its position as a global leader in space. I want to thank Ranking Member Lofgren, as well as the leaders of our Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, Chairman Babin, and Ranking Member Sorensen, for their leadership on this bill. I hope for swift passage through the House.”

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, who represents Virginia’s District 4, voted to advance the legislation last week.

“The NASA Reauthorization Act affirms the United States’ commitment to cutting-edge research and development, scientific innovation, and exploration of the final frontier,” McClellan said. “I thank my House Science Committee colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their bipartisan commitment to supporting NASA and ensuring the United States remains a global leader in space.

The NASA Reauthorization Act provides support and direction for NASA’s civil space activities. Notable provisions in the bill include:

• Direction for human space exploration, including both the Artemis and Moon to Mars Programs.
• Maximum utilization and productivity of the International Space Station while transitioning to a future supported by commercial services.
• Investments in space technology development to ensure the United States possesses the necessary tools and infrastructure to support our increased lunar presence.
• Support for transformative aeronautics research and development.
• Cultivation of scientific discovery and expansion of humankind’s collective knowledge by encouraging NASA to maintain a balanced scientific portfolio.

“I successfully secured several important priorities in the NASA Reauthorization, including two of my bills: the Celestial Time Standardization Act and the ACERO Act,” McClellan said. “My priorities will advance American leadership in space, expand our use of innovative technologies to respond to wildfires, and address a long-standing PFAS contamination issue in Chincoteague, Virginia. I look forward to advocating for this bill and my provisions on the House Floor.”

McClellan offered the following amendments that were adopted in the final version of the bill passed out of committee:

• Celestial Time Standardization: Incorporates McClellan’s H.R. 8837, the Celestial Time Standardization Act, directing NASA to lead the development of a celestial time standard to improve interoperability in space exploration and further establish United States leadership in standards setting.
• Chincoteague Well Replacement: Authorizes NASA to enter into an agreement with the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia, to reimburse costs associated with developing a plan to replace PFAS-contaminated drinking water wells located on NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.

The underlying bill also included McClellan and M. Garcia’s (of California) H.R. 8118, the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response to Operations (ACERO) Act. Their bipartisan legislation would codify and expand the existing ACERO project at NASA to enhance the use of man and unmanned firefighting technologies to support firefighters and protect our communities.

McClellan’s committee testimony is viewable here.