HASC "Orders Reported" the FY2010 DOD Authorization Bill, H.R. 2647; Floor Action Possible Next Week

HASC "Orders Reported" the FY2010 DOD Authorization Bill, H.R. 2647; Floor Action Possible Next Week

The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) completed its markup of the FY2010 Department of Defense Authorization Bill, H.R. 2647, on June 17 and ordered it reported from committee (which means that the committee agreed to it, but the report has not yet been formally submitted). No significant amendments affecting national security space programs appear to have been adopted. As ordered report, the bill includes–

  • an addition of $23 million for Operationally Responsive Space (for a total of $136 million) to fully fund the first operational ORS satellite, ORS Sat-1;
  • reductions of $59 million from High-Integrity GPS and $20 million from Third Generation Infrared Surveillance; and
  • a reduction of $88.1 million from Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle procurement reflecting the need for one fewer in FY2010 than anticipated.

The bill requires DOD to submit a space science and technology strategy annually, and directs DOD, in consultation with NOAA and NASA, to evaluate options for restructuring NPOESS. The bill also requires DOD to plan a strategy for military requirements for military communications satellites that takes into account the fragility of the industrial base. It also makes permanent the Air Force pilot program for sharing space surveillance data with state governents, U.S. and foreign commercial entities, and foreign governments, to reduce the possibility of satellite collisions.

According to Congress Daily (subscription required), the bill may go to the floor next week.

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