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119-s-2351119th CongressWALLET
Space Exploration Research Act
Sponsored By: Senator Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
In Committee
Summary
New long-term lease authority for NASA. This bill would let NASA lease real property for up to 50 years to states, colleges, and tax-exempt nonprofits so they can run space and aeronautics research, education, training, and technology transfer activities.
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- For NASA: It would create a dedicated supplemental leasing tool and let the Administrator delegate leasing powers. NASA could enter back-lease arrangements, contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and provide administrative or instructional support to partners, subject to available appropriations and on terms that protect U.S. interests.
- For states, universities, and nonprofits: Eligible entities include the State where the property sits, state agencies, 501(c)(3) education or science organizations, and institutions of higher education. Those partners could hold and renew long-term leases to operate facilities for research, training, and related space activities.
- For oversight and accountability: The bill would require an annual report due January 31 to House and Senate science committees documenting mission relevance, revenues and use of funds for NASA’s operating plan, the number of leases by center, and estimated cost savings from reduced maintenance and other quantifiable benefits.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
NASA leases to states, colleges, nonprofits
If enacted, NASA would be allowed to lease land and buildings it controls to eligible partners for up to 50 years. Leases could be renewed and must be used for space and aeronautical research, education and training for space careers, technology transfer, and related scientific or academic activities. Eligible partners would include the State where the property sits, subdivisions or state agencies, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) education or science organizations, and institutions of higher education. NASA would also be able to lease property back, make contracts and agreements with lessees, and give administrative or instructional support with or without reimbursement; leasebacks would be subject to available appropriations. The Administrator could delegate these authorities and the new leasing rules would apply even if other federal leasing laws say otherwise.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
TX • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 7/17/2025
Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL]
AL • R
Sponsored 7/17/2025
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 7/17/2025
Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 7/17/2025
Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
MS • R
Sponsored 7/17/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov