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.
Senators reiterate opposition to ISS transition proposal
Members of the Senate space subcommittee used a June 6 hearing to once again express opposition to the administration’s proposal to end NASA funding of the International Space Station in 2025.
Bridenstine offers senators reassurances on NASA programs
In his first congressional testimony since becoming NASA administrator a month ago, Jim Bridenstine sought to reassure Senate appropriators about the status of several agency programs threatened with cancellation, as well as his own views on climate change.
Senators, inspector general question NASA ISS transition plans
Testimony by NASA’s Inspector General at a May 16 hearing provided new support to efforts by two senators to block plans to end funding of the International Space Station in 2025.
Cruz remains opposed to ending ISS in mid-2020s
The chairman of the Senate’s space subcommittee vowed May 8 to block any attempt by the administration to end operations of the International Space Station in the mid-2020s.
Senate votes to confirm Bridenstine as NASA administrator
The most contentious nomination process for a NASA administrator in the agency’s six-decade history came to an end April 19 when the Senate voted to confirm Jim Bridenstine.
Senate moving towards vote on Bridenstine nomination
After a months-long impasse, the Senate may vote to confirm Jim Bridenstine as the next administrator of NASA later this week.
House members call on Senate to confirm Bridenstine as NASA administrator
A letter signed by more than 60 House members calls on the Senate to advance the stalled nomination of fellow congressman Jim Bridenstine to be NASA administrator.
Negotiations continue on final 2018 omnibus spending bill
With a stopgap spending bill set to expire in just over a week, House and Senate appropriators are continuing to negotiate provisions of an omnibus bill, including funding levels for some NASA programs.
