[[{"fid":"2161","view_mode":"full","fields":{"format":"full","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"A livestream of this event will appear here.","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A livestream of this event will appear here."},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"full","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"A livestream of this event will appear here.","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A livestream of this event will appear here."}},"attributes":{"alt":"A livestream of this event will appear here.","title":"A livestream of this event will appear here.","style":"width: 400px; height: 353px;","class":"media-element file-full","data-delta":"1"}}]]   Witnesses:  Dr. Neil Jacobs, assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Dr. Jim Spann, chief scientist, Heliophysics Division, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Dr. W. Kent Tobiska, president and chief scientist, Space Environment Technologies Read More

WASHINGTON – U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) issued the following statement today on the Senate’s confirmation of Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.) as NASA administrator. Chairman Smith: “NASA is one of the most storied civilian agencies in the federal government. Its accomplishments are many and its missions continue to inspire millions of Americans young and old. It also has daunting challenges to overcome and new, complex missions to undertake. The Senate has rightfully approved Jim Bridenstine’s nomination. He will lead the agency with knowledge and expertise, leaning on his years of service as a Naval aviator, a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve, former executive director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and his work in Congress, especially on the Space Subcommittee of the Science Committee. As chairman of the Science Committee, which has jurisdiction over NASA, I look forward to working with Administrator Bridenstine to maintain America’s leadership in space.” Read More

WASHINGTON - The U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee today announced growing support for the NASA Authorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 5503). The committee approved the legislation Tuesday by a bipartisan vote of 26-7. Keep reading to see what they’re saying.   “NASA programs supporting civil, commercial and national security applications are at the center of American achievement and innovation and support tens of thousands of high-paying jobs in the space industrial base. The NASA authorization bill demonstrates Congress’ continued commitment to U.S. leadership and superiority in space through FY19.” – Aerospace Industries Association   “The American Society for Gravitational and Space Research is writing in support of the proposed NASA re-authorization for FY18 and FY19. We are particularly supportive of statements in the bill that express support for microgravity research in the context of the International Space Station (ISS) mission Section 202 (a)(2).” – Cynthia Martin-Brennan, executive director; Anna-Lisa Paul, president, American Society for Gravitational and Space Research   “AURA is pleased to see that the Search for Life elsewhere in the Universe continues to be supported by the Committee as a NASA goal…As you are no doubt aware, AURA priorities continue to be: robust support for the James Webb Space Telescope, especially for its operational phase after launch when the real science gets done; and successful completion of WFIRST with a coronagraph, crucial for detecting bio-signatures on planets around other stars…We are happy to work with the Committee to ensure that NASA’s search for life elsewhere is successful, and that NASA’s astrophysics missions continue to create world-class science for the United States.” – Matt Mountain, president, Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy   “It is only fitting that this Authorization bill reasserts the need for NASA to support U.S. lunar lander capabilities as we approach the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 in FY 2019. Thank you for your leadership and support in this bill for NASA, industry and the science communities’ efforts to restore American access to the lunar surface as quickly as possible.” – John Thornton, CEO, Astrobotic     “The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership supports the efforts of Congressman Babin to further America’s human spaceflight program through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2018. The Congressman has recognized the roles of the International Space Station in the development of NASA’s deep space exploration program and in the development of commercial space. We support the continued NASA operation of the International Space Station beyond 2024 allowing for the sensible transition of operation to commercial entities, based on the development of capabilities by commercial operators. This approach to the utilization of the International Space Station will ensure America’s continued leadership and presence in space.” – Bob Mitchell, president, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership   “The bill reaffirms support and full funding for the Space Launch System and NASA’s human exploration program, authorizes the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway to support crewed missions in deep space, supports continued development and operation of a safe and reliable Commercial Crew capability and reasserts support for the International Space Station, which is one of our Nation’s most important research assets. It also supports a healthy aeronautics research directorate that contributes to our nation’s aerospace economy.” – Tim Keating, executive vice president, Boeing   “We appreciate the Committee’s continued support and strong funding for the Commercial Crew and Commercial Cargo programs, recognizing their critical importance to continued ISS operations and, indeed, America’s human spaceflight program. CSF Members also support the Committee’s work regarding commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) activities, and critical path redundancy for operations beyond LEO, and public-private partnerships for lunar surface operations…We support the Committee’s authorization of full funding for the Administration’s proposal for increased commercial operations in LEO. The legislation recognizes the need for a national policy and strategy for microgravity research, the continuation of a National Laboratory during and beyond an ISS transition, the purchase of commercial supply of space products for space exploration missions, and support for Flight Opportunities program.” – Eric W. Stallmer, president, Commercial Spaceflight Federation   “On behalf of Lockheed Martin, I would like to thank you and your staffs for your efforts on the NASA Authorization Act of 2018. Your work with stakeholders to make improvements through a Manager’s Amendment aligns the bill with the Committee’s commitment to our nation’s deep space exploration and human spaceflight programs. This effort is much appreciated…We further appreciate the bill’s reaffirmation of support and full funding for Orion, NASA’s human exploration program, and the development of a lunar gateway.” – Robert Rangel, senior vice president, Lockheed Martin   “As the world’s leading space-based manufacturer, Made In Space is a major user of the International Space Station (ISS) and its National Laboratory (NL). As such, we believe it is critically important that Congress develop and implement a plan to maximize the use and commercialization of the ISS and its NL, as well as a transition plan that ensures a seamless transfer of capabilities, including the NL, as the ISS reaches the end of its life. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2018 helps accomplish these important goals, and Made In Space supports the bill.” – Andrew Rush, CEO, Made in Space   “We greatly appreciate the committee authorizing full funding for the two new lunar exploration programs proposed in NASA’s 2019 Budget, the Lunar Discovery and Exploration Program within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and the Advanced Cislunar and Surface Capabilities program within NASA’s Advanced Exploration Systems program. This combined Lunar Exploration Campaign will ensure that America leads in exploration of our nearest celestial neighbor.” – Robert Richards, founder & CEO, Moon Express   “We are fortunate as a country to have leaders such as you who understand the challenges we face and are willing to act to improve American competitiveness in space. I am particularly pleased with the inclusion in your legislation of the recently proposed Commercial LEO Development program with a focus on enabling, developing and deploying multiple commercial orbital platforms and authorizing $150,000,000 for these purposes in Fiscal Year 2019… Thank you in advance for your consideration of my strong support for the Fiscal Years 2018/2019 NASA reauthorization measure.” – Jeffrey Manber, CEO, NanoRacks   “On behalf of the National Space Grant Alliance, I want to thank the Chairman for including a reauthorization of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program in H.R. 5503, the NASA Reauthorization Bill for 2018 and 2019. We would also like to state our support as well for the reauthorization of NASA's Office of Education and the broad programs that are funded through that office.” – John B. Kosmatka, chair, National Space Grant Alliance     “The Planetary Society is pleased to see the House Science Committee advance H.R. 5503 as amended, and is particularly supportive of its recommendation for a critical funding increase to planetary science while maintaining overall balance in the science mission directorate and NASA writ large…The Planetary Science Division is in a period of rebuilding, and the $2.6 billion authorization would be a critical step in maintaining U.S. leadership in space science and exploration in the next decade…We commend the committee for working in a bipartisan manner during the markup process to support all of space science and exploration at NASA, and its efforts to forge a consensus path forward for the nation’s space program.” – Casey Dreier, director of space policy, The Planetary Society   “Space Florida applauds the work that the House Science, Space, & Technology Committee put into developing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2018…Space Florida is glad to see the House taking a strong leadership approach to providing direction to NASA.” – Frank A. DiBello, president & CEO, Space Florida   “Thank you for your leadership in bringing H.R. 5503, the NASA Reauthorization Bill for 2018 and 2019, before the full committee for deliberation. The bill’s record high authorization numbers in critical areas such as science, aeronautics, and human exploration are a testament to the committee’s desire to keep our nation at the forefront of technology and innovation for the future…Texas A&M is also a Space Grant College, and we are committed to training the next generation of students for careers in the growing aerospace field. We appreciate that the committee funds the NASA Education account at $100 million and includes full funding for the Space Grant program.” – John Sharp, chancellor, Texas A&M University System   “On behalf of Vector Launch, part of emerging multi-billion-dollar commercial space industry, we very much support the NASA Authorization bill that, among other innovative initiatives, strongly encourages NASA to rely on commercial services & products in order to reduce the bill for the American taxpayer, refocus on its core R&D capabilities while advancing America’s leadership in space.” – Vector Launch   “I write to thank you for the inclusion of language in your Manager’s Amendment to continue authorization of the 21st Century Launch Complex program, which provides vital infrastructure support for NASA’s launch complexes and ranges that support cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS), including at Wallops Flight Facility. We appreciate the work you and your staff have done to help support this reauthorization and it will ensure that NASA’s launch ranges are prepared to meet the growing demands of our space program in the years ahead.” – Dale K. Nash, executive director & CEO, Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority   Letters of Support for the NASA Authorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 5503) can be found here:   Aerospace Industries Association American Society for Gravitational and Space Research Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Astrobotic Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Boeing Commercial Spaceflight Federation Lockheed Martin Made in Space Moon Express NanoRacks National Space Grant Alliance  The Planetary Society Space Florida The Texas A&M University System Vector Launch Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority Read More

Hearing charter  Opening Statement: Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.)  Witnesses:  Dr. Joannie Chin, deputy director, Engineering Laboratory, NIST [Truth in Testimony]  Dr. Hota GangaRao, Wadsworth Distinguished Professor, Statler College of Engineering, West Virginia University [Truth in Testimony]  Dr. David Lange, professor, department of civil and environmental engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign [Truth in Testimony] Mr. Shane Weyant, president and CEO, Creative Pultrusions, Inc. [Truth in Testimony]  Read More

H.R. 5509, the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act, approved by voice vote.       Amendment 070, offered by Ms. Bonamici (D-Ore.), withdrawn      Amendment 071, offered by Ms. Bonamici (D-Ore.), approved to by voice vote H.R. 5503, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2018      Amendment 001, Manager's Amendment, offered by Mr. Babin (R-Texas), approved by         voice vote      Amendment 049, offered by Mr. Posey (R-Fla.), approved by voice vote      Amendment 041, offered by Mr. Dunn (R-Fla.), approved by voice vote      Amendment 027, offered by Mr. Perlmutter (D-Colo.), approved by voice vote       Amendment 026, offered by Mr. Perlmutter (D-Colo.), withdrawn          Amendment 025, offered by Mr. Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), withdrawn      Amendment 026, offered by Mr. Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), approved by voice vote      Amendment 027, offered by Mr. Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), withdrawn       Amendment 093, offered by Mr. Foster (D-Ill.), approved by voice vote      Amendment 028, offered by Mr. Perlmutter (D-Colo.), approved by a vote of 27 - 5       Amendment offered by Mr. Knight (R-Calif.), approved by voice vote  Click here to view recorded votes Opening Statements: Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) – H.R. 5509 Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) – H.R. 5503 Space Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin (R-Texas)  Letters of Support for H.R. 5509, the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act STEM Education Coalition  Letters of Support for H.R. 5503, the NASA Authorization Act of 2018 Aerospace Industries Association American Society for Gravitational and Space Research Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Astrobotic Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Boeing Commercial Spaceflight Federation Lockheed Martin Made in Space Moon Express NanoRacks National Space Grant Alliance  The Planetary Society Space Florida The Texas A&M University System Vector Launch Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority Read More

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, chaired by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), today approved the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 5503) by a vote of 26-7. The bill was introduced by Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas), chairman of the Space Subcommittee, and cosponsored by Chairman Smith along with 17 committee members. Chairman Smith: “The NASA Authorization Act of 2018 is a crucial step in restoring the greatness of American space exploration. With this bill, we ensure that NASA will focus on its priority missions, effectively leverage private sector partnerships and entrepreneurship, and continue space research that will launch America toward new scientific discoveries and worlds. Chairman Babin’s bill redoubles our commitment to U.S. leadership in space for decades to come. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for making this a bipartisan effort with a majority of the Democrats, including the Ranking Members of both the Full Committee and Space Subcommittee, voting in favor of the bill.” Chairman Babin: “H.R. 5503 is forward-looking for NASA and our nation’s space program, providing robust funding to the Space Launch System, Orion and the International Space Station. This bipartisan bill ensures that America will continue to lead the world in human space flight, exploration, aeronautics and scientific research. The bill’s passage out of committee is an important step forward for American economic competitiveness.” The bill is cosponsored by Chairman Smith, Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.), Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), Rep. Steve Knight (R-Calif.) Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), Rep. Bill Posey (R-Fla.), Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.), Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-La.), Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas), Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.), Rep. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) and Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) Background The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2018, as amended: Authorizes $20.74 billion for NASA for fiscal year 2018, the level enacted in the recent Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, and $21.21 billion for NASA for fiscal year 2019 Supports President Trump’s vision of American space leadership by funding Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft Supports NASA using American private sector innovation and investments to unlock the economic potential of outer space  Funds NASA’s Planetary Science Division at $2.64 billion in fiscal year 2019, a $401 million increase from current funding levels, making possible all NASA-planned planetary missions, as well as: A Mars sample return mission A space-based infrared camera to support Near-Earth Objects survey Additional support for the Europa mission Funds NASA’s Earth Science Division at $1.92 billion in fiscal year 2019, freezing the current funding level, and requires NASA be reimbursed for work undertaken for the benefit of another agency Supports initial implementation of NASA’s International Space Station Transition Report to foster the development of private sector capability with the goal of ending direct federal support by 2025 Enforces the Wide-Field Infrared Space Telescope (WFIRST) cost cap and requires an operational James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) prior to WFIRST launch procurement; sets aside $180 million in the NASA Astrophysics Division to address any justified recommendations of the JWST and WFIRST cost and schedule reviews currently underway Includes a 21st Century Aeronautics Research Capabilities Initiative that enhances NASA’s infrastructure and computational capabilities to conduct cutting-edge flight demonstrations The text of the bill can found here. Read More

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee today unanimously approved the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act (H.R. 5509), introduced by Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and cosponsored by Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas). Majority Leader McCarthy: “Everyone wants to do something that they can be proud of and where they are needed, and our nation has a great need for skilled labor and professionals with knowledge in the STEM fields. Across our country the workforce needs are different and in my district in California, STEM careers within companies in the agriculture, energy, and aerospace industries will support the continued advancement of our communities and leadership of our companies. To help connect American workers looking for good jobs and industries searching for valued employees, my legislation supports apprenticeship and training programs to fill local STEM jobs. I am grateful to my friend Chairman Smith and to the entire Science, Space, and Technology Committee for considering and supporting my bill. With it, we can help close the job gap, help workers, employers, and our nation as a whole all at the same time.” Chairman Smith: “The Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act will bolster our STEM workforce and ensure America’s leadership in the science fields. Leader McCarthy’s bill directs the National Science Foundation to support innovative educational STEM initiatives and development programs, encouraging Americans of all ages to pursue careers in STEM. Providing this level of training and education will help meet the growing need for a strong STEM workforce and help maintain America’s competitiveness on the world stage. I thank Leader McCarthy for his initiative on this critical subject.” Background H.R. 5509, the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act, directs the National Science Foundation to provide grants for innovative approaches to STEM education and related workforce development programs. The bill expands the workforce pipeline in STEM fields through experiments with apprenticeships and other applied learning opportunities for college students as well as enhancement of two-year degree programs and technical skills certificates in order to meet the shortage of qualified candidates for the more than two million jobs in STEM fields projected to go unfilled in the next decade. Text of the bill can be found here. Click here to see a statement of support from James Brown, executive director of STEM Education Coalition. Related Items:  Full Committee Markup of H.R. 5503 and H.R. 5509 Read More

H.R. 5503, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2018, can be found here.  Read More

H.R. 5509, the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act, can be found here.  Read More

Hearing charter Opening Statements: Full Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Ralph Abraham (R-La.) Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairwoman Barbara Comstock (R-Va.) Witnesses:  Hon. Michael Wessel, commissioner, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission [Truth in Testimony] Hon. Michelle Van Cleave, former national counterintelligence executive, Office of National Counterintelligence Executive [Truth in Testimony] Mr. Daniel Golden, author, "Spy Schools" [Truth in Testimony]  Mr. Crane Hassold, director of threat intelligence, PhishLabs [Truth in Testimony]  Read More