Senate
Former astronaut to run for U.S. Senate seat
Former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly announced Feb. 12 his intent to run for a United States Senate seat in Arizona.
White House resubmits NOAA, Ex-Im Bank nominations
The White House has once again nominated Barry Myers to be administrator of NOAA, as well as four people to serve on the board of the Export-Import Bank.
Cruz plans to try again with commercial space legislation
A commercial space bill that fell just short of passage last year will be reintroduced this year to serve as the starting point for further discussions, a key senator said Jan. 15.
Senate confirms science adviser, passes on NOAA administrator
In the final hours of the 115th Congress, the Senate confirmed a new director for OSTP but failed to act on a nominee for NOAA.
Senate passes commercial space bill
The Senate approved legislation Dec. 20 to reform commercial space regulations and extend the life of the International Space Station, but the passage may be too late for this bill to become law.
Senator seeks assurances on JWST and WFIRST funding
As Congress works to finalize a fiscal year 2019 spending bill for NASA, a senator is asking colleagues to secure the future of two of NASA’s largest astrophysics missions.
Culberson loses as Democrats win House; Nelson losing Senate reelection
The chairman of the House appropriations committee that funds NASA lost his reelection bid Nov. 6 as Democrats won a majority in the chamber, while a leading Senate Democrat on space policy appeared to lose his race for another term.
Senate confirms Morhard as NASA deputy administrator
The Senate confirmed James Morhard to be NASA’s deputy administrator late Oct. 11.
Cruz wants NASA to consider revenue opportunities from commercial activities
As NASA shows growing interest in commercial activities, from space station research to merchandise, one senator wants the agency to financially benefit from them.
House joins Senate in push to extend ISS
A key House member announced Sept. 26 that he is introducing legislation that would extend operations of the International Space Station to 2030, weeks after senators sought a similar extension.
Senate committee advances Morhard nomination
The Senate Commerce Committee voted Sept. 5 to advance the nomination of James Morhard as NASA’s next deputy administrator to the full Senate.
Morhard emphasizes managerial expertise at Senate confirmation hearing for NASA post
The administration’s nominee to be NASA deputy administrator told senators Aug. 23 that his managerial experience makes him qualified to be the second-in-command of the space agency despite a lack of technical expertise.
NASA deputy administrator nominee seeks focus on managerial and acquisition issues
The space industry outsider nominated to become NASA deputy administrator said he would focus on acquisition reform and adapting NASA to a “new role” with commercial partners if confirmed by the Senate.
Senate science hearing debates effectiveness of decadal surveys
A Senate hearing Aug. 1 intended to discuss NASA’s search for life beyond Earth turned into a discussion about the long-standing process the scientific community uses to prioritize missions.
Commercial space bill clears Senate committee
The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill Aug. 1 that would streamline commercial launch and remote sensing regulations but also includes language conflicting with a House bill.
Senators seek focus on Mars in NASA’s exploration plans
Senators preparing a new NASA authorization bill want to ensure that the agency’s long-term focus remains human missions to Mars even as it plans flights to the moon.
