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119-hr-5174119th CongressWALLET

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, Jasmine [D-TX-30]

Passed House

Summary

Modernize and restate U.S. space law to reorganize Title 51, tighten program oversight, and set clear rules for human exploration and commercial space operations. The bill would recast chapters, add new chapters on information security, facilities, advanced human exploration, and commercial cargo and crew, and require stronger reporting, cost controls, and procurement safeguards.

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  • NASA workforce and centers: Would require a facilities and infrastructure plan with timelines and prioritization for maintenance, disposal, and modernization, and push workforce development and diversity actions including internship recruitment by October 1, 2018.
  • Commercial industry and procurement: Would require five-year budgets for programs with development costs above $200 million, create a counterfeit electronic parts detection and tracking program, tighten procurement reviews and transparency for commercial crew and cargo, and set human-rating and flight-readiness requirements.
  • Researchers, students, and ISS users: Would support full utilization of the International Space Station through at least September 30, 2030, guarantee no less than 50% of U.S. research capacity for the ISS National Laboratory, expand suborbital flight opportunities, and strengthen STEM education efforts.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

15 provisions identified: 14 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Air travel research to boost capacity

If enacted, NASA’s aeronautics program would keep a broad research push. It would aim to let the airspace handle up to three times today’s travel by 2025. It would work to cut airplane noise, emissions, and fuel use, and study alternative fuels. It would also advance aviation safety.

Coordinated Earth observation and climate plan

If enacted, the White House science office would coordinate civilian Earth observations across agencies. It would issue a plan at least every three years with outside advice, set roles, recommend cost-sharing and international deals, and plan long-term space climate data. NASA would also work with NOAA and USGS to move research into operations, possibly through a transition office, based on a March 2011 plan.

Heavy-lift rocket goals and backup

If enacted, NASA would pursue a heavy‑lift Space Launch System. The core would lift 70–100 tons to low Earth orbit, and with an upper stage reach 130 tons or more. It would serve as a backup for ISS cargo or crew if other vehicles are not available. NASA would aim to limit termination costs by extending certain contracts and target core operations by December 31, 2016.

Keep the Space Station running to 2030

If enacted, the U.S. would support full use of the Space Station through at least September 30, 2030. NASA would fund and sign a deal with a nonprofit to run the ISS National Lab. The National Lab would get at least 50% of U.S. research capacity on station (power, cold stowage, and crew time) through that date, with limited exceptions. NASA would seek partners to lower costs and keep logistics strong.

Support and rules for commercial space transport

If enacted, NASA would keep supporting commercial cargo to the Space Station for its full life. NASA would be able to fund flight tests, speed development, and build needed ground systems to reduce startup risks. For commercial crew, NASA would publish human‑rating standards at least as strict as 2010 levels, set milestones, and require independent flight‑readiness checks before astronauts fly. NASA would brief Congress before competitive buys and trigger a GAO review within 90 days, and contracts would include needed IP licensing and crew‑rescue provisions.

STEM education and fairer NASA internships

If enacted, NASA would run STEM programs to boost student interest, including for underrepresented groups. It would offer curriculum support tied to national standards and teacher training, and encourage cybersecurity content. By October 1, 2018, NASA would set up recruitment to attract women and underrepresented students for internships and fellowships, and address known workforce barriers.

Stronger budget planning and cost control

If enacted, NASA programs expected to cost over $200,000,000 to develop would send five‑year development budgets and life‑cycle cost estimates with the President’s budget. By April 30 each year, NASA would flag programs over 15% of their cost baseline or more than two years late and provide fix plans. Each budget would include requests for two years and an estimate for the third. NASA would consider current decadal surveys when building the budget request.

More oversight of space deals and debris

If enacted, NASA would deepen talks with other nations on orbital debris. The White House science and security offices would craft a cooperation strategy for the President to review. Before signing any nonbinding space code, the President would certify it has no legal effect, and defense and intelligence leaders would certify it is fair and does not harm U.S. military or intelligence space work. Congress would get regular briefings and at least 60 days’ notice before any action that would limit U.S. space military activities.

Stronger NASA cyber training and monitoring

If enacted, NASA would run a cyber awareness program with threat briefings and attack drills. All employees and contractors would need to participate to keep system access, and strong performers would be rewarded. NASA would deploy real‑time risk monitoring across agency and contractor networks and report to Congress every two years.

Crack down on counterfeit electronic parts

If enacted, NASA would build a program to detect and track fake electronic parts. It would train buying staff, keep a detailed internal database, and favor trusted manufacturers with yearly reviews. NASA would report cases to law enforcement and issue alerts to industry.

Restart fuel for deep-space power systems

If enacted, NASA and the Department of Energy would work together to restart and sustain domestic RTG fuel production for deep‑space missions. Funds authorized in 2010 would be used under a reimbursable agreement.

More small and suborbital research flights

If enacted, NASA would create a suborbital research program to fund payloads and give flight chances on rockets, balloons, aircraft, and reusable suborbital vehicles. It would emphasize college and graduate student work and report yearly on missions and student participation. NASA would also seek cheaper ways to fly small instruments, use the Space Station when practical, and try venture‑class systems to cut cost and schedule risk.

NASA prize contests authority clarified

If enacted, the bill would confirm NASA’s authority to run prize programs. The clarification would take effect January 4, 2011.

Open and fair access to NASA partnerships

If enacted, NASA would publish each Space Act Agreement online within 60 days of signing, with resource commitments and expected benefits. It would send Congress an annual report within 90 days after each fiscal year. Agreements would be nonexclusive when possible, with equal access for partners and protection of proprietary data. If exclusivity is needed, NASA would use competition and public notices when possible.

Plan for NASA facilities and lease money

If enacted, NASA would publish a property policy within 180 days after March 21, 2017. Within one year after that date, NASA would submit a facilities plan with maintenance, modernization, disposal steps, and priorities for deferred repairs, plus timelines and resources. Money from NASA facility leases would go into a specific construction and environmental account. It would be available for five years and only if Congress provides it in appropriations.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30]

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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