Senate
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.
Op-ed | The ball is in the Senate’s court regarding Article VI
No issue in space law over the past two years has generated more domestic controversy than Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty and, specifically, its effect on private space activities.
Senate introduces bill to streamline commercial space regulations
Three senators introduced legislation July 25 to reform commercial space regulations, including a provision that conflicts with language in a bill passed by the House.
Op-ed | The next space age
Outer space is the last frontier of human exploration. Unfortunately, the glory days of landing men on the moon are now a distant memory. So too are the memories of watching space shuttles rumble to life and roar to space fading away. That is poised to change and America is ready to lead the way.
Senate bill restores funding for NASA science and technology demonstration missions
A fiscal year 2019 spending bill approved by a Senate appropriations subcommittee June 12 offers $21.3 billion for NASA, including funding for several missions slated for cancellation in the administration’s budget request.
Senate bill increases funding for FAA commercial space office but seeks regulatory reform
Senate appropriators offered a budget increase to the Federal Aviation Administration office that licenses commercial launches, while also calling on the office to streamline its regulatory processes.
