Nasa Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act of 2021

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support strong of H.R. 5746, the NASA Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act of 2021, legislation that I cosponsored, to extend NASA's enhanced use leasing authority, which expires on December 31.

NASA has used enhanced use leases for almost 20 years to enter into arrangements to lease idle or underutilized areas on NASA property to the private sector, to State and local governments, and to academic institutions and universities.

NASA can then use some of the money raised from the leases to offset spending for facilities maintenance, capital revitalization, and real property improvements. NASA expects to collect over $14 million in net revenue in 2022 from enhanced use leases and apply that money to its deferred maintenance backlog.

The last extension of the enhanced use lease authority was for 2 years. H.R. 5746 will extend it for 10 years, until December 31, 2031.

This 10-year authority will give NASA and its partners the flexibility and predictability to enter into longer term leases, which could reduce the burden on taxpayers and help the United States' commercial space industry continue to compete and out-innovate the world.

I proudly represent the Johnson Space Center of Houston, Texas. As a strong advocate for this vital NASA center, as well as for all of our NASA centers, I want to make sure that we are doing the utmost to empower the brilliant men and women supporting our space industry, scientific discovery, and human exploration.

Mr. Speaker, passage of this legislation will allow NASA to better manage their infrastructure, maintain their facilities, and support the commercial space industry. The provision is fiscally responsible, as it helps NASA collect revenue from its underutilized properties.

Congress will continue to provide oversight of how NASA uses this authority in the coming years to ensure that taxpayer interests are protected and that the authority is not misused.

I would like to thank Representative Frank Lucas, the ranking member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, for his leadership on this important topic. He is a strong advocate for not only our Nation's space program but for our entire scientific enterprise, both public and private.

I would also like to thank Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, my colleague from Texas, and also my friend, Chairman Don Beyer, for their efforts to expedite this bill, as well as the majority and minority staff of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

I would also like to thank the NASA civil servant and contractor workforce. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, NASA employees and contractors have been able to accomplish phenomenal achievements. From once again launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil, to landing a rover the size of an SUV on Mars, to flying the first helicopter on another planet, NASA has not missed a stride. These achievements are a credit to the perseverance and fortitude of the entire NASA family, and I look forward to witnessing many more amazing feats in the coming weeks and months. It is an exciting time.

Finally, I would also like to recognize the passing yesterday of Mark Geyer, the former Director of Johnson Space Center. Mark was a stalwart leader, a skilled engineer, and a thoughtful friend.

Representing the Johnson Space Center afforded me the opportunity to work with Mark over the years, and I can tell you that he had a profound impact on our Nation's space program.

I would also like to wish his wife, Jackie, his three children, and the entire Geyer family my heartfelt condolences and thank them for Mark's service to NASA, the American people, and the noble endeavor of space exploration.

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