Nasa Reauthorization Act of 2024

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024. I thank the chairman of the Science Committee, Mr. Lucas, for his leadership of this bipartisan bill, of which I am an original cosponsor.

I am pleased that we are able to continue our committee's long history of bipartisanship when it comes to supporting NASA and our Nation's preeminent science and technology enterprise. I also thank the many members of the Science Committee for their constructive contributions and amendments that made needed improvements to this legislation.

While not perfect, this is a good bill that builds on the NASA Authorization Act of 2022 that was enacted as part of the CHIPS and Science Act. H.R. 8958 reaffirms America's commitment to science exploration, Earth and space science, aeronautics, innovation, education, and inspiration.

Through NASA's triumphs, our Nation has demonstrated to the world what can be achieved when great minds work together. There are countless technologies and services originated in the science program that benefit the everyday lives of Americans. Our investment in civil space has and will continue making remarkable contributions to innovation and economic prosperity here on Earth.

However, many of the dividends that NASA pays are immeasurable. NASA's science and human spaceflight missions have inspired generations of Americans and NASA's outreach and STEM programming have set countless young people on a path to degrees and careers in STEM.

Just last week, we were finally able to honor NASA's hidden figures with their Congressional Gold Medals. We have these women to thank for the success of our space program. Throughout their careers, they faced the unjust cruelties of racism and sexism, and still they persevered. It is with the legacies of Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and all the women computers, mathematicians, and engineers at NASA and NACA during the space race in mind that we ensure NASA and the rest of our Federal science enterprise help lead the way in building STEM opportunities for all.

Put simply, we can only lead in science and technology with a STEM workforce that represents the rich diversity of our Nation. It is with the legacies of these trailblazing women in mind that this legislation supports NASA's STEM education portfolio, including the Minority University Research and Education Project.

I am pleased this bill provides continuity of policy and purpose for human exploration, the Moon to Mars program, and provides for NASA's continued use of low-Earth orbit to advance science and reduce exploration risks.

The bill directs NASA to both prepare for the safe deorbiting of the International Space Station at the end of its operational life while also planning for a robust and resilient architecture for the future of low-Earth orbit.

This legislation also supports NASA's science and aeronautics portfolios under which essential work is done. For example, NASA's Earth science satellites and research are critical to understanding and responding to global climate change. Under this bill, we will also improve our ability to detect large methane emission events and monitor greenhouse gases. Close to home for me, the NASA Ames Research Center does important aeronautical work to improve aerial responses to wildfires, including by developing and testing drone technology and aerial operations for wildland fire response.

I appreciate and commend the constructive input of NASA and the space and aerospace community as this bill came together. I thank Chairmen Lucas and Babin and their staffs for their hard work, cooperation, and consideration of our recommendations. I give special thanks to Ranking Member Sorensen for his leadership on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee and to Pam Whitney and Ashlee Wilkins on the Democratic staff of the committee.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and pass the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

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Mrs. FOUSHEE. Mr. Speaker, I have no requests for time to speak on this bill, and I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 8958, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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