[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 153 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H9601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1995
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hefley). Pursuant to House Resolution
228 and rule XXIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of
the Whole House on the State of the Union for the further consideration
of the bill, H.R. 1601.
{time} 1134
in the committee of the whole
Accordingly the House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole
House on the State of the Union for the further consideration of the
bill (H.R. 1601) to authorize appropriations to the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration to develop, assemble, and operate
the international space stations, with Mr. Hobson in the chair.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The CHAIRMAN. When the Committee of the Whole rose on Wednesday,
September 27, 1995, all time for general debate had expired.
The amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the bill shall
be considered by sections as an original bill for the purpose of
amendment, and pursuant to the rule each section is considered read.
During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the
Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition to a member
offering an amendment that has been printed in the designated place in
the Congressional Record. Those amendments will be considered read.
The Clerk will designate section 1.
The text of section 1 is as follows:
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``International Space Station
Authorization Act of 1995''.
The CHAIRMAN. Are there any amendments to section 1?
The Clerk will designate section 2.
The text of section 2 is as follows:
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) the development, assembly, and operation of the
International Space Station is in the national interest of
the United States;
(2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has
restructured and redesigned the International Space Station,
consolidated contract responsibility, and achieved program
management, control, and stability;
(3) the significant involvement by private ventures in
marketing and using, competitively servicing, and
commercially augmenting the operational capabilities of the
International Space Station during its assembly and
operational phases will lower costs and increase benefits to
the international partners;
(4) further rescoping or redesigns of the International
Space Station will lead to costly delays, increase costs to
its international partners, discourage commercial
involvement, and weaken the international space partnership
necessary for future space projects;
(5) total program costs for development, assembly, and
initial operations have been identified and capped to ensure
financial discipline and maintain program schedule
milestones;
(6) in order to contain costs, mission planning and
engineering functions of the National Space Transportation
System (Space Shuttle) program should be coordinated with the
Space Station Program Office;
(7) complete program authorizations for large development
programs promote program stability, reduce the potential for
cost growth, and provide necessary assurance to international
partners and commercial participants; and
(8) the International Space Station represents an important
component of an adequately funded civil space program which
balances human space flight with science, aeronautics, and
technology.
The CHAIRMAN. Are there any amendments to section 2?
Mr. WALKER. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the remainder
of the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute be printed in
the Record and open to amendment at any point.
The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from
Pennsylvania?
There was no objection.
The text of the remainder of the committee amendment in the nature of
a substitute is as follows:
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this Act--
(1) the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and
(2) the term ``cost theat'' means a potential change to the
program baseline documented as a potential cost by the Space
Station Program Office.
SEC. 4. SPACE STATION COMPLETE PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Except as provided in
subsection (b), there are authorized to be appropriated to
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the
period encompassing fiscal year 1996 and all subsequent
fiscal years not to exceed $13,141,000,000, to remain
available until expended, for complete development and
assembly, of, and to provide for initial operations, through
fiscal year 2002, of, the International Space Station. Not
more than $2,121,000,000 may be appropriated for any one
fiscal year.
(b) Certification and Report.--None of the funds authorized
under subsection (a) may be appropriated for any fiscal year
unless, within 60 days after the submission of the
President's budget request for that fiscal year, the
Administrator--
(1) certifies to the Congress that--
(A) the program reserves available for such fiscal year
exceed the total of all cost threats known at the time of
certification;
(B) the Administrator does not foresee delays in the
International Space Station's development or assembly,
including any delays relating to agreements between the
United States and its international partners; and
(C) the International Space Station can be fully developed
and assemble without requiring further authorization of
appropriations beyond amounts authorized under subsection
(a); or
(2) submits to the Congress a report which describes--
(A) the circumstances which prevent a certification under
paragraph (1);
(B) remedial actions undertaken or to be undertaken with
respect to such circumstances;
(C) the effects of such circumstances on the development
and assembly of the International Space Station; and
(D) the justification for proceeding with the program, if
appropriate.
If the Administrator submits a report under paragraph (2),
such report shall include any comments relating thereto
submitted to the Administrator by any involved party.
(c) Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.--The Administrator is
authorized to exercise an option to purchase, for not more
than $35,000,000, the Clear Lake Development Facility,
containing the Sonny Carter Training Facility and the
approximately 13.7 acre parcel of land on which it is
located, using funds authorized by this Act.
SEC. 5. COORDINATED WITH SPACE SHUTTLE.
The Administrator shall--
(1) coordinate the engineering functions of the Space
Shuttle program with the Space Station Program Office to
minimize overlapping activities; and
(2) in the interest of safety and the successful
integration of human spacecraft development with human
spacecraft development with human spaceflight operations,
maintain at one lead center the complementary capabilities of
human spacecraft engineering and astronaut training.
SEC. 6. COMMERCIALIZING OF SPACE STATION.
(a) Policy.--The Congress declares that a priority goal of
constructing the International Space Station is the economic
development of Earth orbital space. The Congress further
declares that the use of free market principles in operating,
allocating the use of, and adding capabilities to the Space
Station, and the resulting fullest possible engagement of
commercial providers and participation of commercial users,
will reduce Space Station operational costs for all partners
and the Federal Government's share of the United States
burden to find operations.
(b) Report.--The Administrator shall deliver to the
Congress, within 60 days after the submission of the
President's budget request for fiscal year 1997, a market
study that examines the role of commercial ventures which
could supply, use, service, or augment the International
Space Station, the specific policies and initiatives the
Administrator is advancing to encourage these commercial
opportunities, the cost savings to be realized by the
international partnership from applying commercial approaches
to cost-shared operations, and the cost reimbursements to the
United States Federal Government from commercial users of the
Space Station.
SEC. 7. SENSE OF CONGRESS
It is the sense of Congress that the ``cost incentive fee''
single prime contract negotiated by the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration for the International Space Station,
and the consolidation of programmatic and financial
accountability into a single Space Station Program Office,
are two examples of reforms for the reinvention of all
National Aeronautics and Space Administration programs that
should be applied as widely and as quickly as possible
throughout the Nation's civil space program.
SEC. 8. SPACE STATION ACCOUNTING REPORT.
Within one year after the date of enactment of this Act,
and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall transmit to
the Congress a report with a complete annual accounting of
all costs of the space station, including cash and other
payments to Russia.
Mr. BEVILL. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R.
1601, the international space station authorization. This legislation
firmly establishes the space station as a national priority. In fact,
it sets completion of the space station as NASA's highest priority.
I commend the committee for crafting a bill that authorizes adequate
funding to complete this project. Stable funding is essential to the
success of the space station program. At the same time, we want to make
sure that the project stays on time and on budget. This legislation
contains those safeguards.
As you know, the space station is the largest cooperative science
program in the world. It has become a premier international undertaking
with the participation of the United States, Canada, Japan, the
European Space Agency, and Russia. Our international partners expect us
to meet our obligations. This legislation will send a strong message
that the United States is committed to completing the space station on
schedule.
NASA has made great strides in streamlining the space station
program. The changes have been extremely positive and excellent
progress has been made. Much of the actual flight hardware has been
completed and the redesign of the space station has succeeded in
lowering its expected cost. The timetable for completion has been
advanced and a launch schedule has been firmly established for late
1997.
The space station is important to the future of high technology in
this country. It will help us advance into the 21st century and keep us
on the cutting edge in our scientific endeavors.
I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.
Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1601, the
international space station authorization.
Space station Freedom represents a challenge for the 21st century.
Not since President John Kennedy challenged this country to land a man
on the Moon has this country had such an opportunity to respond.
The space program has already given us new technologies and products
that have enhanced the quality of our lives.
Technological spinoffs from space research have produced important
benefits for our society. The development of high-speed computers and
the creation of programs and software has improved industrial
engineering. Other advances in computers, miniaturization, electronics,
robotics, and materials have dramatically affected industrial
production and U.S. technological competitiveness.
Advances in biomedical technology from the space program are
abundant, particularly in the areas of monitoring, diagnostic, and
testing equipment. Devices such as the electroencephalograph [EEG] and
the electrocardiogram [EKG], pacemakers and medical scanners have their
origins in equipment developed for the space program. Other medical
advances include surgical tools, voice operated wheelchairs, and an
implantable insulin delivery system.
New products such as photovoltaic power cells, improved thermal
underwear, digital clocks, battery-powered hand tools and scratch-
resistant coating for glasses are only a few of the useful innovations
that are a direct result of the space program.
All of these advancements have provided great benefits to our
society, but as I said during committee consideration of the space
station: The truth is we don't know all of the innovations,
discoveries, and prosperity the space station will bring to us.
Detractors of the space station will argue that during these times of
tough budget decisions we just can't afford it. We have problems in
this country, and we need to tend to them. Having said that, I would
point out that cutting the space station Freedom is not going to solve
them.
Our country will not be stronger, greater, braver, or more prosperous
if we pull back and retreat from human space exploration.
In fact, it will be just the opposite. It is during times like these
that we have to rekindle the human spirit and intellect. To look
forward to the future with hope, daring, and vision. To do less would
be to quit. Give up. That is not the spirit that has made this country
great.
There is a quote from Tennyson on the wall of the House Science
Committee hearing room that says,
For I dipped into the future, far as human eyes could see
Saw the vision of the world and all the wonder that would be.
Tennyson held in wonder the world--we now hold in wonder the
universe.
I ask my colleagues to support space station Freedom.
Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support both H.R. 1601 and
a strong, balanced space program.
Exactly 2 months ago, the House decisively defeated an amendment to
terminate funding for the international space station. Today, we have
the opportunity to pass a multi-year space station authorization bill.
This legislation will provide the program with much-needed stability
and will show our partners from around the globe that we are firmly
committed to this truly international space station.
The bill contains an amendment I offered which was adopted by voice
in the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, providing that the station
is an important part of an adequately funded space program that
balances human space flight with key science, aeronautics, and
technology initiatives like the Mission to Planet Earth.
Mr. Chairman, our country needs a strong and balanced space program.
The international space station needs stability once and for all. I
urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1601.
Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my support for H.R.
1601, the International Space Station Authorization Act of 1995. This
bill gives NASA the authority to proceed with its current space station
development plan, extending the authorization through complete assembly
in fiscal year 2002. H.R. 1601 authorizes a total of $13.1 billion for
station, with authorizations not to exceed $2.1 billion in any 1 fiscal
year. Importantly, the authorization is conditioned upon each year's
success, meaning NASA must be on time and on budget for this
legislation to remain effective.
As you are aware the space station has gone through numerous
redesigns since its inception in 1984, as the space station Freedom
program. The redesigns and the on-again, off-again nature of space
station budgets has led to increased costs. The bill before us is
essential if we are to secure completion of the international space
station, ensure reduced costs, and demonstrate to our international
partners our commitment to completing this long-awaited project.
The international space station is the largest international
scientific and technological endeavor ever undertaken. The project is
taking shape not only here at home, but in 13 nations around the world.
The space station will provide a permanent laboratory in an environment
where gravity, temperature, and pressure can be changed and manipulated
in such a way that is not possible on Earth. The opportunities for
scientific and technical experimentation and for educational growth are
unmatched. The station will clearly be the scientific testbed for the
technologies of the future. It will allow us to expand our existing
capabilities in areas such as telecommunications, medical research, and
new and advanced industrial materials. And the technologies we develop
in space will have immediate and practical applications for our
citizens on Earth.
Mr. Chairman, the space station project is essential for the United
States if we are to maintain our commitment and leadership in space. It
will serve as the driving force for the technical R&D that will keep us
competitive in the 21st century. Further, it will inspire our children,
and foster their interest in space and science. I urge my colleagues to
support H.R. 1601.
Mr. GANSKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1601, the
International Space Station Authorization Act of 1995.
The American people are tired of Washington wasting their money on
frivolous projects. Projects that begin with good intentions. Projects
that grow in size and price and begin to take on a life of their own
because no one has the courage to stop them.
Proponents of this bill state that we must authorize the space
station for the next 7 years to demonstrate a commitment to our
international partners. Meanwhile, we leave ourselves no way out should
any of our partners decide to end or decrease their participation. And
if they do drop out, we will be forced to increase our spending to pick
up the slack, or publicly admit that we have spent billions on a failed
program.
Full-program authorization is premature and ill-advised. Boeing has
still not signed contracts with major subcontractors. International
agreements have not been reached.
Space station supporters recognize that the program may not have the
financial reserves to cover cost overruns. They acknowledge that our
international partners are facing budget constraints and may not be
able to fully participate. What they refuse to admit is that we do not
need to spend $94 billion to construct and maintain the space station
until 2012 in order to demonstrate a cooperative international effort
in space.
I have too many questions and far too many doubts about the space
station to support a 1-year, let alone a 7-year, $13 billion
authorization. We cannot afford the space station and we cannot afford
to make the space station NASA's top priority at the expenses of other
worthwhile programs.
The CHAIRMAN. Are there any amendments to the committee amendment in
the nature of a substitute?
The question is on the committee amendment in the nature of a
substitute.
The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute was agreed to.
The CHAIRMAN. Under the rule, the Committee rises.
Accordingly the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr.
Hefley) having assumed the chair, Mr. Hobson, Chairman of the Committee
of the Whole House on the State of the Union, reported that that
Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1601), to
authorize appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration to develop, assemble, and operate the International
Space Station, pursuant to House Resolution 228, reported the bill back
to the House with an amendment adopted by the Committee of the Whole.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the rule, the previous question is
ordered.
The question is on the committee amendment in the nature of a
substitute.
The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute was agreed to.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the engrossment and third
reading of the bill.
The bill ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, was read the
third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the
table.
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