Markup spotlights deep cuts to NSF, NASA science and aeronautics; members warn of lost edge in research

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle raised alarms about reductions to science, technology, and aeronautics accounts in the Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill. Democrats said the measure would cut the National Science Foundation by roughly $2 billion and trim NASA science accounts by about $1.3 billion—changes they said would hollow out research, STEM education, and climate monitoring. Several members, including Representative Hoyer and Representative Morelli, invoked historical investments after Sputnik to argue that sustained federal science funding is essential to national security and economic competitiveness; Representative Kaptur pressed to restore aeronautics funding to prior levels to support propulsion and manufacturing. Republicans said they prioritized NASA operations and civil space leadership while reining in what they described as regulatory excess elsewhere, and noted some allocations in the bill exceed the president’s request. Members also debated a provision from recently enacted reconciliation legislation that directs NASA shuttle Discovery’s relocation; an amendment removing the shuttle carryover was discussed during the markup. The discussion included questions about maintaining talent and international competition, with multiple members urging restorations in conference.