HOUSE SS&T MARKUP OF DOE/NASA RESEARCH COORDINATION ACT, June 14, 2023, DC, 10:00 am ET

The House Science, Space and Technology (SS&T) Committee will hold a markup session on June 14, 2023 in 2318 Rayburn House Office Building at 10:00 am ET. It will be webcast on the committee’s YouTube channel.

Among the bills to be considered is H.R. 2988, The DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Brandon Williams (R-NY) and Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL).

In a press release when the bill was introduced, the sponsors explained its purpose as follows:

“Strong collaborations push our understanding of the world to new heights,” said Sorensen. “I’m proud to spearhead this bipartisan initiative with my colleagues to codify the natural relationship between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Department of Energy to prepare our country for the next great advancements in science and exploration.”

“I am thrilled to announce the introduction of the DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act. My legislation will help support the cross-agency and collaborative research between the Department of Energy and NASA, codifying their working relationship into law,” said Williams. “Together, the DOE and NASA will engage directly on R&D for propulsion systems, fundamental high-energy physics, quantum network infrastructure, and more. These two agencies share a common goal of advancing scientific knowledge and improving our understanding of the universe. This bill will facilitate that mission and I look forward to the report on their joint findings and progress for years to come.”

The committee will also markup the FAA Research and Development Act (H.R. 3559), but it does not have any language directly affecting FAA’s reponsibilities for commercial space launch. A third bill (H. R. 2980, the DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act) also is not space-related.