[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.

                          ____________________