Science committee advances bipartisan package on space, research security, pipelines and low‑emission materials

The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on Monday completed a bipartisan markup and ordered a package of bills favorably reported to the House, moving legislative steps on space operations, research security, pipeline research and lower‑emission construction materials.

Chairman Lucas opened the session by listing bills spanning NASA policy, research security and energy infrastructure. The first measure, HR 272, the ASTRO Act, was described by sponsor Rep. Babin as a targeted fix to reduce administrative burden: “The Astro Act will give a blanket approval to transport astronauts after their missions until they are medically cleared to drive,” he said, and the bill also requires NASA to send an annual report to Congress on how funds are used under the measure.

The committee also advanced HR 6219, the Ascend Act, which would permanently authorize NASA’s commercial small‑satellite data acquisition program to procure commercial Earth remote‑sensing data. Rep. Kane and lead cosponsor Rep. Bonamici said the program helps researchers and agencies gain improved data for disasters, agriculture and environmental management; Rep. Sykes’s amendment to prioritize broad non‑NASA use and, where practicable, U.S. vendors was agreed to.

Members backed HR 7687, the NASA Streamlining Partnerships Act (SPREES Act),…