To make revisions in title 51, United States Code, as necessary to keep the title current, and to make technical amendments to improve the United States Code.
Sponsored By: Representative Crockett
In Committee
Summary
Would modernize and reorganize Title 51 to update NASA law and create clearer chapters for funding, human exploration, and commercial partnerships. It clarifies wording while keeping existing meaning and adds new budget, security, and workforce rules.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
12 provisions identified: 12 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Better coordination of Earth observation missions
The White House science office would set up a process to coordinate civilian Earth observation across federal agencies. The plan would be updated at least every 3 years and include agency roles, cost-sharing, and a long-term plan for space-based climate data. NASA would try to carry out priority Decadal Survey missions as funds allow.
Stronger budget and cost controls at NASA
NASA would give 5-year development budgets and life-cycle cost estimates for any program expected to cost more than $200,000,000. By April 30 each year, NASA would report programs that are 15% over budget or more than 2 years late, with a plan to fix each one. The President’s budget would show requests for the next two fiscal years and an estimate for a third year. NASA would also consider current National Academies decadal surveys when it submits its budget.
Checks on international space conduct deals
Before the U.S. signs a nonbinding outer space code of conduct, the President would need to certify it has no legal effect and does not limit U.S. space activities. The Defense Secretary, Joint Chiefs Chair, and Director of National Intelligence would jointly certify it is fair and does not harm military or intelligence space work. Congress would get regular briefings during talks and at least 60 days’ notice before any action that would limit U.S. forces in space.
Tighter cybersecurity and anti-counterfeit parts rules
NASA would create an agency-wide information security plan within one year after March 21, 2017 and update it every two years. Employees and contractors would need to complete security training to keep system access. NASA would build a system to track risks in real time and report progress to Congress. NASA would also start a program to detect and track counterfeit electronic parts, report them to law enforcement and industry, and buy from trusted manufacturers with annual reviews.
Keep using the Space Station to 2030
The U.S. would support full use of the International Space Station through at least September 30, 2030. NASA would work with partners to keep operations going and reduce costs. NASA would fund a nonprofit 501(c)(3) to manage the ISS national lab under a cooperative agreement focused only on research and development.
More NASA STEM programs and internships
NASA would run research-based STEM programs that include underrepresented students and support teachers. NASA would encourage cybersecurity lessons where possible. By October 1, 2018, NASA would start a process to recruit women and other underrepresented groups for internships and fellowships and work to reduce known barriers.
Plan for deep-space travel and SLS continuity
NASA would create a human exploration roadmap with key decisions before June 30, 2020. The plan would cover needed systems, missions, and health-risk plans, including radiation. The Space Launch System would aim for about 70–100 tons to low-Earth orbit with a core stage and 130 tons or more with an upper stage. NASA would keep developing a multipurpose crew vehicle. NASA would not be able to end any contract needed to transition shuttle-derived hardware to the SLS or the crew vehicle.
Safer, fairer rules for commercial crew
NASA would require human-rating standards at least as strong as those used on October 11, 2010. The agency would favor fair competition and milestone-based FAR contracts when practical and seek evidence-based cost and schedule data. NASA could use funds to reduce risk and speed up commercial cargo operations. Safety and loss-of-crew risk would be top priorities.
Upgrade and right-size NASA facilities and launches
NASA would modernize Kennedy Space Center to support the Space Launch System, payload processing, multi-vehicle operations, and some commercial cargo infrastructure. NASA would produce a facilities plan within one year after March 21, 2017 and a property-use and disposal policy within 180 days, aligned with national policy. Money from certain NASA leases would go into the Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration account and be available for 5 years if Congress appropriates it.
Boost for space tech, suborbital tests, RTG fuel
NASA would run a Space Technology Program to fund advanced technologies and in-space tests. It would manage SBIR and STTR, use competitive selections, and fly demos on small satellites and suborbital platforms. A Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program would provide payload funding and flight opportunities and would report to Congress each year. NASA could use the ISS as a testbed when allowed. NASA and the Energy Department would work to restart domestic RTG fuel production starting in fiscal year 2011 under a reimbursable agreement using funds authorized by law.
Clarifies that wording updates don’t change law
If enacted, courts would treat the Title 51 restatement as a clarification, not a change in meaning. Courts would look at Congress’s revision notes when wording changes appear. Earlier court decisions would keep their value as precedent.
More open NASA partnerships and prizes
NASA would, when possible, issue nonexclusive Space Act Agreements and ensure equal access to resources for non-government partners. Exclusive deals would use a public, competitive process. NASA would post each agreement online and send Congress a detailed report within 90 days after each fiscal year. The bill would also remove an old limit on NASA’s ability to run prize competitions, effective January 4, 2011.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Crockett
TX • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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