[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 10, 2015)]
[House]
[Pages H873-H892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2015

  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 810) to authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                H.R. 810

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2015''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.

                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

Sec. 101. Fiscal year 2015.

                      TITLE II--HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT

                        Subtitle A--Exploration

Sec. 201. Space exploration policy.
Sec. 202. Stepping stone approach to exploration.
Sec. 203. Space Launch System.
Sec. 204. Orion crew capsule.
Sec. 205. Space radiation.
Sec. 206. Planetary protection for human exploration missions.

                      Subtitle B--Space Operations

Sec. 211. International Space Station.
Sec. 212. Barriers impeding enhanced utilization of the ISS's National 
              Laboratory by commercial companies.
Sec. 213. Utilization of International Space Station for science 
              missions.
Sec. 214. International Space Station cargo resupply services lessons 
              learned.
Sec. 215. Commercial crew program.
Sec. 216. Space communications.

                           TITLE III--SCIENCE

                          Subtitle A--General

Sec. 301. Science portfolio.
Sec. 302. Radioisotope power systems.
Sec. 303. Congressional declaration of policy and purpose.
Sec. 304. University class science missions.
Sec. 305. Assessment of science mission extensions.

                        Subtitle B--Astrophysics

Sec. 311. Decadal cadence.
Sec. 312. Extrasolar planet exploration strategy.
Sec. 313. James Webb Space Telescope.
Sec. 314. National Reconnaissance Office telescope donation.
Sec. 315. Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope.
Sec. 316. Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy.

                     Subtitle C--Planetary Science

Sec. 321. Decadal cadence.
Sec. 322. Near-Earth objects.
Sec. 323. Near-Earth objects public-private partnerships.
Sec. 324. Research on near-earth object tsunami effects.
Sec. 325. Astrobiology strategy.
Sec. 326. Astrobiology public-private partnerships.
Sec. 327. Assessment of Mars architecture.

                        Subtitle D--Heliophysics

Sec. 331. Decadal cadence.
Sec. 332. Review of space weather.

                       Subtitle E--Earth Science

Sec. 341. Goal.
Sec. 342. Decadal cadence.
Sec. 343. Venture class missions.
Sec. 344. Assessment.

                         TITLE IV--AERONAUTICS

Sec. 401. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 402. Aeronautics research goals.
Sec. 403. Unmanned aerial systems research and development.
Sec. 404. Research program on composite materials used in aeronautics.
Sec. 405. Hypersonic research.
Sec. 406. Supersonic research.
Sec. 407. Research on NextGen airspace management concepts and tools.
Sec. 408. Rotorcraft research.
Sec. 409. Transformative aeronautics research.
Sec. 410. Study of United States leadership in aeronautics research.

                       TITLE V--SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Sec. 501. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 502. Space Technology Program.
Sec. 503. Utilization of the International Space Station for technology 
              demonstrations.

                          TITLE VI--EDUCATION

Sec. 601. Education.
Sec. 602. Independent review of the National Space Grant College and 
              Fellowship Program.
Sec. 603. Sense of Congress.

                      TITLE VII--POLICY PROVISIONS

Sec. 701. Asteroid Retrieval Mission.
Sec. 702. Termination liability sense of Congress.
Sec. 703. Baseline and cost controls.
Sec. 704. Project and program reserves.
Sec. 705. Independent reviews.
Sec. 706. Commercial technology transfer program.
Sec. 707. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Advisory 
              Council.
Sec. 708. Cost estimation.
Sec. 709. Avoiding organizational conflicts of interest in major 
              Administration acquisition programs.
Sec. 710. Facilities and infrastructure.
Sec. 711. Detection and avoidance of counterfeit electronic parts.
Sec. 712. Space Act Agreements.
Sec. 713. Human spaceflight accident investigations.
Sec. 714. Fullest commercial use of space.
Sec. 715. Orbital debris.
Sec. 716. Review of orbital debris removal concepts.
Sec. 717. Use of operational commercial suborbital vehicles for 
              research, development, and education.
Sec. 718. Fundamental space life and physical sciences research.
Sec. 719. Restoring commitment to engineering research.
Sec. 720. Liquid rocket engine development program.
Sec. 721. Remote satellite servicing demonstrations.
Sec. 722. Information technology governance.
Sec. 723. Strengthening Administration security.
Sec. 724. Prohibition on use of funds for contractors that have 
              committed fraud or other crimes.
Sec. 725. Protection of Apollo landing sites.
Sec. 726. Astronaut occupational healthcare.
Sec. 727. Sense of Congress on access to observational data sets.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
       (2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
     Administrator of the Administration.

[[Page H874]]

       (3) Orion crew capsule.--The term ``Orion crew capsule'' 
     means the multipurpose crew vehicle described in section 303 
     of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323).
       (4) Space act agreement.--The term ``Space Act Agreement'' 
     means an agreement created under the authority to enter into 
     ``other transactions'' under section 20113(e) of title 51, 
     United States Code.
       (5) Space launch system.--The term ``Space Launch System'' 
     means the follow-on Government-owned civil launch system 
     developed, managed, and operated by the Administration to 
     serve as a key component to expand human presence beyond low-
     Earth orbit, as described in section 302 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322).

                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

     SEC. 101. FISCAL YEAR 2015.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Administration for fiscal year 2015 $18,010,200,000 as 
     follows:
       (1) For Space Exploration, $4,356,700,000, of which--
       (A) $1,700,000,000 shall be for the Space Launch System;
       (B) $351,300,000 shall be for Exploration Ground Systems;
       (C) $1,194,000,000 shall be for the Orion crew capsule;
       (D) $306,400,000 shall be for Exploration Research and 
     Development; and
       (E) $805,000,000 shall be for Commercial Crew Development 
     activities.
       (2) For Space Operations, $3,827,800,000.
       (3) For Science, $5,244,700,000, of which--
       (A) $1,772,500,000 shall be for Earth Science;
       (B) $1,437,800,000 shall be for Planetary Science, with up 
     to $30,000,000 for the Astrobiology Institute;
       (C) $684,800,000 shall be for Astrophysics;
       (D) $645,400,000 shall be for the James Webb Space 
     Telescope;
       (E) $662,200,000 shall be for Heliophysics; and
       (F) $42,000,000 shall be for Education.
       (4) For Aeronautics, $651,000,000.
       (5) For Space Technology, $596,000,000.
       (6) For Education, $119,000,000.
       (7) For Safety, Security, and Mission Services, 
     $2,758,900,000.
       (8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and 
     Restoration, $419,100,000.
       (9) For Inspector General, $37,000,000.

                      TITLE II--HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT

                        Subtitle A--Exploration

     SEC. 201. SPACE EXPLORATION POLICY.

       (a) Policy.--Human exploration deeper into the solar system 
     shall be a core mission of the Administration. It is the 
     policy of the United States that the goal of the 
     Administration's exploration program shall be to successfully 
     conduct a crewed mission to the surface of Mars to begin 
     human exploration of that planet. The use of the surface of 
     the Moon, cis-lunar space, near-Earth asteroids, Lagrangian 
     points, and Martian moons may be pursued provided they are 
     properly incorporated into the Human Exploration Roadmap 
     described in section 70504 of title 51, United States Code.
       (b) Vision for Space Exploration.--Section 20302 of title 
     51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Orion crew capsule.--The term `Orion crew capsule' 
     means the multipurpose crew vehicle described in section 303 
     of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323).
       ``(2) Space launch system.--The term `Space Launch System' 
     means the follow-on Government-owned civil launch system 
     developed, managed, and operated by the Administration to 
     serve as a key component to expand human presence beyond low-
     Earth orbit, as described in section 302 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322).''.
       (c) Key Objectives.--Section 202(b) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) to accelerate the development of capabilities to 
     enable a human exploration mission to the surface of Mars and 
     beyond through the prioritization of those technologies and 
     capabilities best suited for such a mission in accordance 
     with the Human Exploration Roadmap under section 70504 of 
     title 51, United States Code.''.
       (d) Use of Non-United States Human Space Flight 
     Transportation Capabilities.--Section 201(a) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18311(a)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(a) Use of Non-United States Human Space Flight 
     Transportation Capabilities.--
       ``(1) In general.--NASA may not obtain non-United States 
     human space flight capabilities unless no domestic commercial 
     or public-private partnership provider that the Administrator 
     has determined to meet safety and affordability requirements 
     established by NASA for the transport of its astronauts is 
     available to provide such capabilities.
       ``(2) Definition.--For purposes of this subsection, the 
     term `domestic commercial provider' means a person providing 
     space transportation services or other space-related 
     activities, the majority control of which is held by persons 
     other than a Federal, State, local, or foreign government, 
     foreign company, or foreign national.''.
       (e) Repeal of Space Shuttle Capability Assurance.--Section 
     203 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18313) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b);
       (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``subsection (c)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (b)''; and
       (3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 
     (b) and (c), respectively.

     SEC. 202. STEPPING STONE APPROACH TO EXPLORATION.

       (a) In General.--Section 70504 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 70504. Stepping stone approach to exploration

       ``(a) In General.--In order to maximize the cost 
     effectiveness of the long-term space exploration and 
     utilization activities of the United States, the 
     Administrator shall direct the Human Exploration and 
     Operations Mission Directorate, or its successor division, to 
     develop a Human Exploration Roadmap to define the specific 
     capabilities and technologies necessary to extend human 
     presence to the surface of Mars and the sets and sequences of 
     missions required to demonstrate such capabilities and 
     technologies.
       ``(b) International Participation.--The President should 
     invite the United States partners in the International Space 
     Station program and other nations, as appropriate, to 
     participate in an international initiative under the 
     leadership of the United States to achieve the goal of 
     successfully conducting a crewed mission to the surface of 
     Mars.
       ``(c) Roadmap Requirements.--In developing the Human 
     Exploration Roadmap, the Administrator shall--
       ``(1) include the specific set of capabilities and 
     technologies that contribute to extending human presence to 
     the surface of Mars and the sets and sequences of missions 
     necessary to demonstrate the proficiency of these 
     capabilities and technologies with an emphasis on using or 
     not using the International Space Station, lunar landings, 
     cis-lunar space, trans-lunar space, Lagrangian points, and 
     the natural satellites of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, as 
     testbeds, as necessary, and shall include the most 
     appropriate process for developing such capabilities and 
     technologies;
       ``(2) include information on the phasing of planned 
     intermediate destinations, Mars mission risk areas and 
     potential risk mitigation approaches, technology requirements 
     and phasing of required technology development activities, 
     the management strategy to be followed, related International 
     Space Station activities, and planned international 
     collaborative activities, potential commercial contributions, 
     and other activities relevant to the achievement of the goal 
     established in section 201(a) of the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration Authorization Act of 2015;
       ``(3) describe those technologies already under development 
     across the Federal Government or by nongovernment entities 
     which meet or exceed the needs described in paragraph (1);
       ``(4) provide a specific process for the evolution of the 
     capabilities of the fully integrated Orion crew capsule with 
     the Space Launch System and how these systems demonstrate the 
     capabilities and technologies described in paragraph (1);
       ``(5) provide a description of the capabilities and 
     technologies that need to be demonstrated or research data 
     that could be gained through the utilization of the 
     International Space Station and the status of the development 
     of such capabilities and technologies;
       ``(6) describe a framework for international cooperation in 
     the development of all technologies and capabilities required 
     in this section, as well as an assessment of the risks posed 
     by relying on international partners for capabilities and 
     technologies on the critical path of development;
       ``(7) describe a process for utilizing nongovernmental 
     entities for future human exploration beyond lunar landings 
     and cis-lunar space and specify what, if any, synergy could 
     be gained from--
       ``(A) partnerships using Space Act Agreements (as defined 
     in section 2 of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2015); or
       ``(B) other acquisition instruments;
       ``(8) include in the Human Exploration Roadmap an addendum 
     from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Advisory Council, and an addendum from the Aerospace Safety 
     Advisory Panel, each with a statement of review of the Human 
     Exploration Roadmap that shall include--
       ``(A) subjects of agreement;
       ``(B) areas of concern; and
       ``(C) recommendations; and
       ``(9) include in the Human Exploration Roadmap an 
     examination of the benefits of utilizing current 
     Administration launch facilities for trans-lunar missions.
       ``(d) Updates.--The Administrator shall update such Human 
     Exploration Roadmap as needed but no less frequently than 
     every 2 years and include it in the budget for that

[[Page H875]]

     fiscal year transmitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of 
     title 31, and describe--
       ``(1) the achievements and goals reached in the process of 
     developing such capabilities and technologies during the 2-
     year period prior to the submission of the update to 
     Congress; and
       ``(2) the expected goals and achievements in the following 
     2-year period.
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `Orion crew 
     capsule' and `Space Launch System' have the meanings given 
     such terms in section 20302.''.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a 
     copy of the Human Exploration Roadmap developed under section 
     70504 of title 51, United States Code, to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       (2) Updates.--The Administrator shall transmit a copy of 
     each updated Human Exploration Roadmap to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate not later than 7 days after such 
     Human Exploration Roadmap is updated.

     SEC. 203. SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) the Space Launch System is the most practical approach 
     to reaching the Moon, Mars, and beyond, and Congress 
     reaffirms the policy and minimum capability requirements for 
     the Space Launch System contained in section 302 of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
     Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322);
       (2) the primary goal for the design of the fully integrated 
     Space Launch System, including an upper stage needed to go 
     beyond low-Earth orbit, is to safely carry a total payload to 
     enable human space exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond 
     over the course of the next century as required in section 
     302(c) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)); and
       (3) in order to promote safety and reduce programmatic 
     risk, the Administrator shall budget for and undertake a 
     robust ground test and uncrewed and crewed flight test and 
     demonstration program for the Space Launch System and the 
     Orion crew capsule and shall budget for an operational flight 
     rate sufficient to maintain safety and operational readiness.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the President's annual budget requests for the Space Launch 
     System and Orion crew capsule development, test, and 
     operational phases should strive to accurately reflect the 
     resource requirements of each of those phases, consistent 
     with the policy established in section 201(a) of this Act.
       (c) In General.--Given the critical importance of a heavy-
     lift launch vehicle and crewed spacecraft to enable the 
     achievement of the goal established in section 201(a) of this 
     Act, as well as the accomplishment of intermediate 
     exploration milestones and the provision of a backup 
     capability to transfer crew and cargo to the International 
     Space Station, the Administrator shall make the expeditious 
     development, test, and achievement of operational readiness 
     of the Space Launch System and the Orion crew capsule the 
     highest priority of the exploration program.
       (d) Government Accountability Office Review.--Not later 
     than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Comptroller General shall transmit to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report on the Administration's 
     acquisition of ground systems in support of the Space Launch 
     System. The report shall assess the extent to which ground 
     systems acquired in support of the Space Launch System are 
     focused on the direct support of the Space Launch System and 
     shall identify any ground support projects or activities that 
     the Administration is undertaking that do not solely or 
     primarily support the Space Launch System.
       (e) Utilization Report.--The Administrator, in consultation 
     with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National 
     Intelligence, shall prepare a report that addresses the 
     effort and budget required to enable and utilize a cargo 
     variant of the 130-ton Space Launch System configuration 
     described in section 302(c) of the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18322(c)). This report shall also include consideration of 
     the technical requirements of the scientific and national 
     security communities related to such Space Launch System and 
     shall directly assess the utility and estimated cost savings 
     obtained by using such Space Launch System for national 
     security and space science missions. The Administrator shall 
     transmit such report to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not 
     later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (f) Naming Competition.--Beginning not later than 180 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act and concluding not 
     later than 1 year after such date of enactment, the 
     Administrator shall conduct a well-publicized competition 
     among students in elementary and secondary schools to name 
     the elements of the Administration's exploration program, 
     including--
       (1) a name for the deep space human exploration program as 
     a whole, which includes the Space Launch System, the Orion 
     crew capsule, and future missions; and
       (2) a name for the Space Launch System.
       (g) Advanced Booster Competition.--
       (1) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Associate Administrator of the 
     Administration shall transmit to the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report that--
       (A) describes the estimated total development cost of an 
     advanced booster for the Space Launch System;
       (B) details any reductions or increases to the development 
     cost of the Space Launch System which may result from 
     conducting a competition for an advanced booster; and
       (C) outlines any potential schedule delay to the Space 
     Launch System 2017 Exploration Mission-1 launch as a result 
     of increased costs associated with conducting a competition 
     for an advanced booster.
       (2) Competition.--If the Associate Administrator reports 
     reductions pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), and no adverse 
     schedule impact pursuant to paragraph (1)(C), then the 
     Administration shall conduct a full and open competition for 
     an advanced booster for the Space Launch System to meet the 
     requirements described in section 302(c) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)), to begin as soon as practicable 
     after the development of the upper stage has been initiated.

     SEC. 204. ORION CREW CAPSULE.

       (a) In General.--The Orion crew capsule shall meet the 
     practical needs and the minimum capability requirements 
     described in section 303 of the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18323).
       (b) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a 
     report to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate--
       (1) detailing those components and systems of the Orion 
     crew capsule that ensure it is in compliance with section 
     303(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 18323(b));
       (2) detailing the expected date that the Orion crew capsule 
     will be available to transport crew and cargo to the 
     International Space Station; and
       (3) certifying that the requirements of section 303(b)(3) 
     of such Act (42 U.S.C. 18323(b)(3)) will be met by the 
     Administration.

     SEC. 205. SPACE RADIATION.

       (a) Strategy and Plan.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall develop a space 
     radiation mitigation and management strategy and 
     implementation plan to enable the achievement of the goal 
     established in section 201 that includes key research and 
     monitoring requirements, milestones, a timetable, and an 
     estimate of facility and budgetary requirements.
       (2) Coordination.--The strategy shall include a mechanism 
     for coordinating Administration research, technology, 
     facilities, engineering, operations, and other functions 
     required to support the strategy and plan.
       (3) Transmittal.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the 
     strategy and plan to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
       (b) Space Radiation Research Facilities.--The 
     Administrator, in consultation with the heads of other 
     appropriate Federal agencies, shall assess the national 
     capabilities for carrying out critical ground-based research 
     on space radiation biology and shall identify any issues that 
     could affect the ability to carry out that research.

     SEC. 206. PLANETARY PROTECTION FOR HUMAN EXPLORATION 
                   MISSIONS.

       (a) Study.--The Administrator shall enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Academies for a study to 
     explore the planetary protection ramifications of potential 
     future missions by astronauts such as to the lunar polar 
     regions, near-Earth asteroids, the moons of Mars, and the 
     surface of Mars.
       (b) Scope.--The study shall--
       (1) collate and summarize what has been done to date with 
     respect to planetary protection measures to be applied to 
     potential human missions such as to the lunar polar regions, 
     near-Earth asteroids, the moons of Mars, and the surface of 
     Mars;
       (2) identify and document planetary protection concerns 
     associated with potential human missions such as to the lunar 
     polar regions, near-Earth asteroids, the moons of Mars, and 
     the surface of Mars;
       (3) develop a methodology, if possible, for defining and 
     classifying the degree of concern associated with each likely 
     destination;
       (4) assess likely methodologies for addressing planetary 
     protection concerns; and
       (5) identify areas for future research to reduce current 
     uncertainties.
       (c) Completion Date.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the 
     results of the study to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House

[[Page H876]]

     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate.

                      Subtitle B--Space Operations

     SEC. 211. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) The International Space Station is an ideal testbed for 
     future exploration systems development, including long-
     duration space travel.
       (2) The use of the private market to provide cargo and crew 
     transportation services is currently the most expeditious 
     process to restore domestic access to the International Space 
     Station and low-Earth orbit.
       (3) Government access to low-Earth orbit is paramount to 
     the continued success of the International Space Station and 
     National Laboratory.
       (b) In General.--The following is the policy of the United 
     States:
       (1) The United States International Space Station program 
     shall have two primary objectives: supporting achievement of 
     the goal established in section 201 of this Act and pursuing 
     a research program that advances knowledge and provides 
     benefits to the Nation. It shall continue to be the policy of 
     the United States to, in consultation with its international 
     partners in the International Space Station program, support 
     full and complete utilization of the International Space 
     Station.
       (2) The International Space Station shall be utilized to 
     the maximum extent practicable for the development of 
     capabilities and technologies needed for the future of human 
     exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and shall be considered in 
     the development of the Human Exploration Roadmap developed 
     under section 70504 of title 51, United States Code.
       (3) The Administrator shall, in consultation with the 
     International Space Station partners--
       (A) take all necessary measures to support the operation 
     and full utilization of the International Space Station; and
       (B) seek to minimize, to the extent practicable, the 
     operating costs of the International Space Station.
       (4) Reliance on foreign carriers for crew transfer is 
     unacceptable, and the Nation's human space flight program 
     must acquire the capability to launch United States 
     astronauts on United States rockets from United States soil 
     as soon as is safe and practically possible, whether on 
     Government-owned and operated space transportation systems or 
     privately owned systems that have been certified for flight 
     by the appropriate Federal agencies.
       (c) Reaffirmation of Policy.--Congress reaffirms--
       (1) its commitment to the development of a commercially 
     developed launch and delivery system to the International 
     Space Station for crew missions as expressed in the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2005 (Public Law 109-155), the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-
     422), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-267);
       (2) that the Administration shall make use of United States 
     commercially provided International Space Station crew 
     transfer and crew rescue services to the maximum extent 
     practicable;
       (3) that the Orion crew capsule shall provide an 
     alternative means of delivery of crew and cargo to the 
     International Space Station, in the event other vehicles, 
     whether commercial vehicles or partner-supplied vehicles, are 
     unable to perform that function; and
       (4) the policy stated in section 501(b) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18351(b)) that the Administration shall 
     pursue international, commercial, and intragovernmental means 
     to maximize International Space Station logistics supply, 
     maintenance, and operational capabilities, reduce risks to 
     International Space Station systems sustainability, and 
     offset and minimize United States operations costs relating 
     to the International Space Station.
       (d) Assured Access to Low-Earth Orbit.--Section 70501(a) of 
     title 51, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(a) Policy Statement.--It is the policy of the United 
     States to maintain an uninterrupted capability for human 
     space flight and operations in low-Earth orbit, and beyond, 
     as an essential instrument of national security and the 
     capability to ensure continued United States participation 
     and leadership in the exploration and utilization of 
     space.''.
       (e) Repeals.--
       (1) Use of space shuttle or alternatives.--Chapter 701 of 
     title 51, United States Code, and the item relating to such 
     chapter in the table of chapters for such title, are 
     repealed.
       (2) Shuttle pricing policy for commercial and foreign 
     users.--Chapter 703 of title 51, United States Code, and the 
     item relating to such chapter in the table of chapters for 
     such title, are repealed.
       (3) Shuttle privatization.--Section 50133 of title 51, 
     United States Code, and the item relating to such section in 
     the table of sections for chapter 501 of such title, are 
     repealed.
       (f) Extension Criteria Report.--Not later than 1 year after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     feasibility of extending the operation of the International 
     Space Station that includes--
       (1) criteria for defining the International Space Station 
     as a research success;
       (2) any necessary contributions to enabling execution of 
     the Human Exploration Roadmap developed under section 70504 
     of title 51, United States Code;
       (3) cost estimates for operating the International Space 
     Station to achieve the criteria required under paragraph (1);
       (4) cost estimates for extending operations to 2024 and 
     2030;
       (5) an assessment of how the defined criteria under 
     paragraph (1) respond to the National Academies Decadal 
     Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space; and
       (6) an identification of the actions and cost estimate 
     needed to deorbit the International Space Station once a 
     decision is made to deorbit the laboratory.
       (g) Strategic Plan for International Space Station 
     Research.--
       (1) In general.--The Director of the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy, in consultation with the Administrator, 
     academia, other Federal agencies, the International Space 
     Station National Laboratory Advisory Committee, and other 
     potential stakeholders, shall develop and transmit to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a strategic plan for conducting 
     competitive, peer-reviewed research in physical and life 
     sciences and related technologies on the International Space 
     Station through at least 2020.
       (2) Plan requirements.--The strategic plan shall--
       (A) be consistent with the priorities and recommendations 
     established by the National Academies in its Decadal Survey 
     on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space;
       (B) provide a research timeline and identify resource 
     requirements for its implementation, including the facilities 
     and instrumentation necessary for the conduct of such 
     research; and
       (C) identify--
       (i) criteria for the proposed research, including--

       (I) a justification for the research to be carried out in 
     the space microgravity environment;
       (II) the use of model systems;
       (III) the testing of flight hardware to understand and 
     ensure its functioning in the microgravity environment;
       (IV) the use of controls to help distinguish among the 
     direct and indirect effects of microgravity, among other 
     effects of the flight or space environment;
       (V) approaches for facilitating data collection, analysis, 
     and interpretation;
       (VI) procedures to ensure repetition of experiments, as 
     needed;
       (VII) support for timely presentation of the peer-reviewed 
     results of the research;
       (VIII) defined metrics for the success of each study; and
       (IX) how these activities enable the Human Exploration 
     Roadmap described in section 70504 of title 51, United States 
     Code;

       (ii) instrumentation required to support the measurements 
     and analysis of the research to be carried out under the 
     strategic plan;
       (iii) the capabilities needed to support direct, real-time 
     communications between astronauts working on research 
     experiments onboard the International Space Station and the 
     principal investigator on the ground;
       (iv) a process for involving the external user community in 
     research planning, including planning for relevant flight 
     hardware and instrumentation, and for utilization of the 
     International Space Station, free flyers, or other research 
     platforms;
       (v) the acquisition strategy the Administration plans to 
     use to acquire any new support capabilities which are not 
     operational on the International Space Station as of the date 
     of enactment of this Act, and the criteria the Administration 
     will apply if less than full and open competition is 
     selected; and
       (vi) defined metrics for success of the research plan.
       (3) Report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
     report on the progress of the organization chosen for the 
     management of the International Space Station National 
     Laboratory as directed in section 504 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354).
       (B) Specific requirements.--The report shall assess the 
     management, organization, and performance of such 
     organization and shall include a review of the status of each 
     of the 7 required activities listed in section 504(c) of such 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 18354(c)).

     SEC. 212. BARRIERS IMPEDING ENHANCED UTILIZATION OF THE ISS'S 
                   NATIONAL LABORATORY BY COMMERCIAL COMPANIES.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) enhanced utilization of the International Space 
     Station's National Laboratory requires a full understanding 
     of the barriers impeding such utilization and actions

[[Page H877]]

     needed to be taken to remove or mitigate them to the maximum 
     extent practicable; and
       (2) doing so will allow the Administration to encourage 
     commercial companies to invest in microgravity research using 
     National Laboratory research facilities.
       (b) Assessment.--The Administrator shall enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Academies for an assessment 
     to--
       (1) identify barriers impeding enhanced utilization of the 
     International Space Station's National Laboratory;
       (2) recommend ways to encourage commercial companies to 
     make greater use of the International Space Station's 
     National Laboratory, including corporate investment in 
     microgravity research; and
       (3) identify any legislative changes that may be required.
       (c) Transmittal.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to 
     the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate the results of the 
     assessment described in subsection (b).

     SEC. 213. UTILIZATION OF INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION FOR 
                   SCIENCE MISSIONS.

       The Administrator shall utilize the International Space 
     Station for Science Mission Directorate missions in low-Earth 
     orbit wherever it is practical and cost effective to do so.

     SEC. 214. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION CARGO RESUPPLY SERVICES 
                   LESSONS LEARNED.

       Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall transmit a report to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate that--
       (1) identifies the lessons learned to date from the 
     Commercial Resupply Services contract;
       (2) indicates whether changes are needed to the manner in 
     which the Administration procures and manages similar 
     services upon the expiration of the existing Commercial 
     Resupply Services contract; and
       (3) identifies any lessons learned from the Commercial 
     Resupply Services contract that should be applied to the 
     procurement and management of commercially provided crew 
     transfer services to and from the International Space 
     Station.

     SEC. 215. COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     once developed and certified to meet the Administration's 
     safety and reliability requirements, United States 
     commercially provided crew transportation systems offer the 
     potential of serving as the primary means of transporting 
     American astronauts and international partner astronauts to 
     and from the International Space Station and serving as 
     International Space Station emergency crew rescue vehicles. 
     At the same time, the budgetary assumptions used by the 
     Administration in its planning for the Commercial Crew 
     Program have consistently assumed significantly higher 
     funding levels than have been authorized and appropriated by 
     Congress. It is the sense of Congress that credibility in the 
     Administration's budgetary estimates for the Commercial Crew 
     Program can be enhanced by an independently developed cost 
     estimate. Such credibility in budgetary estimates is an 
     important factor in understanding program risk.
       (b) Objective.--The objective of the Administration's 
     Commercial Crew Program shall be to assist the development of 
     at least one crew transportation system to carry 
     Administration astronauts safely, reliably, and affordably to 
     and from the International Space Station and to serve as an 
     emergency crew rescue vehicle as soon as practicable within 
     the funding levels authorized. The Administration shall not 
     use any considerations beyond this objective in the overall 
     acquisition strategy.
       (c) Safety.--Consistent with the findings and 
     recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, 
     the Administration shall ensure that safety and the 
     minimization of the probability of loss of crew are the 
     highest priorities of the commercial crew transportation 
     program.
       (d) Cost Minimization.--The Administrator shall strive 
     through the competitive selection process to minimize the 
     life cycle cost to the Administration through the planned 
     period of commercially provided crew transportation services.
       (e) Transparency.--Transparency is the cornerstone of 
     ensuring a safe and reliable commercial crew transportation 
     service to the International Space Station. The Administrator 
     shall, to the greatest extent practicable, ensure that every 
     commercial crew transportation services provider has provided 
     evidence-based support for their costs and schedule.
       (f) Independent Cost and Schedule Estimate.--
       (1) Requirement.--Not later than 30 days after the Federal 
     Acquisition Regulation-based contract for the Commercial Crew 
     Transportation Capability Contract is awarded, the 
     Administrator shall arrange for the initiation of an 
     Independent Cost and Schedule Estimate for--
       (A) all activities associated with the development, test, 
     demonstration, and certification of commercial crew 
     transportation systems;
       (B) transportation and rescue services required by the 
     Administration for International Space Station operations 
     through calendar year 2020 or later if Administration 
     requirements so dictate; and
       (C) the estimated date of operational readiness for the 
     program each assumption listed in paragraph (2) of this 
     subsection.
       (2) Assumptions.--The Independent Cost and Schedule 
     Estimate shall provide an estimate for each of the following 
     scenarios:
       (A) An appropriation of $600,000,000 over the next 3 fiscal 
     years.
       (B) An appropriation of $700,000,000 over the next 3 fiscal 
     years.
       (C) An appropriation of $800,000,000 over the next 3 fiscal 
     years.
       (D) The funding level assumptions over the next 3 fiscal 
     years that are included as part of commercial crew 
     transportation capability contract awards.
       (3) Transmittal.--Not later than 180 days after initiation 
     of the Independent Cost and Schedule Estimate under paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator shall transmit the results of the 
     Independent Cost and Schedule Estimate to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       (g) Implementation Strategies.--
       (1) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the completion of 
     the Independent Cost and Schedule Estimate under subsection 
     (f), the Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report containing 4 distinct 
     implementation strategies based on such Independent Cost and 
     Schedule Estimate for the final stages of the commercial crew 
     program.
       (2) Requirements.--These options shall include--
       (A) a strategy that assumes an appropriation of 
     $600,000,000 over the next 3 fiscal years;
       (B) a strategy that assumes an appropriation of 
     $700,000,000 over the next 3 fiscal years;
       (C) a strategy that assumes an appropriation of 
     $800,000,000 over the next 3 fiscal years; and
       (D) a strategy that has yet to be considered previously in 
     any budget submission but that the Administration believes 
     could ensure the flight readiness date of 2017 for at least 
     one provider.
       (3) Inclusions.--Each strategy shall include the 
     contracting instruments the Administration will employ to 
     acquire the services in each phase of development or 
     acquisition and the number of commercial providers the 
     Administration will include in the program.

     SEC. 216. SPACE COMMUNICATIONS.

       (a) Plan.--The Administrator shall develop a plan, in 
     consultation with relevant Federal agencies, for updating the 
     Administration's space communications and navigation 
     architecture for low-Earth orbital and deep space operations 
     so that it is capable of meeting the Administration's 
     communications needs over the next 20 years. The plan shall 
     include lifecycle cost estimates, milestones, estimated 
     performance capabilities, and 5-year funding profiles. The 
     plan shall also include an estimate of the amounts of any 
     reimbursements the Administration is likely to receive from 
     other Federal agencies during the expected life of the 
     upgrades described in the plan. At a minimum, the plan shall 
     include a description of the following:
       (1) Steps to sustain the existing space communications and 
     navigation network and infrastructure and priorities for how 
     resources will be applied and cost estimates for the 
     maintenance of existing space communications network 
     capabilities.
       (2) Upgrades needed to support space communications and 
     navigation network and infrastructure requirements, including 
     cost estimates and schedules and an assessment of the impact 
     on missions if resources are not secured at the level needed.
       (3) Projected space communications and navigation network 
     requirements for the next 20 years, including those in 
     support of human space exploration missions.
       (4) Projected Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System 
     requirements for the next 20 years, including those in 
     support of other relevant Federal agencies, and cost and 
     schedule estimates to maintain and upgrade the Tracking and 
     Data Relay Satellite System to meet projected requirements.
       (5) Steps the Administration is taking to meet future space 
     communications requirements after all Tracking and Data Relay 
     Satellite System third-generation communications satellites 
     are operational.
       (6) Steps the Administration is taking to mitigate threats 
     to electromagnetic spectrum use.
       (b) Schedule.--The Administrator shall transmit the plan 
     developed under this section to the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     this Act.

                           TITLE III--SCIENCE

                          Subtitle A--General

     SEC. 301. SCIENCE PORTFOLIO.

       (a) Balanced and Adequately Funded Activities.--Section 803 
     of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (124 Stat. 2832) is amended to read 
     as follows:

[[Page H878]]

     ``SEC. 803. OVERALL SCIENCE PORTFOLIO--SENSE OF THE CONGRESS.

       ``Congress reaffirms its sense, expressed in the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010, that a balanced and adequately funded set of 
     activities, consisting of research and analysis grants 
     programs, technology development, small, medium, and large 
     space missions, and suborbital research activities, 
     contributes to a robust and productive science program and 
     serves as a catalyst for innovation and discovery.''.
       (b) Decadal Surveys.--In proposing the funding of programs 
     and activities for the Administration for each fiscal year, 
     the Administrator shall to the greatest extent practicable 
     follow guidance provided in the current decadal surveys from 
     the National Academies' Space Studies Board.

     SEC. 302. RADIOISOTOPE POWER SYSTEMS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     conducting deep space exploration requires radioisotope power 
     systems, and establishing continuity in the production of the 
     material needed to power these systems is paramount to the 
     success of these future deep space missions. It is further 
     the sense of Congress that Federal agencies supporting the 
     Administration through the production of such material should 
     do so in a cost effective manner so as not to impose 
     excessive reimbursement requirements on the Administration.
       (b) Analysis of Requirements and Risks.--The Director of 
     the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the 
     Administrator, in consultation with other Federal agencies, 
     shall conduct an analysis of--
       (1) the requirements of the Administration for radioisotope 
     power system material that is needed to carry out planned, 
     high priority robotic missions in the solar system and other 
     surface exploration activities beyond low-Earth orbit; and
       (2) the risks to missions of the Administration in meeting 
     those requirements, or any additional requirements, due to a 
     lack of adequate radioisotope power system material.
       (c) Contents of Analysis.--The analysis conducted under 
     subsection (b) shall--
       (1) detail the Administration's current projected mission 
     requirements and associated timeframes for radioisotope power 
     system material;
       (2) explain the assumptions used to determine the 
     Administration's requirements for the material, including--
       (A) the planned use of advanced thermal conversion 
     technology such as advanced thermocouples and Stirling 
     generators and converters; and
       (B) the risks and implications of, and contingencies for, 
     any delays or unanticipated technical challenges affecting or 
     related to the Administration's mission plans for the 
     anticipated use of advanced thermal conversion technology;
       (3) assess the risk to the Administration's programs of any 
     potential delays in achieving the schedule and milestones for 
     planned domestic production of radioisotope power system 
     material;
       (4) outline a process for meeting any additional 
     Administration requirements for the material;
       (5) estimate the incremental costs required to increase the 
     amount of material produced each year, if such an increase is 
     needed to support additional Administration requirements for 
     the material;
       (6) detail how the Administration and other Federal 
     agencies will manage, operate, and fund production facilities 
     and the design and development of all radioisotope power 
     systems used by the Administration and other Federal agencies 
     as necessary;
       (7) specify the steps the Administration will take, in 
     consultation with the Department of Energy, to preserve the 
     infrastructure and workforce necessary for production of 
     radioisotope power systems and ensure that its reimbursements 
     to the Department of Energy associated with such preservation 
     are equitable and justified; and
       (8) detail how the Administration has implemented or 
     rejected the recommendations from the National Research 
     Council's 2009 report titled ``Radioisotope Power Systems: An 
     Imperative for Maintaining U.S. Leadership in Space 
     Exploration''.
       (d) Transmittal.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the 
     results of the analysis to the Committee on Science, Space, 
     and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate.

     SEC. 303. CONGRESSIONAL DECLARATION OF POLICY AND PURPOSE.

       Section 20102(d) of title 51, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(10) The direction of the unique competence of the 
     Administration to the search for life's origin, evolution, 
     distribution, and future in the Universe. In carrying out 
     this objective, the Administration may use any practicable 
     ground-based, airborne, or space-based technical means and 
     spectra of electromagnetic radiation.''.

     SEC. 304. UNIVERSITY CLASS SCIENCE MISSIONS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     principal investigator-led small orbital science missions, 
     including CubeSat class, University Explorer (UNEX) class, 
     Small Explorer (SMEX) class, and Venture class, offer 
     valuable opportunities to advance science at low cost, train 
     the next generation of scientists and engineers, and enable 
     participants in the program to acquire skills in systems 
     engineering and systems integration that are critical to 
     maintaining the Nation's leadership in space and to enhancing 
     the United States innovation and competitiveness abroad.
       (b) Review of Principal Investigator-Led Small Orbital 
     Science Missions.--The Administrator shall conduct a review 
     of the science missions described in subsection (a). The 
     review shall include--
       (1) the status, capability, and availability of existing 
     small orbital science mission programs and the extent to 
     which each program enables the participation of university 
     scientists and students;
       (2) the opportunities such mission programs provide for 
     scientific research;
       (3) the opportunities such mission programs provide for 
     training and education, including scientific and engineering 
     workforce development, including for the Administration's 
     scientific and engineering workforce; and
       (4) the extent to which commercial applications such as 
     hosted payloads, free flyers, and data buys could provide 
     measurable benefits for such mission programs, while 
     preserving the principle of independent peer review as the 
     basis for mission selection.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to 
     the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report on the review 
     required under subsection (b) and on recommendations to 
     enhance principal investigator-led small orbital science 
     missions conducted by the Administration in accordance with 
     the results of the review required by subsection (b).

     SEC. 305. ASSESSMENT OF SCIENCE MISSION EXTENSIONS.

       Section 30504 of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
     to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 30504. Assessment of science mission extensions

       ``(a) Assessment.--The Administrator shall carry out 
     biennial reviews within each of the Science divisions to 
     assess the cost and benefits of extending the date of the 
     termination of data collection for those missions that exceed 
     their planned missions' lifetime. The assessment shall take 
     into consideration how extending missions impacts the start 
     of future missions.
       ``(b) Consultation and Consideration of Potential Benefits 
     of Instruments on Missions.--When deciding whether to extend 
     a mission that has an operational component, the 
     Administrator shall consult with any affected Federal agency 
     and shall take into account the potential benefits of 
     instruments on missions that are beyond their planned mission 
     lifetime.
       ``(c) Report.--The Administrator shall transmit to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate, at the same time as the 
     submission to Congress of the Administration's annual budget 
     request for each fiscal year, a report detailing any 
     assessment required by subsection (a) that was carried out 
     during the previous year.''.

                        Subtitle B--Astrophysics

     SEC. 311. DECADAL CADENCE.

       In carrying out section 301(b), the Administrator shall 
     seek to ensure to the extent practicable a steady cadence of 
     large, medium, and small astrophysics missions.

     SEC. 312. EXTRASOLAR PLANET EXPLORATION STRATEGY.

       (a) Strategy.--The Administrator shall enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Academies to develop a science 
     strategy for the study and exploration of extrasolar planets, 
     including the use of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey 
     Satellite, the James Webb Space Telescope, a potential Wide-
     Field Infrared Survey Telescope mission, or any other 
     telescope, spacecraft, or instrument as appropriate. Such 
     strategy shall--
       (1) outline key scientific questions;
       (2) identify the most promising research in the field;
       (3) indicate the extent to which the mission priorities in 
     existing decadal surveys address the key extrasolar planet 
     research goals;
       (4) identify opportunities for coordination with 
     international partners, commercial partners, and other not-
     for-profit partners; and
       (5) make recommendations on the above as appropriate.
       (b) Use of Strategy.--The Administrator shall use the 
     strategy to--
       (1) inform roadmaps, strategic plans, and other activities 
     of the Administration as they relate to extrasolar planet 
     research and exploration; and
       (2) provide a foundation for future activities and 
     initiatives.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 18 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the National Academies shall 
     transmit a report to the Administrator, and to the Committee 
     on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate, containing the strategy 
     developed under subsection (a).

     SEC. 313. JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the James Webb Space Telescope will revolutionize our 
     understanding of star and

[[Page H879]]

     planet formation and how galaxies evolved, and advance the 
     search for the origins of the universe;
       (2) the James Webb Space Telescope will enable American 
     scientists to maintain their leadership in astrophysics and 
     other disciplines;
       (3) the James Webb Space Telescope program is making steady 
     progress towards a launch in 2018;
       (4) the on-time and on-budget delivery of the James Webb 
     Space Telescope is a high congressional priority; and
       (5) maintaining this progress will require the 
     Administrator to ensure that integrated testing is 
     appropriately timed and sufficiently comprehensive to enable 
     potential issues to be identified and addressed early enough 
     to be handled within the James Webb Space Telescope's 
     development schedule prior to launch.

     SEC. 314. NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE TELESCOPE DONATION.

       Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall transmit a report to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate outlining the cost of the 
     Administration's potential plan for developing the Wide-Field 
     Infrared Survey Telescope as described in the 2010 National 
     Academies' astronomy and astrophysics decadal survey, 
     including an alternative plan for the Wide-Field Infrared 
     Survey Telescope 2.4, which includes the donated 2.4-meter 
     aperture National Reconnaissance Office telescope. Due to the 
     budget constraints on the Administration's science programs, 
     this report shall include--
       (1) an assessment of cost efficient approaches to develop 
     the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope;
       (2) a comparison to the development of mission concepts 
     that exclude the utilization of the donated asset;
       (3) an assessment of how the Administration's existing 
     science missions will be affected by the utilization of the 
     donated asset described in this section; and
       (4) a description of the cost associated with storing and 
     maintaining the donated asset.

     SEC. 315. WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Administrator, to the extent practicable, should make 
     progress on the technologies and capabilities needed to 
     position the Administration to meet the objectives of the 
     Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope mission, as outlined in 
     the 2010 National Academies' astronomy and astrophysics 
     decadal survey, in a way that maximizes the scientific 
     productivity of meeting those objectives for the resources 
     invested. It is further the sense of Congress that the Wide-
     Field Infrared Survey Telescope mission has the potential to 
     enable scientific discoveries that will transform our 
     understanding of the universe.
       (b) Continuity of Development.--The Administrator shall 
     ensure that the concept definition and pre-formulation 
     activities of a Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope mission 
     continue while the James Webb Space Telescope is being 
     completed.

     SEC. 316. STRATOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY FOR INFRARED ASTRONOMY.

       The Administrator shall not use any funding appropriated to 
     the Administration for fiscal year 2015 for the shutdown of 
     the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy or for 
     the preparation therefor.

                     Subtitle C--Planetary Science

     SEC. 321. DECADAL CADENCE.

       In carrying out section 301(b), the Administrator shall 
     seek to ensure to the greatest extent practicable that the 
     Administration carries out a balanced set of planetary 
     science programs in accordance with the priorities 
     established in the most recent decadal survey for planetary 
     science. Such programs shall include, at a minimum--
       (1) a Discovery-class mission at least once every 24 
     months;
       (2) a New Frontiers-class mission at least once every 60 
     months; and
       (3) at least one Flagship-class mission per decadal survey 
     period, including a Europa mission with a goal of launching 
     by 2021.

     SEC. 322. NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Near-Earth objects pose a serious and credible threat 
     to humankind, as many scientists believe that a major 
     asteroid or comet was responsible for the mass extinction of 
     the majority of the Earth's species, including the dinosaurs, 
     approximately 65,000,000 years ago.
       (2) Similar objects have struck the Earth or passed through 
     the Earth's atmosphere several times in the Earth's history 
     and pose a similar threat in the future.
       (3) Several such near-Earth objects have only been 
     discovered within days of the objects' closest approach to 
     Earth, and recent discoveries of such large objects indicate 
     that many large near-Earth objects remain to be discovered.
       (4) The efforts undertaken by the Administration for 
     detecting and characterizing the hazards of near-Earth 
     objects should continue to seek to fully determine the threat 
     posed by such objects to cause widespread destruction and 
     loss of life.
       (b) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term 
     ``near-Earth object'' means an asteroid or comet with a 
     perihelion distance of less than 1.3 Astronomical Units from 
     the Sun.
       (c) Near-Earth Object Survey.--The Administrator shall 
     continue to detect, track, catalogue, and characterize the 
     physical characteristics of near-Earth objects equal to or 
     greater than 140 meters in diameter in order to assess the 
     threat of such near-Earth objects to the Earth, pursuant to 
     the George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth Object Survey Act (42 
     U.S.C. 16691). It shall be the goal of the Survey program to 
     achieve 90 percent completion of its near-Earth object 
     catalogue (based on statistically predicted populations of 
     near-Earth objects) by 2020.
       (d) Warning and Mitigation of Potential Hazards of Near-
     Earth Objects.--Congress reaffirms the policy set forth in 
     section 20102(g) of title 51, United States Code (relating to 
     detecting, tracking, cataloguing, and characterizing 
     asteroids and comets).
       (e) Program Report.--The Director of the Office of Science 
     and Technology Policy and the Administrator shall transmit to 
     the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate, not later than 1 year after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, an initial report that 
     provides--
       (1) recommendations for carrying out the Survey program and 
     an associated proposed budget;
       (2) analysis of possible options that the Administration 
     could employ to divert an object on a likely collision course 
     with Earth; and
       (3) a description of the status of efforts to coordinate 
     and cooperate with other countries to discover hazardous 
     asteroids and comets, plan a mitigation strategy, and 
     implement that strategy in the event of the discovery of an 
     object on a likely collision course with Earth.
       (f) Annual Reports.--Subsequent to the initial report the 
     Administrator shall annually transmit to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report that provides--
       (1) a summary of all activities carried out pursuant to 
     subsection (c) since the date of enactment of this Act, 
     including the progress toward achieving 90 percent completion 
     of the survey described in subsection (c); and
       (2) a summary of expenditures for all activities carried 
     out pursuant to subsection (c) since the date of enactment of 
     this Act.
       (g) Study.--The Administrator, in collaboration with other 
     relevant Federal agencies, shall carry out a technical and 
     scientific assessment of the capabilities and resources to--
       (1) accelerate the survey described in subsection (c); and
       (2) expand the Administration's Near-Earth Object Program 
     to include the detection, tracking, cataloguing, and 
     characterization of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects 
     less than 140 meters in diameter.
       (h) Transmittal.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the 
     results of the assessment carried out under subsection (g) to 
     the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate.

     SEC. 323. NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Administration should seek to leverage the capabilities 
     of the private sector and philanthropic organizations to the 
     maximum extent practicable in carrying out the Near-Earth 
     Object Survey program in order to meet the goal of the Survey 
     program.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to 
     the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report describing how the 
     Administration can expand collaborative partnerships to 
     detect, track, catalogue, and categorize near-Earth objects.

     SEC. 324. RESEARCH ON NEAR-EARTH OBJECT TSUNAMI EFFECTS.

       (a) Report on Potential Tsunami Effects From Near-Earth 
     Object Impact.--The Administrator, in collaboration with the 
     Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration and other relevant agencies, shall prepare a 
     report identifying and describing existing research 
     activities and further research objectives that would 
     increase our understanding of the nature of the effects of 
     potential tsunamis that could occur if a near-Earth object 
     were to impact an ocean of Earth.
       (b) Transmittal.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the 
     report required and prepared under subsection (a) to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.

     SEC. 325. ASTROBIOLOGY STRATEGY.

       (a) Strategy.--The Administrator shall enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Academies to develop a science 
     strategy for astrobiology that would outline key scientific 
     questions, identify the most promising research in the field, 
     and indicate the extent to which the mission priorities in 
     existing decadal surveys address the search for life's 
     origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the Universe. 
     The strategy shall include recommendations for coordination 
     with international partners.

[[Page H880]]

       (b) Use of Strategy.--The Administrator shall use the 
     strategy developed under subsection (a) in planning and 
     funding research and other activities and initiatives in the 
     field of astrobiology.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 18 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the National Academies shall 
     transmit a report to the Administrator, and to the Committee 
     on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate, containing the strategy 
     developed under subsection (a).

     SEC. 326. ASTROBIOLOGY PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report describing how the 
     Administration can expand collaborative partnerships to study 
     life's origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the 
     Universe.

     SEC. 327. ASSESSMENT OF MARS ARCHITECTURE.

       (a) Assessment.--The Administrator shall enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Academies to assess--
       (1) the Administration's revised post-2016 Mars exploration 
     architecture and its responsiveness to the strategies, 
     priorities, and guidelines put forward by the National 
     Academies' planetary science decadal surveys and other 
     relevant National Academies Mars-related reports;
       (2) the long-term goals of the Administration's Mars 
     Exploration Program and such program's ability to optimize 
     the science return, given the current fiscal posture of the 
     program;
       (3) the Mars architecture's relationship to Mars-related 
     activities to be undertaken by agencies and organizations 
     outside of the United States; and
       (4) the extent to which the Mars architecture represents a 
     reasonably balanced mission portfolio.
       (b) Transmittal.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit 
     the results of the assessment to the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate.

                        Subtitle D--Heliophysics

     SEC. 331. DECADAL CADENCE.

       In carrying out section 301(b), the Administrator shall 
     seek to ensure to the extent practicable a steady cadence of 
     large, medium, and small heliophysics missions.

     SEC. 332. REVIEW OF SPACE WEATHER.

       (a) Review.--The Director of the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy, in consultation with the Administrator, 
     the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, the Director of the National Science 
     Foundation, and heads of other relevant Federal agencies, 
     shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academies 
     to provide a comprehensive study that reviews current and 
     planned ground-based and space-based space weather monitoring 
     requirements and capabilities, identifies gaps, and 
     identifies options for a robust and resilient capability. The 
     study shall inform the process of identifying national needs 
     for future space weather monitoring, forecasts, and 
     mitigation. The National Academies shall give consideration 
     to international and private sector efforts and collaboration 
     that could potentially contribute to national space weather 
     needs. The study shall also review the current state of 
     research capabilities in observing, modeling, and prediction 
     and provide recommendations to ensure future advancement of 
     predictive capability.
       (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 14 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the National Academies shall 
     transmit a report containing the results of the study 
     provided under subsection (a) to the Director of the Office 
     of Science and Technology Policy, and to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.

                       Subtitle E--Earth Science

     SEC. 341. GOAL.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Administration is being asked to undertake important 
     Earth science activities in an environment of increasingly 
     constrained fiscal resources, and that any transfer of 
     additional responsibilities to the Administration, such as 
     climate instrument development and measurements that are 
     currently part of the portfolio of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration, should be accompanied by the 
     provision of additional resources to allow the Administration 
     to carry out the increased responsibilities without adversely 
     impacting its implementation of its existing Earth science 
     programs and priorities.
       (b) General.--The Administrator shall continue to carry out 
     a balanced Earth science program that includes Earth science 
     research, Earth systematic missions, competitive Venture 
     class missions, other missions and data analysis, mission 
     operations, technology development, and applied sciences, 
     consistent with the recommendations and priorities 
     established in the National Academies' Earth Science Decadal 
     Survey.
       (c) Collaboration.--The Administrator shall collaborate 
     with other Federal agencies, including the National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration, non-government entities, and 
     international partners, as appropriate, in carrying out the 
     Administration's Earth science program. The Administration 
     shall continue to develop first-of-a-kind instruments that, 
     once proved, can be transitioned to other agencies for 
     operations.
       (d) Reimbursement.--Whenever responsibilities for the 
     development of sensors or for measurements are transferred to 
     the Administration from another agency, the Administration 
     shall seek, to the extent possible, to be reimbursed for the 
     assumption of such responsibilities.

     SEC. 342. DECADAL CADENCE.

       In carrying out section 341(b), the Administrator shall 
     seek to ensure to the extent practicable a steady cadence of 
     large, medium, and small Earth science missions.

     SEC. 343. VENTURE CLASS MISSIONS.

       It is the sense of Congress that the Administration's 
     Venture class missions provide opportunities for innovation 
     in the Earth science program, offer low-cost approaches for 
     high-quality competitive science investigations, enable 
     frequent flight opportunities to engage the Earth science and 
     applications community, and serve as a training ground for 
     students and young scientists. It is further the sense of 
     Congress that the Administration should seek to increase the 
     number of Venture class projects to the extent practicable as 
     part of a balanced Earth science program.

     SEC. 344. ASSESSMENT.

       The Administrator shall carry out a scientific assessment 
     of the Administration's Earth science global datasets for the 
     purpose of identifying those datasets that are useful for 
     understanding regional changes and variability, and for 
     informing applied science research. The Administrator shall 
     complete and transmit the assessment to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate not later than 180 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.

                         TITLE IV--AERONAUTICS

     SEC. 401. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) a robust aeronautics research portfolio will help 
     maintain the United States status as a leader in aviation, 
     enhance the competitiveness of the United States in the world 
     economy and improve the quality of life of all citizens;
       (2) aeronautics research is essential to the 
     Administration's mission, continues to be an important core 
     element of the Administration's mission and should be 
     supported;
       (3) the Administrator should coordinate and consult with 
     relevant Federal agencies and the private sector to minimize 
     duplication and leverage resources; and
       (4) carrying aeronautics research to a level of maturity 
     that allows the Administration's research results to be 
     transitioned to the users, whether private or public sector, 
     is critical to their eventual adoption.

     SEC. 402. AERONAUTICS RESEARCH GOALS.

       The Administrator shall ensure that the Administration 
     maintains a strong aeronautics research portfolio ranging 
     from fundamental research through integrated systems research 
     with specific research goals, including the following:
       (1) Enhance airspace operations and safety.--The 
     Administration's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate 
     shall address research needs of the Next Generation Air 
     Transportation System and identify critical gaps in 
     technology which must be bridged to enable the implementation 
     of the Next Generation Air Transportation System so that 
     safety and productivity improvements can be achieved as soon 
     as possible.
       (2) Improve air vehicle performance.--The Administration's 
     Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate shall conduct 
     research to improve aircraft performance and minimize 
     environmental impacts. The Associate Administrator for the 
     Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate shall consider and 
     pursue concepts to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel 
     consumption while maintaining high safety standards, and 
     shall conduct research related to the impact of alternative 
     fuels on the safety, reliability and maintainability of 
     current and new air vehicles.
       (3) Strengthen aviation safety.--The Administration's 
     Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate shall proactively 
     address safety challenges associated with current and new air 
     vehicles and with operations in the Nation's current and 
     future air transportation system.
       (4) Demonstrate concepts at the system level.--The 
     Administration's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate 
     shall mature the most promising technologies to the point at 
     which they can be demonstrated in a relevant environment and 
     shall integrate individual components and technologies as 
     appropriate to ensure that they perform in an integrated 
     manner as well as they do when operated individually.

     SEC. 403. UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with 
     the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and 
     other Federal agencies, shall carry out research and 
     technological development to facilitate the safe integration 
     of unmanned aerial systems into the National Airspace System, 
     including--

[[Page H881]]

       (1) positioning and navigation systems;
       (2) sense and avoid capabilities;
       (3) secure data and communication links;
       (4) flight recovery systems; and
       (5) human systems integration.
       (b) Roadmap.--The Administrator shall update a roadmap for 
     unmanned aerial systems research and development and transmit 
     this roadmap to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not 
     later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (c) Cooperative Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Activities.--
     Section 31504 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting ``Operational flight data derived from these 
     cooperative agreements shall be made available, in 
     appropriate and usable formats, to the Administration and the 
     Federal Aviation Administration for the development of 
     regulatory standards.'' after ``in remote areas.''.

     SEC. 404. RESEARCH PROGRAM ON COMPOSITE MATERIALS USED IN 
                   AERONAUTICS.

       (a) Purpose of Research.--The Administrator shall continue 
     the Administration's cooperative research program with 
     industry to identify and demonstrate more effective and safe 
     ways of developing, manufacturing, and maintaining composite 
     materials for use in airframes, subsystems, and propulsion 
     components.
       (b) Exposure of Research to Next Generation of Engineers 
     and Technicians.--To the extent practicable, the 
     Administration's cooperative research program with industry 
     on composite materials shall provide timely access to that 
     research to the next generation of engineers and technicians 
     at universities, community colleges, and vocational schools, 
     thereby helping to develop a workforce ready to take on the 
     development, manufacture, and maintenance of components 
     reliant on advanced composite materials.
       (c) Consultation.--The Administrator, in overseeing the 
     Administration's work on composite materials, shall consult 
     with relevant Federal agencies and partners in industry to 
     accelerate safe development and certification processes for 
     new composite materials and design methods while maintaining 
     rigorous inspection of new composite materials.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a 
     report to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate detailing the 
     Administration's work on new composite materials and the 
     coordination efforts among Federal agencies and industry 
     partners.

     SEC. 405. HYPERSONIC RESEARCH.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator, in consultation with other Federal 
     agencies, shall develop and transmit to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a research and development 
     roadmap for hypersonic aircraft research with the objective 
     of exploring hypersonic science and technology using air-
     breathing propulsion concepts, through a mix of theoretical 
     work, basic and applied research, and development of flight 
     research demonstration vehicles. The roadmap shall prescribe 
     appropriate agency contributions, coordination efforts, and 
     technology milestones.

     SEC. 406. SUPERSONIC RESEARCH.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) the ability to fly commercial aircraft over land at 
     supersonic speeds without adverse impacts on the environment 
     or on local communities could open new global markets and 
     enable new transportation capabilities; and
       (2) continuing the Administration's research program is 
     necessary to assess the impact in a relevant environment of 
     commercial supersonic flight operations and provide the basis 
     for establishing appropriate sonic boom standards for such 
     flight operations.
       (b) Roadmap for Supersonic Research.--Not later than 1 year 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
     shall develop and transmit to the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a roadmap that allows for flexible funding profiles 
     for supersonic aeronautics research and development with the 
     objective of developing and demonstrating, in a relevant 
     environment, airframe and propulsion technologies to minimize 
     the environmental impact, including noise, of supersonic 
     overland flight in an efficient and economical manner. The 
     roadmap shall include--
       (1) the baseline research as embodied by the 
     Administration's existing research on supersonic flight;
       (2) a list of specific technological, environmental, and 
     other challenges that must be overcome to minimize the 
     environmental impact, including noise, of supersonic overland 
     flight;
       (3) a research plan to address such challenges, as well as 
     a project timeline for accomplishing relevant research goals;
       (4) a plan for coordination with stakeholders, including 
     relevant government agencies and industry; and
       (5) a plan for how the Administration will ensure that 
     sonic boom research is coordinated as appropriate with 
     relevant Federal agencies.

     SEC. 407. RESEARCH ON NEXTGEN AIRSPACE MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS 
                   AND TOOLS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall, in consultation 
     with other Federal agencies, review at least annually the 
     alignment and timing of the Administration's research and 
     development activities in support of the NextGen airspace 
     management modernization initiative, and shall make any 
     necessary adjustments by reprioritizing or retargeting the 
     Administration's research and development activities in 
     support of the NextGen initiative.
       (b) Annual Reports.--The Administrator shall report to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate annually regarding the progress 
     of the Administration's research and development activities 
     in support of the NextGen airspace management modernization 
     initiative, including details of technologies transferred to 
     relevant Federal agencies for eventual operation 
     implementation, consultation with other Federal agencies, and 
     any adjustments made to research activities.

     SEC. 408. ROTORCRAFT RESEARCH.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator, in consultation with other Federal 
     agencies, shall prepare and transmit to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a roadmap for research relating 
     to rotorcraft and other runway-independent air vehicles, with 
     the objective of developing and demonstrating improved 
     safety, noise, and environmental impact in a relevant 
     environment. The roadmap shall include specific goals for the 
     research, a timeline for implementation, metrics for success, 
     and guidelines for collaboration and coordination with 
     industry and other Federal agencies.

     SEC. 409. TRANSFORMATIVE AERONAUTICS RESEARCH.

       It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator, in 
     looking strategically into the future and ensuring that the 
     Administration's Center personnel are at the leading edge of 
     aeronautics research, should encourage investigations into 
     the early-stage advancement of new processes, novel concepts, 
     and innovative technologies that have the potential to meet 
     national aeronautics needs. The Administrator shall continue 
     to ensure that awards for the investigation of these concepts 
     and technologies are open for competition among 
     Administration civil servants at its Centers, separate from 
     other awards open only to non-Administration sources.

     SEC. 410. STUDY OF UNITED STATES LEADERSHIP IN AERONAUTICS 
                   RESEARCH.

       (a) Study.--The Administrator shall enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Academies for a study to 
     benchmark the position of the United States in civil 
     aeronautics research compared to the rest of the world. The 
     study shall--
       (1) seek to define metrics by which relative leadership in 
     civil aeronautics research can be determined;
       (2) ascertain how the United States compares to other 
     countries in the field of civil aeronautics research and any 
     relevant trends; and
       (3) provide recommendations on what can be done to regain 
     or retain global leadership, including--
       (A) identifying research areas where United States 
     expertise has been or is at risk of being overtaken;
       (B) defining appropriate roles for the Administration;
       (C) identifying public-private partnerships that could be 
     formed; and
       (D) estimating the impact on the Administration's budget 
     should such recommendations be implemented.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the 
     results of the study to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

                       TITLE V--SPACE TECHNOLOGY

     SEC. 501. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       It is the sense of Congress that space technology is 
     critical to--
       (1) enabling a new class of Administration missions beyond 
     low-Earth orbit;
       (2) developing technologies and capabilities that will make 
     the Administration's missions more affordable and more 
     reliable; and
       (3) improving technological capabilities and promoting 
     innovation for the Administration and the Nation.

     SEC. 502. SPACE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

       (a) Amendment.--Section 70507 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 70507. Space Technology Program authorized

       ``(a) Program Authorized.--The Administrator shall 
     establish a Space Technology Program to pursue the research 
     and development of advanced space technologies that have the 
     potential of delivering innovative solutions and to support 
     human exploration of the solar system or advanced space 
     science. The program established by the Administrator shall 
     take into consideration the recommendations of the National 
     Academies' review of the Administration's Space

[[Page H882]]

     Technology roadmaps and priorities, as well as applicable 
     enabling aspects of the Human Exploration Roadmap specified 
     in section 70504. In conducting the space technology program 
     established under this section, the Administrator shall--
       ``(1) to the maximum extent practicable, use a competitive 
     process to select projects to be supported as part of the 
     program;
       ``(2) make use of small satellites and the Administration's 
     suborbital and ground-based platforms, to the extent 
     practicable and appropriate, to demonstrate space technology 
     concepts and developments; and
       ``(3) undertake partnerships with other Federal agencies, 
     universities, private industry, and other spacefaring 
     nations, as appropriate.
       ``(b) Small Business Programs.--The Administrator shall 
     organize and manage the Administration's Small Business 
     Innovation Research program and Small Business Technology 
     Transfer Program within the Space Technology Program.
       ``(c) Nonduplication Certification.--The Administrator 
     shall include in the budget for each fiscal year, as 
     transmitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31, a 
     certification that no project, program, or mission undertaken 
     by the Space Technology Program is duplicative of any other 
     project, program, or mission conducted by another office or 
     directorate of the Administration.''.
       (b) Collaboration, Coordination, and Alignment.--The 
     Administrator shall ensure that the Administration's 
     projects, programs, and activities in support of technology 
     research and development of advanced space technologies are 
     fully coordinated and aligned and that results from such work 
     are shared and leveraged within the Administration. Projects, 
     programs, and activities being conducted by the Human 
     Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate in support of 
     research and development of advanced space technologies and 
     systems focusing on human space exploration should continue 
     in that Directorate. The Administrator shall ensure that 
     organizational responsibility for research and development 
     activities in support of human space exploration not 
     initiated as of the date of enactment of this Act is 
     established on the basis of a sound rationale. The 
     Administrator shall provide the rationale in the report 
     specified in subsection (d).
       (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report comparing the 
     Administration's space technology investments with the high-
     priority technology areas identified by the National 
     Academies in the National Research Council's report on the 
     Administration's Space Technology Roadmaps. The Administrator 
     shall identify how the Administration will address any gaps 
     between the agency's investments and the recommended 
     technology areas, including a projection of funding 
     requirements.
       (d) Annual Report.--The Administrator shall include in the 
     Administration's annual budget request for each fiscal year 
     the rationale for assigning organizational responsibility 
     for, in the year prior to the budget fiscal year, each 
     initiated project, program, and mission focused on research 
     and development of advanced technologies for human space 
     exploration.
       (e) Table of Sections Amendment.--The item relating to 
     section 70507 in the table of sections for chapter 705 of 
     title 51, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

``70507. Space Technology Program authorized.''.

     SEC. 503. UTILIZATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION FOR 
                   TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS.

       The Administrator shall utilize the International Space 
     Station and commercial services for space technology 
     demonstration missions in low-Earth orbit whenever it is 
     practical and cost effective to do so.

                          TITLE VI--EDUCATION

     SEC. 601. EDUCATION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Administration's missions are an inspiration for 
     Americans and in particular for the next generation, and that 
     this inspiration has a powerful effect in stimulating 
     interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     (in this section referred to as ``STEM'') education and 
     careers;
       (2) the Administration's Office of Education and mission 
     directorates have been effective in delivering Administration 
     educational content because of the strong engagement of 
     Administration scientists and engineers in the 
     Administration's education and outreach activities; and
       (3) the Administration should be a central partner in 
     contributing to the goals of the National Science and 
     Technology Council's Federal Science, Technology, 
     Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education 5-Year 
     Strategic Plan.
       (b) In General.--The Administration shall continue its 
     education and outreach efforts to--
       (1) increase student interest and participation in STEM 
     education;
       (2) improve public literacy in STEM;
       (3) employ proven strategies for improving student learning 
     and teaching;
       (4) provide curriculum support materials; and
       (5) create and support opportunities for professional 
     development for STEM teachers.
       (c) Organization.--In order to ensure the inspiration and 
     engagement of children and the general public, the 
     Administration shall continue its STEM education and outreach 
     activities within the Science, Aeronautics Research, Space 
     Operations, and Exploration Mission Directorates.
       (d) Continuation of Education and Outreach Activities and 
     Programs.--The Administrator shall continue to carry out 
     education and outreach programs and activities through the 
     Office of Education and the Administration mission 
     directorates and shall continue to engage, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, Administration and Administration-
     supported researchers and engineers in carrying out those 
     programs and activities.
       (e) Continuation of Space Grant Program.--The Administrator 
     shall continue to operate the National Space Grant College 
     and Fellowship program through a national network consisting 
     of a State-based consortium in each State that provides 
     flexibility to the States, with the objective of providing 
     hands-on research, training, and education programs, with 
     measurable outcomes, to enhance America's STEM education and 
     workforce.
       (f) Reaffirmation of Policy.--Congress reaffirms its 
     commitment to informal science education at science centers 
     and planetariums as set forth in section 616 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2005 (51 U.S.C. 40907).

     SEC. 602. INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL SPACE GRANT 
                   COLLEGE AND FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, 
     which was established in the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 2486 et 
     seq.), has been an important program by which the Federal 
     Government has partnered with State and local governments, 
     universities, private industry, and other organizations to 
     enhance the understanding and use of space and aeronautics 
     activities and their benefits through education, fostering of 
     interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary space research and 
     training, and supporting Federal funding for graduate 
     fellowships in space-related fields, among other purposes.
       (b) Review.--The Administrator shall enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Academies for--
       (1) a review of the National Space Grant College and 
     Fellowship Program, including its structure and capabilities 
     for supporting science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics education and training consistent with the 
     National Science and Technology Council's Federal Science, 
     Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education 5-
     Year Strategic Plan; and
       (2) recommendations on measures, if needed, to enhance the 
     Program's effectiveness and mechanisms by which any increases 
     in funding appropriated by Congress can be applied.
       (c) National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program 
     Amendments.--
       (1) Purposes.--Section 40301 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (5);
       (B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (6) and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(7) support outreach to primary and secondary schools to 
     help support STEM engagement and learning at the K-12 level 
     and to encourage K-12 students to pursue postsecondary 
     degrees in fields related to space.''.
       (2) Regional consortium.--Section 40306 of title 51, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)--
       (i) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (3) and (4), respectively; and
       (ii) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(2) Inclusion of 2-year institutions.--A space grant 
     regional consortium designated in paragraph (1)(B) may 
     include one or more 2-year institutions of higher 
     education.''; and
       (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``paragraphs (2)(C) 
     and (3)(D)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (3)(C) and (4)(D)''.

     SEC. 603. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should 
     make the continuation of the Administration's Minority 
     University Research and Education Program a priority in order 
     to further STEM education for underrepresented students.

                      TITLE VII--POLICY PROVISIONS

     SEC. 701. ASTEROID RETRIEVAL MISSION.

       (a) Asteroid Retrieval Report.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
     shall provide to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
     report on the proposed Asteroid Retrieval Mission. Such 
     report shall include--
       (1) a detailed budget profile, including cost estimates for 
     the development of all necessary technologies and spacecraft 
     required for the mission;
       (2) a detailed technical plan that includes milestones and 
     a specific schedule;
       (3) a description of the technologies and capabilities 
     anticipated to be gained from the

[[Page H883]]

     proposed mission that will enable future human missions to 
     Mars which could not be gained by lunar missions;
       (4) a description of the technologies and capabilities 
     anticipated to be gained from the proposed mission that will 
     enable future planetary defense missions, against impact 
     threats from near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 
     meters in diameter, which could not be gained by robotic 
     missions; and
       (5) a complete assessment by the Small Bodies Assessment 
     Group and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Advisory Council of how the proposed mission is in the 
     strategic interests of the United States in space 
     exploration.
       (b) Mars Flyby Report.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, an independent, private 
     systems engineering and technical assistance organization 
     contracted by the Human Exploration Operations Mission 
     Directorate shall transmit to the Administrator, the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report analyzing the proposal 
     for a Mars Flyby human spaceflight mission to be launched in 
     2021. Such report shall include--
       (1) a technical development, test, fielding, and operations 
     plan using the Space Launch System and other systems to 
     successfully mount a Mars Flyby mission by 2021;
       (2) a description of the benefits in scientific knowledge 
     and technologies demonstrated by a Mars Flyby mission to be 
     launched in 2021 suitable for future Mars missions; and
       (3) an annual budget profile, including cost estimates, for 
     the development test, fielding, and operations plan to carry 
     out a Mars Flyby mission through 2021 and comparison of that 
     budget profile to the 5-year budget profile contained in the 
     President's Budget request for fiscal year 2016.
       (c) Assessment.--Not later than 60 days after transmittal 
     of the report specified in subsection (b), the Administrator 
     shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate an 
     assessment by the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Advisory Council of whether the proposal for a 
     Mars Flyby Mission to be launched in 2021 is in the strategic 
     interests of the United States in space exploration.
       (d) Crewed Mission.--The report transmitted under 
     subsection (b) may consider a crewed mission with the Space 
     Launch System in cis-lunar space prior to the Mars Flyby 
     mission in 2021.

     SEC. 702. TERMINATION LIABILITY SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       It is the sense of Congress that:
       (1) The International Space Station, the Space Launch 
     System, and the Orion crew capsule will enable the Nation to 
     continue operations in low-Earth orbit and to send its 
     astronauts to deep space. The James Webb Space Telescope will 
     revolutionize our understanding of star and planet formation 
     and how galaxies evolved and advance the search for the 
     origins of our universe. As a result of their unique 
     capabilities and their critical contribution to the future of 
     space exploration, these systems have been designated by 
     Congress and the Administration as priority investments.
       (2) In addition, contractors are currently holding program 
     funding, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of 
     dollars, to cover the potential termination liability should 
     the Government choose to terminate a program for convenience. 
     As a result, hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars are 
     unavailable for meaningful work on these programs.
       (3) According to the Government Accountability Office, the 
     Administration procures most of its goods and services 
     through contracts, and it terminates very few of them. In 
     fiscal year 2010, the Administration terminated 28 of 16,343 
     active contracts and orders--a termination rate of about 0.17 
     percent.
       (4) The Administration should vigorously pursue a policy on 
     termination liability that maximizes the utilization of its 
     appropriated funds to make maximum progress in meeting 
     established technical goals and schedule milestones on these 
     high-priority programs.

     SEC. 703. BASELINE AND COST CONTROLS.

       Section 30104 of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``Procedural 
     Requirements 7120.5c, dated March 22, 2005'' and inserting 
     ``Procedural Requirements 7120.5E, dated August 14, 2012''; 
     and
       (2) in subsection (f), by striking ``beginning 18 months 
     after the date the Administrator transmits a report under 
     subsection (e)(1)(A)'' and inserting ``beginning 18 months 
     after the Administrator makes such determination''.

     SEC. 704. PROJECT AND PROGRAM RESERVES.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the judicious use of program and project reserves provides 
     the Administration's project and program managers with the 
     flexibility needed to manage projects and programs to ensure 
     that the impacts of contingencies can be mitigated.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act the Administrator shall transmit to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report describing--
       (1) the Administration's criteria for establishing the 
     amount of reserves held at the project and program levels;
       (2) how such criteria relate to the agency's policy of 
     budgeting at a 70-percent confidence level; and
       (3) the Administration's criteria for waiving the policy of 
     budgeting at a 70-percent confidence level and alternative 
     strategies and mechanisms aimed at controlling program and 
     project costs when a waiver is granted.

     SEC. 705. INDEPENDENT REVIEWS.

       Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report describing--
       (1) the Administration's procedures for conducting 
     independent reviews of projects and programs at lifecycle 
     milestones and how the Administration ensures the 
     independence of the individuals who conduct those reviews 
     prior to their assignment;
       (2) the internal and external entities independent of 
     project and program management that conduct reviews of 
     projects and programs at life cycle milestones; and
       (3) how the Administration ensures the independence of such 
     entities and their members.

     SEC. 706. COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM.

       Section 50116(a) of title 51, United States Code, is 
     amended by inserting ``, while protecting national security'' 
     after ``research community''.

     SEC. 707. NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 
                   ADVISORY COUNCIL.

       (a) Study.--The Administrator shall enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Academy of Public 
     Administration to assess the effectiveness of the NASA 
     Advisory Council and to make recommendations to Congress for 
     any change to--
       (1) the functions of the Council;
       (2) the appointment of members to the Council;
       (3) qualifications for members of the Council;
       (4) duration of terms of office for members of the Council;
       (5) frequency of meetings of the Council;
       (6) the structure of leadership and Committees of the 
     Council; and
       (7) levels of professional staffing for the Council.

     In carrying out the assessment, the Academy shall also assess 
     the impacts of broadening the Council's role to advising 
     Congress, and any other issues that the Academy determines 
     could potentially impact the effectiveness of the Council. 
     The Academy shall consider the past activities of the NASA 
     Advisory Council, as well as the activities of other 
     analogous Federal advisory bodies in conducting its 
     assessment. The results of the assessment, including any 
     recommendations, shall be transmitted to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       (b) Consultation and Advice.--Section 20113(g) of title 51, 
     United States Code, is amended by inserting ``and Congress'' 
     after ``advice to the Administration''.
       (c) Sunset.--Effective on September 30, 2015, section 
     20113(g) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``and Congress''.

     SEC. 708. COST ESTIMATION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     realistic cost estimating is critically important to the 
     ultimate success of major space development projects. The 
     Administration has devoted significant efforts over the past 
     five years to improving its cost estimating capabilities, but 
     it is important that the Administration continue its efforts 
     to develop and implement guidance in establishing realistic 
     cost estimates.
       (b) Guidance and Criteria.--The Administrator shall provide 
     to programs and projects and in a manner consistent with the 
     Administration's Space Flight Program and Project Management 
     Requirements--
       (1) guidance on when an Independent Cost Estimate and 
     Independent Cost Assessment should be used; and
       (2) the criteria to be used to make such a determination.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to 
     the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report--
       (1) describing efforts to enhance internal cost estimation 
     and assessment expertise;
       (2) describing the mechanisms the Administration is using 
     and will continue to use to ensure that adequate resources 
     are dedicated to cost estimation;
       (3) listing the steps the Administration is undertaking to 
     advance consistent implementation of the joint cost and 
     schedule process;
       (4) identifying criteria used by programs and projects in 
     determining when to conduct an Independent Cost Estimate and 
     Independent Cost Assessment; and
       (5) listing--
       (A) the costs of each individual Independent Cost Estimate 
     or Independent Cost Assessment activity conducted in fiscal 
     year 2012, fiscal year 2013, and fiscal year 2014;
       (B) the purpose of the activity;

[[Page H884]]

       (C) identification of the primary Administration unit or 
     outside body that conducted the activity; and
       (D) key findings and recommendations.
       (d) Updated Report.--Subsequent to submission of the report 
     under subsection (c), for each subsequent year, the 
     Administrator shall provide an update of listed elements in 
     conjunction with subsequent congressional budget 
     justifications.

     SEC. 709. AVOIDING ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN 
                   MAJOR ADMINISTRATION ACQUISITION PROGRAMS.

       (a) Revised Regulations Required.--Not later than 270 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
     shall revise the Administration Supplement to the Federal 
     Acquisition Regulation to provide uniform guidance and 
     recommend revised requirements for organizational conflicts 
     of interest by contractors in major acquisition programs in 
     order to address elements identified in subsection (b).
       (b) Elements.--The revised regulations required by 
     subsection (a) shall, at a minimum--
       (1) address organizational conflicts of interest that could 
     potentially arise as a result of--
       (A) lead system integrator contracts on major acquisition 
     programs and contracts that follow lead system integrator 
     contracts on such programs, particularly contracts for 
     production;
       (B) the ownership of business units performing systems 
     engineering and technical assistance functions, professional 
     services, or management support services in relation to major 
     acquisition programs by contractors who simultaneously own 
     business units competing to perform as either the prime 
     contractor or the supplier of a major subsystem or component 
     for such programs;
       (C) the award of major subsystem contracts by a prime 
     contractor for a major acquisition program to business units 
     or other affiliates of the same parent corporate entity, and 
     particularly the award of subcontracts for software 
     integration or the development of a proprietary software 
     system architecture; or
       (D) the performance by, or assistance of, contractors in 
     technical evaluations on major acquisition programs;
       (2) ensure that the Administration receives advice on 
     systems architecture and systems engineering matters with 
     respect to major acquisition programs from objective sources 
     independent of the prime contractor;
       (3) require that a contract for the performance of systems 
     engineering and technical assistance functions for a major 
     acquisition program contains a provision prohibiting the 
     contractor or any affiliate of the contractor from 
     participating as a prime contractor or a major subcontractor 
     in the development of a system under the program; and
       (4) establish such limited exceptions to the requirement in 
     paragraphs (2) and (3) as may be necessary to ensure that the 
     Administration has continued access to advice on systems 
     architecture and systems engineering matters from highly 
     qualified contractors with domain experience and expertise, 
     while ensuring that such advice comes from sources that are 
     objective and unbiased.

     SEC. 710. FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Administration must reverse the deteriorating 
     condition of its facilities and infrastructure, as this 
     condition is hampering the effectiveness and efficiency of 
     research performed by both the Administration and industry 
     participants making use of Administration facilities, thus 
     reducing the competitiveness of the United States aerospace 
     industry;
       (2) the Administration has a role in providing laboratory 
     capabilities to industry participants that are economically 
     viable as commercial entities and thus are not available 
     elsewhere;
       (3) to ensure continued access to reliable and efficient 
     world-class facilities by researchers, the Administration 
     should seek to establish strategic partnerships with other 
     Federal agencies, academic institutions, and industry, as 
     appropriate; and
       (4) decisions on whether to dispose of, maintain, or 
     modernize existing facilities must be made in the context of 
     meeting future Administration and other Federal agencies' 
     laboratory needs, including those required to meet the 
     activities supporting the Human Exploration Roadmap required 
     by section 70504 of title 51, United States Code.
       (b) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States that the 
     Administration maintain reliable and efficient facilities and 
     that decisions on whether to dispose of, maintain, or 
     modernize existing facilities be made in the context of 
     meeting future Administration needs.
       (c) Plan.--The Administrator shall develop a plan that has 
     the goal of positioning the Administration to have the 
     facilities, laboratories, tools, and approaches necessary to 
     address future Administration requirements. Such plan shall 
     identify--
       (1) future Administration research and development and 
     testing needs;
       (2) a strategy for identifying facilities that are 
     candidates for disposal, that is consistent with the national 
     strategic direction set forth in--
       (A) the National Space Policy;
       (B) the National Aeronautics Research, Development, Test, 
     and Evaluation Infrastructure Plan;
       (C) National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Acts; and
       (D) the Human Exploration Roadmap specified in section 
     70504 of title 51, United States Code;
       (3) a strategy for the maintenance, repair, upgrading, and 
     modernization of the Administration's laboratories, 
     facilities, and equipment;
       (4) criteria for prioritizing deferred maintenance tasks 
     and also for upgrading or modernizing laboratories, 
     facilities, and equipment and implementing processes, plans, 
     and policies for guiding the Administration's Centers on 
     whether to maintain, repair, upgrade, or modernize a facility 
     and for determining the type of instrument to be used;
       (5) an assessment of modifications needed to maximize usage 
     of facilities that offer unique and highly specialized 
     benefits to the aerospace industry and the American public; 
     and
       (6) implementation steps, including a timeline, milestones, 
     and an estimate of resources required for carrying out the 
     plan.
       (d) Policy.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish and 
     make publically available a policy that guides the 
     Administration's use of existing authorities to out-grant, 
     lease, excess to the General Services Administration, sell, 
     decommission, demolish, or otherwise transfer property, 
     facilities, or infrastructure. This policy shall establish 
     criteria for the use of authorities, best practices, 
     standardized procedures, and guidelines for how to 
     appropriately manage property, infrastructure, and 
     facilities.
       (e) Transmittal.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the 
     plan developed under subsection (c) to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       (f) Establishment of Capital Fund.--The Administrator shall 
     establish a capital fund for the modernization of facilities 
     and laboratories. The Administrator shall ensure to the 
     maximum extent practicable that all financial savings 
     achieved by closing outdated or surplus facilities at an 
     Administration Center shall be made available to that Center 
     for the purpose of modernizing the Center's facilities and 
     laboratories and for upgrading the infrastructure at the 
     Center.
       (g) Report on Capital Fund.--Expenditures and other 
     activities of the fund established under subsection (f) shall 
     require review and approval by the Administrator and the 
     status, including the amounts held in the capital fund, shall 
     be reported to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate in 
     conjunction with the Administration's annual budget request 
     justification for each fiscal year.

     SEC. 711. DETECTION AND AVOIDANCE OF COUNTERFEIT ELECTRONIC 
                   PARTS.

       (a) Regulations.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall revise the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Supplement to 
     the Federal Acquisition Regulation to address the detection 
     and avoidance of counterfeit electronic parts.
       (2) Contractor responsibilities.--The revised regulations 
     issued pursuant to paragraph (1) shall provide that--
       (A) Administration contractors who supply electronic parts 
     or products that include electronic parts are responsible for 
     detecting and avoiding the use or inclusion of counterfeit 
     electronic parts or suspect counterfeit electronic parts in 
     such products and for any rework or corrective action that 
     may be required to remedy the use or inclusion of such parts; 
     and
       (B) the cost of counterfeit electronic parts and suspect 
     counterfeit electronic parts and the cost of rework or 
     corrective action that may be required to remedy the use or 
     inclusion of such parts are not allowable costs under 
     Administration contracts, unless--
       (i) the covered contractor has an operational system to 
     detect and avoid counterfeit parts and suspect counterfeit 
     electronic parts that has been reviewed and approved by the 
     Administration or the Department of Defense;
       (ii) the covered contractor provides timely notice to the 
     Administration pursuant to paragraph (4); or
       (iii) the counterfeit electronic parts or suspect 
     counterfeit electronic parts were provided to the contractor 
     as Government property in accordance with part 45 of the 
     Federal Acquisition Regulation.
       (3) Suppliers of electronic parts.--The revised regulations 
     issued pursuant to paragraph (1) shall--
       (A) require that the Administration and Administration 
     contractors and subcontractors at all tiers--
       (i) obtain electronic parts that are in production or 
     currently available in stock from the original manufacturers 
     of the parts or their authorized dealers, or from suppliers 
     who obtain such parts exclusively from the original 
     manufacturers of the parts or their authorized dealers; and
       (ii) obtain electronic parts that are not in production or 
     currently available in stock from suppliers that meet 
     qualification requirements established pursuant to 
     subparagraph (C);
       (B) establish documented requirements consistent with 
     published industry standards or Government contract 
     requirements for--

[[Page H885]]

       (i) notification of the Administration; and
       (ii) inspection, testing, and authentication of electronic 
     parts that the Administration or an Administration contractor 
     or subcontractor obtains from any source other than a source 
     described in subparagraph (A);
       (C) establish qualification requirements, consistent with 
     the requirements of section 2319 of title 10, United States 
     Code, pursuant to which the Administration may identify 
     suppliers that have appropriate policies and procedures in 
     place to detect and avoid counterfeit electronic parts and 
     suspect counterfeit electronic parts; and
       (D) authorize Administration contractors and subcontractors 
     to identify and use additional suppliers beyond those 
     identified pursuant to subparagraph (C) provided that--
       (i) the standards and processes for identifying such 
     suppliers comply with established industry standards;
       (ii) the contractor or subcontractor assumes responsibility 
     for the authenticity of parts provided by such suppliers as 
     provided in paragraph (2); and
       (iii) the selection of such suppliers is subject to review 
     and audit by appropriate Administration officials.
       (4) Timely notification.--The revised regulations issued 
     pursuant to paragraph (1) shall require that any 
     Administration contractor or subcontractor who becomes aware, 
     or has reason to suspect, that any end item, component, part, 
     or material contained in supplies purchased by the 
     Administration, or purchased by a contractor or subcontractor 
     for delivery to, or on behalf of, the Administration, 
     contains counterfeit electronic parts or suspect counterfeit 
     electronic parts, shall provide notification to the 
     applicable Administration contracting officer within 30 
     calendar days.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the revised 
     regulations specified in subsection (a) have been 
     implemented, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee 
     on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report updating the 
     Administration's actions to prevent counterfeit electronic 
     parts from entering the supply chain as described in its 
     October 2011 report pursuant to section 1206(d) of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
     Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18444(d)).
       (c) Definition.--In this section, the term ``electronic 
     part'' means a discrete electronic component, including a 
     microcircuit, transistor, capacitor, resistor, or diode that 
     is intended for use in a safety or mission critical 
     application.

     SEC. 712. SPACE ACT AGREEMENTS.

       (a) Cost Sharing.--To the extent that the Administrator 
     determines practicable, the funds provided by the Government 
     under a funded Space Act Agreement shall not exceed the total 
     amount provided by other parties to the Space Act Agreement.
       (b) Need.--A funded Space Act Agreement may be used only 
     when the use of a standard contract, grant, or cooperative 
     agreement is not feasible or appropriate, as determined by 
     the Associate Administrator for Procurement.
       (c) Public Notice and Comment.--The Administrator shall 
     make available for public notice and comment each proposed 
     Space Act Agreement at least 30 days before entering into 
     such agreement, with appropriate redactions for proprietary, 
     sensitive, or classified information.
       (d) Transparency.--The Administrator shall publicly 
     disclose on the Administration's website and make available 
     in a searchable format each Space Act Agreement, with 
     appropriate redactions for proprietary, sensitive, or 
     classified information, not later than 60 days after such 
     agreement is signed.
       (e) Annual Report.--
       (1) Requirement.--Not later than 90 days after the end of 
     each fiscal year, the Administrator shall submit to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report on the use of Space Act 
     Agreement authority by the Administration during the previous 
     fiscal year.
       (2) Contents.--The report shall include for each Space Act 
     Agreement in effect at the time of the report--
       (A) an indication of whether the agreement is a 
     reimbursable, nonreimbursable, or funded Space Act Agreement;
       (B) a description of--
       (i) the subject and terms;
       (ii) the parties;
       (iii) the responsible--

       (I) mission directorate;
       (II) center; or
       (III) headquarters element;

       (iv) the value;
       (v) the extent of the cost sharing among Federal Government 
     and non-Federal sources;
       (vi) the time period or schedule; and
       (vii) all milestones; and
       (C) an indication of whether the agreement was renewed 
     during the previous fiscal year.
       (3) Anticipated agreements.--The report shall also include 
     a list of all anticipated reimbursable, nonreimbursable, and 
     funded Space Act Agreements for the upcoming fiscal year.
       (4) Cumulative program benefits.--The report shall also 
     include, with respect to the Space Act Agreements covered by 
     the report, a summary of--
       (A) the technology areas in which research projects were 
     conducted under such agreements;
       (B) the extent to which the use of the Space Act 
     Agreements--
       (i) has contributed to a broadening of the technology and 
     industrial base available for meeting Administration needs; 
     and
       (ii) has fostered within the technology and industrial base 
     new relationships and practices that support the United 
     States; and
       (C) the total amount of value received by the Federal 
     Government during the fiscal year pursuant to such Space Act 
     Agreements.

     SEC. 713. HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS.

       Section 70702(a) of title 51, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(3) any other orbital or suborbital space vehicle 
     carrying humans--
       ``(A) that is owned by the Federal Government; or
       ``(B) that is being used pursuant to a contract or Space 
     Act Agreement, as defined in section 2 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2015, with the Federal Government for carrying a researcher 
     or payload funded by the Federal Government; or''.

     SEC. 714. FULLEST COMMERCIAL USE OF SPACE.

       (a) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to 
     the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report on current and 
     continuing efforts by the Administration to ``seek and 
     encourage, to the maximum extent possible, the fullest 
     commercial use of space,'' as described in section 20102(c) 
     of title 51, United States Code.
       (b) Elements.--The report required under subsection (a) 
     shall include--
       (1) an assessment of the Administration's efforts to comply 
     with the policy;
       (2) an explanation of criteria used to define compliance;
       (3) a description of programs, policies, and activities the 
     Administration is using, and will continue to use, to ensure 
     compliance;
       (4) an explanation of how the Administration could expand 
     on the efforts to comply; and
       (5) a summary of all current and planned activities 
     pursuant to this policy.
       (c) Barriers to Fullest Commercial Use of Space.--Not later 
     than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report on current and continuing efforts by the 
     Administration to reduce impediments, bureaucracy, 
     redundancy, and burdens to ensure the fullest commercial use 
     of space as required by section 20102(c) of title 51, United 
     States Code.

     SEC. 715. ORBITAL DEBRIS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that orbital debris poses 
     serious risks to the operational space capabilities of the 
     United States and that an international commitment and 
     integrated strategic plan are needed to mitigate the growth 
     of orbital debris wherever possible. Congress finds the delay 
     in the Office of Science and Technology Policy's submission 
     of a report on the status of international coordination and 
     development of mitigation strategies to be inconsistent with 
     such risks.
       (b) Reports.--
       (1) Coordination.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate with a report on the status of 
     efforts to coordinate with countries within the Inter-Agency 
     Space Debris Coordination Committee to mitigate the effects 
     and growth of orbital debris as required by section 
     1202(b)(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18441(b)(1)).
       (2) Mitigation strategy.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of 
     Science and Technology Policy shall provide the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate with a report on the status of 
     the orbital debris mitigation strategy required under section 
     1202(b)(2) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18441(b)(2)).

     SEC. 716. REVIEW OF ORBITAL DEBRIS REMOVAL CONCEPTS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the amount of orbital debris in low-Earth orbit poses risks 
     for human activities and robotic spacecraft and that this 
     debris may increase due to collisions between existing debris 
     objects. Understanding options to address and remove orbital 
     debris is important for ensuring safe and effective 
     spacecraft operations in low-Earth orbit.
       (b) Review.--The Administrator, in collaboration with other 
     relevant Federal agencies, shall solicit and review concepts 
     and technological options for removing orbital debris from 
     low-Earth orbit. The solicitation and review shall also 
     address the requirements for and feasibility of developing 
     and implementing each of the options.

[[Page H886]]

       (c) Transmittal.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide a 
     report to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the solicitation 
     and review required under subsection (b).

     SEC. 717. USE OF OPERATIONAL COMMERCIAL SUBORBITAL VEHICLES 
                   FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND EDUCATION.

       (a) Policy.--The Administrator shall develop a policy on 
     the use of operational commercial reusable suborbital flight 
     vehicles for carrying out scientific and engineering 
     investigations and educational activities.
       (b) Plan.--The Administrator shall prepare a plan on the 
     Administration's use of operational commercial reusable 
     suborbital flight vehicles for carrying out scientific and 
     engineering investigations and educational activities. The 
     plan shall--
       (1) describe the purposes for which the Administration 
     intends to use such vehicles;
       (2) describe the processes required to support such use, 
     including the criteria used to determine which scientific and 
     engineering investigations and educational activities are 
     selected for a suborbital flight;
       (3) describe Administration, space flight operator, and 
     supporting contractor responsibilities for developing 
     standard payload interfaces and conducting payload safety 
     analyses, payload integration and processing, payload 
     operations, and safety assurance for Administration-sponsored 
     space flight participants, among other functions required to 
     fly Administration-sponsored payloads and space flight 
     participants on operational commercial suborbital vehicles;
       (4) identify Administration-provided hardware, software, or 
     services that may be provided to commercial reusable 
     suborbital space flight operators on a cost-reimbursable 
     basis, through agreements or contracts entered into under 
     section 20113(e) of title 51, United States Code; and
       (5) describe the United States Government and space flight 
     operator responsibilities for liability and indemnification 
     with respect to commercial suborbital vehicle flights that 
     involve Administration-sponsored payloads or activities, 
     Administration-supported space flight participants, or other 
     Administration-related contributions.
       (c) Assessment of Capabilities and Risks.--The 
     Administrator shall assess and characterize the potential 
     capabilities and performance of commercial reusable 
     suborbital vehicles for addressing scientific research, 
     including research requiring access to low-gravity and 
     microgravity environments, for carrying out technology 
     demonstrations related to science, exploration, or space 
     operations requirements, and for providing opportunities for 
     educating and training space scientists and engineers, once 
     those vehicles become operational. The assessment shall also 
     characterize the risks of using potential commercial reusable 
     suborbital flights to Administration-sponsored researchers 
     and scientific investigations and flight hardware.
       (d) Transmittal.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the 
     plan and assessment described in subsections (b) and (c) to 
     the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate.
       (e) Annual Progress Reports.--In conjunction with the 
     Administration's annual budget request justification for each 
     fiscal year, the Administrator shall transmit a report to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate describing progress in carrying 
     out the Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program, 
     including the number and type of suborbital missions planned 
     in each fiscal year.
       (f) Indemnification and Liability.--The Administrator shall 
     not proceed with a request for proposals, award any contract, 
     commit any United States Government funds, or enter into any 
     other agreement for the provision of a commercial reusable 
     suborbital vehicle launch service for an Administration-
     sponsored spaceflight participant until transmittal of the 
     plan and assessment specified in subsections (b) and (c), the 
     liability issues associated with the use of such systems by 
     the United States Government have been addressed, and the 
     liability and indemnification provisions that are planned to 
     be included in such contracts or agreements have been 
     provided to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

     SEC. 718. FUNDAMENTAL SPACE LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES 
                   RESEARCH.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It the sense of Congress that 
     fundamental, discovery-based space life and physical sciences 
     research is critical for enabling space exploration, 
     protecting humans in space, and providing societal benefits, 
     and that the space environment facilitates the advancement of 
     understanding of the life sciences and physical sciences. 
     Space life and physical science research contributes to 
     advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     research, and provides careers and training opportunities in 
     academia, Federal laboratories, and commercial industry. 
     Congress encourages the Administrator to augment discovery-
     based fundamental research and to establish requirements 
     reflecting the importance of such research in keeping with 
     the priorities established in the National Academies' decadal 
     survey entitled ``Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration: 
     Life and Physical Sciences Research for a New Era''.
       (b) Budget Request.--The Administrator shall include as 
     part of the Administration's annual budget request for each 
     fiscal year a budget line for fundamental space life and 
     physical sciences research, devoted to competitive, peer-
     reviewed grants, that is separate from the International 
     Space Station Operations account.
       (c) Strategic Plan.--
       (1) Development.--The Administrator, in consultation with 
     academia, other Federal agencies, and other potential 
     stakeholders, shall develop a strategic plan for carrying out 
     competitive, peer-reviewed fundamental space life science and 
     physical sciences and related technology research, among 
     other activities, consistent with the priorities in the 
     National Academies' decadal survey described in subsection 
     (a).
       (2) Transmittal.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the 
     strategic plan developed under paragraph (1) to the Committee 
     on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.

     SEC. 719. RESTORING COMMITMENT TO ENGINEERING RESEARCH.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     engineering excellence has long been a hallmark of the 
     Administration's ability to make significant advances in 
     aeronautics and space exploration. However, as has been noted 
     in recent National Academies reports, increasingly 
     constrained funding and competing priorities have led to an 
     erosion of the Administration's commitment to basic 
     engineering research. This research provides the basis for 
     the technology development that enables the Administration's 
     many challenging missions to succeed. If current trends 
     continue, the Administration's ability to attract and 
     maintain the best and brightest engineering workforce at its 
     Centers as well as its ability to remain on the cutting edge 
     of aeronautical and space technology will continue to erode 
     and will threaten the Administration's ability to be a world 
     leader in aeronautics research and development and space 
     exploration.
       (b) Plan.--The Administrator shall develop a plan for 
     restoring a meaningful basic engineering research program at 
     the Administration's Centers, including, as appropriate, 
     collaborations with industry, universities, and other 
     relevant organizations. The plan shall identify the 
     organizational approach to be followed, an initial set of 
     basic research priorities, and a proposed budget.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the 
     plan specified in subsection (b) to the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate.

     SEC. 720. LIQUID ROCKET ENGINE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

       The Administrator shall consult with the Secretary of 
     Defense to ensure that any next generation liquid rocket 
     engine made in the United States for national security space 
     launch objectives can contribute, to the extent practicable, 
     to the space programs and missions carried out by the 
     Administration.

     SEC. 721. REMOTE SATELLITE SERVICING DEMONSTRATIONS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Administration plays a key role in demonstrating 
     the feasibility of using robotic technologies for a 
     spacecraft that could autonomously access, inspect, repair, 
     and refuel satellites;
       (2) demonstrating this feasibility would both assist the 
     Administration in its future missions and provide other 
     Federal agencies and private sector entities with enhanced 
     confidence in the feasibility to robotically refuel, inspect, 
     repair, and maintain their satellites in both near and 
     distant orbits; and
       (3) the capability to refuel, inspect, repair, and maintain 
     satellites robotically could add years of functional life to 
     satellites.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a 
     report to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate describing the 
     Administration's--
       (1) activities, tools, and techniques associated with the 
     ultimate goal of autonomously servicing satellites using 
     robotic spacecraft;
       (2) efforts to coordinate its technology development and 
     demonstrations with other Federal agencies and private sector 
     entities that conduct programs, projects, or activities on 
     on-orbit satellite inspection and servicing capabilities;
       (3) efforts to leverage the work of these Federal agencies 
     and private sector entities into the Administration's plans;
       (4) accomplishments to date in demonstrating various 
     servicing technologies;
       (5) major technical and operational challenges encountered 
     and mitigation measures taken; and
       (6) demonstrations needed to increase confidence in the use 
     of the technologies for

[[Page H887]]

     operational missions, and the timeframe for these 
     demonstrations.

     SEC. 722. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GOVERNANCE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     information security is central to the Administration's 
     ability to protect information and information systems vital 
     to its mission.
       (b) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
     shall conduct a study to assess the effectiveness of the 
     Administration's Information Technology Governance. The study 
     shall include an assessment of--
       (1) the resources available for overseeing Administration-
     wide information technology operations, investments, and 
     security measures and the Chief Information Officer's 
     visibility into and access to those resources;
       (2) the effectiveness of the Administration's decentralized 
     information technology structure, decisionmaking processes 
     and authorities and its ability to enforce information 
     security; and
       (3) the impact of providing the Chief Information Officer 
     approval authority over information technology investments 
     that exceed a defined monetary threshold and any potential 
     impacts of the Chief Information Officer having such 
     authority on the Administration's missions, flights programs 
     and projects, research activities, and Center operations.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit 
     a report detailing the results of the study conducted under 
     subsection (b) to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

     SEC. 723. STRENGTHENING ADMINISTRATION SECURITY.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Following the public disclosure of security and export 
     control violations at its research centers, the 
     Administration contracted with the National Academy of Public 
     Administration to conduct an independent assessment of how 
     the Administration carried out Foreign National Access 
     Management practices and other security matters.
       (2) The assessment by the National Academy of Public 
     Administration concluded that ``NASA networks are 
     compromised'', that the Administration lacked a standardized 
     and systematic approach to export compliance, and that 
     individuals within the Administration were not held 
     accountable when making serious, preventable errors in 
     carrying out Foreign National Access Management practices and 
     other security matters.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administration shall report to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate on how it plans to address each 
     of the recommendations made in the security assessment by the 
     National Academy of Public Administration and the 
     recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office 
     and the Administration's Office of the Inspector General 
     regarding security and safeguarding export control 
     information.
       (c) Review.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall report to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate its 
     assessment of how the Administration has complied with the 
     recommendations described in subsection (b).

     SEC. 724. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR CONTRACTORS THAT 
                   HAVE COMMITTED FRAUD OR OTHER CRIMES.

       None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or 
     otherwise made available for fiscal year 2015 or any fiscal 
     year thereafter for the Administration may be used to enter 
     into a contract with any offeror or any of its principals if 
     the offeror certifies, pursuant to the Federal Acquisition 
     Regulation, that the offeror or any of its principals--
       (1) within a three-year period preceding the offer has been 
     convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against it 
     for--
       (A) commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection 
     with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public 
     (Federal, State, or local) contract or subcontract;
       (B) violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes 
     relating to the submission of offers; or
       (C) commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, 
     falsification or destruction of records, making false 
     statements, tax evasion, violating Federal criminal tax laws, 
     or receiving stolen property;
       (2) are presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or 
     civilly charged by a governmental entity with, commission of 
     any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (1); or
       (3) within a three-year period preceding the offer, has 
     been notified of any delinquent Federal taxes in an amount 
     that exceeds $3,000 for which the liability remains 
     unsatisfied.

     SEC. 725. PROTECTION OF APOLLO LANDING SITES.

       (a) Assessment.--The Director of the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy, in consultation with all relevant agencies 
     of the Federal Government and other appropriate entities and 
     individuals, shall carry out a review and assessment of the 
     issues involved in protecting and preserving historically 
     important Apollo Program lunar landing sites and Apollo 
     program artifacts residing on the lunar surface, including 
     those pertaining to Apollo 11 and Apollo 17. The review and 
     assessment shall, at a minimum, include determination of what 
     risks to the protection and preservation of those sites and 
     artifacts exist or may exist in the future, what measures are 
     required to ensure such protection and preservation, the 
     extent to which additional domestic legislation or 
     international treaties or agreements will be required, and 
     specific recommendations for protecting and preserving those 
     lunar landing sites and artifacts.
       (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director shall transmit to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate the results of the assessment 
     required under subsection (a).

     SEC. 726. ASTRONAUT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTHCARE.

       (a) In General.--The National Academies' Institute of 
     Medicine report ``Health Standards for Long Duration and 
     Exploration Spaceflight: Ethics Principles, Responsibilities, 
     and Decision Framework'' found that the Administration has 
     ethical responsibilities for and should adopt policies and 
     processes related to health standards for long duration and 
     exploration spaceflights that recognize those ethical 
     responsibilities. In particular, the report recommended that 
     the Administration ``provide preventative long-term health 
     screening and surveillance of astronauts and lifetime health 
     care to protect their health, support ongoing evaluation of 
     health standards, improve mission safety, and reduce risks 
     for current and future astronauts''.
       (b) Response.--The Administration shall prepare a response 
     to the National Academies report recommendation described in 
     subsection (a). The response shall include the estimated 
     budgetary resources required for the implementation of those 
     recommendations, and any options that might be considered as 
     part of the response.
       (c) Transmittal.--The response required under subsection 
     (b) shall be transmitted to the Committee on Science, Space, 
     and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of 
     this Act.

     SEC. 727. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON ACCESS TO OBSERVATIONAL DATA 
                   SETS.

       It is the sense of Congress that the Administration should 
     prioritize the development of tools and interfaces that make 
     publicly available observational data sets more easy to 
     access, analyze, manipulate, and understand for students, 
     teachers, and the American public at large, with a particular 
     focus on K-12 and undergraduate STEM education settings.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Mississippi (Mr. Palazzo) and the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. 
Edwards) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Mississippi.


                             General Leave

  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Mississippi?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this is truly a bipartisan bill. The House should be 
proud of the work the committee has done and continues to do to be 
inclusive of Members on both sides of the aisle.
  In a time of partisanship on Capitol Hill, both Republicans and 
Democrats came together last year to craft legislation that moves 
beyond congressional districts and parochial interests.
  This bill provides clear and consistent guidance to NASA. The 
authorization levels are responsible and consistent with the 
Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015. It also 
continues looking to NASA to provide a strategic roadmap that will 
guide exploration development in the future.
  Space Subcommittee Ranking Member Donna Edwards and I worked long 
days to put this legislation together last year. While Ms. Edwards and 
I don't always agree, we are united in our unwavering support for NASA 
and space exploration during this crucial time in our Nation's history. 
We are committed to once more launching American astronauts on American 
rockets from American soil.
  I know many of our colleagues agree that American leadership in space 
is

[[Page H888]]

both a matter of national pride, but also of national security; yet 
over the last decade, the human exploration program at NASA has been 
plagued with instability from constantly changing requirements, 
budgets, and missions.
  We cannot continue changing our program of record every time there is 
a new President. We must be consistent in our commitment to human 
exploration.
  As identified by numerous reports and committees, NASA needs Congress 
to provide consistency of purpose. That commitment is reflected in 
today's bipartisan bill, and I am confident it will continue into the 
future.
  The bill before us today requires the agency to develop a human 
exploration roadmap and provides a framework to build an executable 
plan for future exploration efforts. NASA must use this plan as an 
opportunity to utilize assets from all the mission directorates to find 
the most efficient and effective ways to build technologies and 
capabilities within constrained budgets.
  Both the Space Launch System and Orion crew vehicle are reaffirmed in 
this bill, consistent with the NASA Authorization Act of 2010, which 
laid out very clear guidelines and direction for the development of 
these systems.
  This bill authorizes ample funding for the Commercial Crew Program to 
ensure safe and ontime development of domestic access to the 
international space station. There are also oversight provisions to 
ensure transparency during the development of these systems.
  This agreement represents an understanding that both our Commercial 
Crew partners and those developing SLS and Orion have a crucial role to 
play in ending our reliance on Russian rockets.
  NASA must develop a concrete plan for the future of human exploration 
if we have any hope of ensuring America's leadership in space. This 
bill tasks the scientists and engineers at NASA, rather than the 
administration, to develop such a plan.
  As a study last year from the National Academy of Sciences pointed 
out, ``a return to extended surface operations on the Moon would make 
significant contributions to a strategy ultimately aimed at landing 
people on Mars.''
  I hope that the roadmap NASA produces in response to this bill will 
also incorporate the valued guidance from the National Academies, as 
well as the NASA Advisory Council, the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, 
and the many other groups that advise NASA.
  Our bill is not perfect, but it represents a serious bipartisan 
commitment to space exploration at a critical time in our Nation's 
space exploration history. As a good steward of taxpayer dollars, I 
will continue to raise questions and concerns over NASA's budgets.
  For instance, since 2007, NASA's earth science budget grew almost 75 
percent while NASA's exploration budget remained stagnant. Even with 
these historic increases, I am worried that the additional 
responsibilities being thrust on NASA by NOAA and USGS will consume 
NASA's already challenged budget even more.
  The administration continues to advocate for an ever-changing and 
poorly justified asteroid mission which was universally criticized by 
all of NASA's advisory groups. One study from the National Academies 
even called a portion of the mission a ``dead-end technology.''
  In these budget-constrained times, NASA must be frugal with its 
precious exploration resources and focus on core developments, such as 
the SLS and Orion, which will provide the foundation for any potential 
deep space missions in the future.
  I also have interest in strengthening provisions dealing with 
cumbersome termination liability requirements, and I hope those can be 
addressed as we work with the Senate.
  American leadership in space depends on our ability to put people and 
sound policy ahead of politics. This is what we have tried to do with 
this House bill. This bill has been tested, debated, and passed 
multiple times over the last year.
  It has passed the subcommittee, full committee, and the House once 
already, and I urge our friends in the Senate to move forward with us 
by adopting our commonsense compromise and passing the House bill. Our 
Nation's space program needs this legislation.
  Space exploration has always had its challenges, but the United 
States has always risen to the occasion. This country was built by 
people who dream big and do the hard things.
  I believe the decisions we make today will determine whether the U.S. 
maintains its leadership in space tomorrow. In the future, as in the 
past, I hope we will be able to focus mission priorities and goals to 
ensure our best chances of success.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Mississippi because 
it has been truly a pleasure to try to work on something where we are 
not working for perfection, but we are looking to find agreement and to 
do the best thing possible that supports the goals of NASA and all of 
the space industry, but also so that we get something done in this 
Congress.
  I could not have found a more cooperative and helpful working 
relationship than that that I have with Mr. Palazzo.
  I also want to thank the chairman of the full committee, Lamar Smith, 
and our ranking member, Eddie Bernice Johnson--both of Texas--for 
supporting a process that leads us to the point we are today.
  This bipartisan bill that we are considering, the NASA Authorization 
Act of 2015, is largely identical to a bill that passed the House last 
year, H.R. 4412, and it passed with overwhelming support by a vote of 
401-2. Unfortunately, time ran out during the last Congress before the 
Senate was able to take final action to reauthorize NASA, and so here 
we are.
  H.R. 810 authorizes appropriations for 1 year, consistent with the 
funding levels enacted for fiscal year 2015. Other than relevant date 
changes, the bill remains unchanged from last year's bipartisan, House-
passed H.R. 4412 and retains the important and timely policy direction 
that NASA needs now to ensure stability and to sustain maximum progress 
on its programs.
  Mr. Speaker, building on the foundation set in H.R. 810, I and my 
colleagues on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee will be able 
to begin work on a multiyear NASA authorization once H.R. 810 is 
enacted into law, so we have set the process in place.
  Why is this bipartisan bill important, and why am I urging my 
colleagues in the House to vote ``yes'' on this bill should it come to 
a vote?
  Mr. Speaker, the developments in our Nation's civil space program 
never cease to amaze us and never cease to inspire countless 
individuals not only in the United States, but across the globe. NASA, 
as a multimission agency, makes these awe-inspiring contributions not 
only in human exploration, but across the disciplines of space and 
earth science, in the development of innovative technologies, in human 
spaceflight operations and biomedical research, and in aeronautics. It 
is this multipronged approach that we support today.
  In the sciences, NASA is making good progress on developing the James 
Webb Space Telescope, the next major observatory to follow the Hubble 
Space Telescope.

                              {time}  1645

  NASA researchers are using data collected from space to identify new 
planets orbiting stars other than our Sun, to increase our scientific 
understanding of Mars and other planets in the solar system, to uncover 
critical information about our home planet, Earth, and its climate, and 
to study the Sun and space weather. These programs will lead to new 
discoveries and deepen our scientific knowledge. In fact, much of 
NASA's work also benefits our society in terms of new technologies and 
applied research that can improve the quality of life of all of our 
citizens.
  NASA is taking critical steps now in building the systems that will 
eventually take humans, as my colleague has said, into deep space. NASA 
is also overseeing recently awarded contracts to commercial companies 
that will develop, test, and seek certification for the U.S. commercial 
space vehicles

[[Page H889]]

that will take NASA astronauts safely to and from the international 
space station, thereby relieving our sole reliance on Russian partners 
for access to low-Earth orbit.
  We remain committed to a Commercial Crew Program that makes the most 
efficient use of taxpayer dollars; and as NASA and commercial partners 
embark on these projects, this bill that we are taking up today puts 
the highest priority for NASA's Commercial Crew Program on ensuring the 
safety of our astronauts.
  NASA is continuing to lead the highly successful international space 
station partnership, expand the use of the ISS for commercial, 
scientific, and exploration-oriented research, and gather critical 
biomedical information. The ISS is the only orbiting laboratory on 
which we can prepare for further human exploration and operations in 
outer space.
  The upcoming study of astronaut Scott Kelly, who will soon begin a 
year's stint on the ISS, and his twin brother, Mark, a former astronaut 
who will serve as a control subject, is an important undertaking in 
that regard. We need to examine measures to monitor Scott's health and 
the health of the NASA family of astronauts both in space and on the 
ground to gain a long-term perspective on the effects of spaceflight.
  Mr. Speaker, if NASA is to be as productive as it can be, it will 
require constancy of purpose and policy direction. In order for our 
Nation's space and aeronautics program to succeed, this bipartisan bill 
provides that constancy. H.R. 810 sets the long-term course of sending 
humans to the surface of Mars and directs NASA to provide a human 
exploration roadmap, outlining the capabilities and milestones needed 
to achieve that goal. Recognizing two of the primary systems needed to 
accomplish the goal--the Space Launch System, SLS, and Orion crew 
capsule--this bill directs the expeditious development, test, and 
achievement of SLS and Orion as the highest priority of NASA's human 
exploration program.
  Further, H.R. 810 also ensures that NASA maintains a strong 
aeronautics research portfolio, ranging from fundamental research 
through integrated systems, and it reaffirms the importance of NASA's 
education activities. NASA's successful STEM education program brings 
the expertise of its researchers and engineers to bear on STEM 
activities. That is science, technology, engineering, and math. This 
bill encourages the administration to continue in that vein.
  In addition, the bill includes provisions to advance our scientific 
and technical knowledge of orbital debris--or space junk--and near-
Earth asteroids so that we in Congress can better understand the 
options for mitigating the risks that they pose.
  In closing, NASA is a crown jewel of our Federal Government. Its 
workers are an important component in our workforce, and the workers 
through the industry are important to us as well. NASA's space and 
aeronautics programs help maintain our competitiveness. They serve as a 
catalyst for innovation and economic growth, and they inspire the next 
generation to dream big and garner the skills to turn those dreams into 
action.
  NASA and our space program have a long history of bipartisan support. 
That continues today. NASA needs our constancy of purpose and policy 
direction now, and this 1-year bill puts us on track to do just that. 
We will build on that baseline as we work toward a multiyear 
authorization over the coming year. I look forward to doing that with 
my colleagues on the committee, and particularly with my colleague from 
Mississippi.
  At this point, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the full Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology.
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Space for yielding me time. I also want to thank him 
and Donna Edwards, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Mo Brooks for sponsoring 
this bipartisan legislation.
  NASA has accomplished some of the most inspiring and technologically 
advanced space initiatives in the history of humankind. This bill, H.R. 
810, the NASA Authorization Act of 2015, helps ensure that the United 
States will continue its proud tradition of being a world leader in 
space exploration.
  For more than 50 years, the U.S. has led the world in space 
exploration. The U.S. was the first nation to put a human on the Moon, 
and NASA's Voyager 1, an American space mission, was the first human-
made object to enter interstellar space.
  Our astronauts are national heroes. Alan Shepard, John Glenn, Neil 
Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Sally Ride are household names. Today's 
astronauts motivate students to study science, technology, engineering, 
and mathematics and to reach for the stars.
  Space exploration is an investment in our Nation's future, sometimes 
our long-term future. This bill expresses bipartisan confidence in 
America's space initiatives.
  The bill is nearly identical to the one that passed the House last 
year by a vote of 401-2. It is consistent with current funding levels 
found in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act for 
2015. It contains provisions for the development of American rockets 
that will take cargo and people to low-Earth orbit and beyond. It 
supports the James Webb Space Telescope, which will identify and 
characterize new planets in our galaxy and help researchers look back 
in time to see how the universe began.
  It directs NASA to continue to focus resources on the detection of 
near-Earth asteroids that may threaten the Earth and its inhabitants. 
It instructs NASA to design and send a robotic mission to Jupiter's 
moon Europa to see if any form of life exists in the waters under its 
icy surface. It directs NASA to work with the National Academies to put 
together a strategy for finding more exoplanets.
  The bill also requires NASA to develop a human exploration roadmap, 
similar to the recommendation made in last year's National Academy of 
Sciences report. This roadmap will provide a long-term plan for future 
human space exploration.
  Finally, this bill is an example of how well Congress can work 
together to accomplish an objective that benefits the entire Nation. I 
again want to thank Mr. Palazzo, chairman of the Subcommittee on Space, 
and Ms. Edwards, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Space, for 
finding common ground on this bill. I also want to thank the ranking 
member of the full committee, Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas and 
Representative Mo Brooks from Alabama, for supporting this bill as 
well.

  I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and to help ensure that the 
United States maintains its leadership in space.
  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), the ranking member 
of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of 
H.R. 810, the NASA Authorization Act of 2015. NASA is a critical engine 
of discovery, science, innovation, and inspiration.
  During the last Congress, our committee leadership and Members from 
both sides came together to work through a compromise NASA 
authorization act. It was for a 1-year bill, but it provided important 
policy direction to the agency at a time when we in Congress wanted 
NASA to build on its progress and keep its focus on the priorities 
established through successive authorization acts. That bipartisan bill 
passed the House last year by an overwhelming 401-2 margin.
  The bill, H.R. 810, which is also a 1-year reauthorization, takes 
that same policy language and updates the authorization of 
appropriations to be consistent with the funding levels enacted in 
fiscal year 2015. The bill also provides necessary date changes where 
relevant.
  While this is not a perfect bill, especially in terms of its short 
duration and lack of meaningful outyear funding guidance, it includes 
many important policy provisions that will help guide the future of 
NASA at a critical time for our space program.
  H.R. 810 emphasizes NASA's role as a multimission agency with 
programs in aeronautics, science, exploration, and human spaceflight. 
It also establishes a

[[Page H890]]

clear long-term goal of sending humans to the surface of Mars and 
directs NASA to prepare a human exploration roadmap of what is needed 
to get there.
  The bill also provides policy direction on a host of other priority 
activities, including space and earth science, aeronautics, space 
technology, and education, as well as good government directives on 
curbing cost growth and strengthening program management, among others.
  Consistent with the recommendations of the Columbia Accident 
Investigation Board, H.R. 810 directs that safety be the highest 
priority in the commercial human spaceflight program to transport our 
astronauts to the international space station.
  NASA is doing all that it can to make effective progress on its 
programs thanks to its passionate and dedicated civil servant workforce 
and extended contractor and academic communities. We want to sustain 
NASA's progress on critical programs, including the Space Launch System 
and Orion, by providing consistency and constancy of purpose and 
direction. This bill enables such stability while providing our 
committee the time needed to develop a comprehensive multiyear 
reauthorization of NASA once H.R. 810 is enacted into law.
  I want to recognize the efforts of the committee leadership, 
including our chairman, Lamar Smith, and most especially our 
subcommittee chairman, Steve Palazzo, and the ranking member, 
Congresswoman Donna Edwards, for their dedication and willingness to 
work together with me to achieve this bipartisan bill, H.R. 810, the 
NASA Authorization Act of 2015.
  We need a strong NASA with an inspiring agenda for our children and 
grandchildren, and we need to fund it at a level commensurate with the 
tasks we have given them to achieve. I urge my colleagues to vote 
``yes'' on H.R. 810, the NASA Authorization Act of 2015.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Hultgren).
  Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the distinguished 
chairman, Chairman Smith, chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, 
and Technology; the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Palazzo); and also 
the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Edwards) for their leadership on 
this important issue and for getting this bill to the floor.
  Human space exploration and discovery sciences are so ingrained in 
the American way of life that they have become emblematic of America's 
role as an exceptional nation. It is in our DNA as Americans to push 
the boundaries and frontiers of knowledge.
  When we continue to develop the technologies and expertise to do 
this, there is no way to measure the potential benefit in spinoffs that 
we will reap. That is why I rise today to support H.R. 810. This 
legislation would authorize programs within the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration, keeping in place our commitment for space 
exploration, prioritizing work on the Space Launch System, Orion, and a 
commercial crew system so we can carry our own astronauts to and from 
the space station.
  This legislation makes it clear that Mars is the focal point and our 
next step. If the administration prioritizes their activities properly, 
it is realistic to have a manned Mars fly-by mission in 2021. This 
legislation will require further examination of this mission, which I 
think would finally help spur NASA into the next era. Perhaps more 
importantly, this is the kind of mission that would get children to 
start dreaming about being an astronaut again.
  For the last few years, NASA and our space workforce have been unsure 
of the next mission and are struggling to stay afloat. Without a bold, 
long-term commitment to NASA's core mission, our workforce has been 
scrambling to find short-term goals to keep programs alive.
  We need to be doing more than this if we want our Nation to realize 
the full capabilities we have in space. This legislation is a step in 
the right direction, and that is why I urge my colleagues to support 
it.
  Thank you again to the sponsors.

                              {time}  1700

  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, having no further requests for time, I will 
continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Rohrabacher).
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 810, 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
2015.
  I would like to compliment Chairman Palazzo and Ranking Member 
Edwards for a job well done. It has been tough. There have been 
disagreements. Matters have been handled fairly. And now we are getting 
behind the product of all of that labor.
  There was a great deal of work and negotiation on these provisions 
over the past year, and the outcome of that work is this legislation, 
which embodies the bipartisan leadership both here at the subcommittee 
level and at the committee level and the bipartisan support in this 
House for our Nation's civil space programs.
  I would like to note that significant differences of opinion remain 
on many of the provisions in this bill, but I won't go into any of them 
now. I think I might have worried some of my colleagues on that. But 
despite those differences, we all share a set of common goals for NASA. 
The foremost of our mutual objectives is that America must return to 
international preeminence in human spaceflight. This is true for both 
access to low-Earth orbit, for which we are trusting our commercial 
partners, and for far-reaching exploration missions to the Moon and 
beyond.
  Our discussions and, yes, our disagreements will continue, but we 
will continue to work together to achieve America's shared goals.
  H.R. 810 brings us closer to launching Americans into space on 
American rockets from American soil. It brings us closer to the next 
steps in exploration of our outer planets. It brings us closer to 
technological developments that can turn a seemingly impossible goal 
into an achievable one. It brings us closer to finding asteroids that 
may pose a threat to Earth or may provide vast resources that could 
help humanity in space. It brings us one step closer to moving beyond 
exploration and into pioneering, leading to settlements in space. It 
brings us closer to the stars. For these reasons, I ask my colleagues 
to join me in support of this important legislation.
  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, so I will reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Babin).
  Mr. BABIN. I thank the gentleman from Mississippi and the gentlewoman 
from Texas.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 810, the NASA 
Authorization Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation is an important 
step forward in our efforts to build a stronger and more focused NASA.
  Let's face it: NASA is the only Federal agency that has human 
spaceflight as its mission. However, in recent years, NASA has branched 
into areas that divert attention and funding from its critical mission. 
This bill before us begins to bring human spaceflight back into focus 
as NASA's key mission. It provides strong funding for vehicle 
development that will enable NASA to reach the Moon and beyond, putting 
us on a clear path towards deeper exploration into our solar system.
  Having met with top officials at the Johnson Space Center in my 
district just this past week, I can attest that they are very excited 
about this new focus. I am aware of NASA's challenges, and I am excited 
about the opportunities ahead and some of the successes that we have 
had over the past few months.
  Our bill supports NASA's Orion spacecraft, it expands America's 
access to the international space station, and it funds a robust 
Commercial Crew Program to launch American astronauts on American 
rockets.
  I urge my colleagues to join in support of this bipartisan bill.
  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman from Mississippi is 
prepared to close, I am prepared to close.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
am prepared to close.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. EDWARDS. I yield myself the balance of my time.

[[Page H891]]

  Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank all of my colleagues on 
the committee for the hard work that has been put into this bipartisan 
authorization. It is not perfect by any means. There are plenty of 
things that, between now and the time that we see this go to the 
President's desk for his signature, we will continue to have input on. 
I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee and our 
colleagues in the Senate to make sure that we get to the end point.
  As I have said and as Ranking Member Johnson has said as well, we 
look forward to working on a bipartisan, multiyear authorization. 
Having put this one to bed, we actually now have demonstrated to 
ourselves and to the American public that we have the ability to get 
this done.
  In closing, I want to thank the committee staff--Allen Li, Pam 
Whitney, and Dick Obermann--for all of their work and my personal 
staff, Anne Nelson, as well as the staff on the other side because it 
really did take an awful lot of staff work and Member work to see this 
to the finish line. I look forward to continuing to work with my 
colleagues.
  With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  As I close, I would like to acknowledge all the hard work and 
bipartisan efforts of Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith, full 
committee Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Space Subcommittee 
Ranking Member Donna Edwards.
  Like Ms. Edwards, I also want to acknowledge the work of my personal 
staff, Patrick Large; Ms. Edwards' personal staff, Anne Nelson; the 
majority staff, Tom Hammond, Jared Stout, Allison Rose-Sonnesyn, and 
Christian Rice; and the minority staff, Pam Whitney and Allen Li.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge support for H.R. 810, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.

         House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and 
           Infrastructure,
                                Washington, DC, February 10, 2015.
     Hon. Lamar Smith,
     Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
         Committee, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Smith: I write concerning H.R. 810, the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
     Act of 2015. This legislation includes matters that fall 
     within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure.
       In order to expedite floor consideration of H.R. 810, the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will forgo 
     action on this bill. However, this is conditional on our 
     mutual understanding that forgoing consideration of the bill 
     does not prejudice the Committee with respect to the 
     appointment of conferees or to any future jurisdictional 
     claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or 
     similar legislation that fall within the Committee's Rule X 
     jurisdiction. I request you urge the Speaker to name members 
     of the Committee to any conference committee named to 
     consider such provisions.
       Please place a copy of this letter and your response 
     acknowledging our jurisdictional interest into the 
     Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on 
     the House floor.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Bill Shuster,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, 
           and Technology,
                                Washington, DC, February 10, 2015.
     Hon. Bill Shuster,
     Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's 
     jurisdictional interest in H.R. 810, the ``National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2015.''
       I agree that the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure has valid jurisdictional interests in matters 
     pertaining to the Federal Aviation Administration and the 
     National Transportation Safety Board, and that your 
     Committee's jurisdiction will not be adversely affected by 
     your decision to forego consideration of H.R. 810. As you 
     have requested, I will support your request for an 
     appropriate appointment of outside conferees from your 
     Committee in the event of a House-Senate conference on this 
     or similar legislation, if in your jurisdiction, should such 
     a conference be convened.
       Finally, I will include a copy of your letter and this 
     response in the Congressional Record during the floor 
     consideration of this bill. Thank you again for your 
     cooperation.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Lamar Smith,
                                                         Chairman.

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the Homeland 
Security Committee and a former member of the Science Committee I am in 
strong support of, H.R. 810, The NASA Authorization Act of 2015.''
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Eddie 
Bernice Johnson for their work to bring the NASA Authorization Act of 
2015 before the House for consideration.
  There is historic congressional support for NASA in Congress, and I 
am at the forefront of that support.
  I served on the House Science Committee for 12 years; and I am in 
strong support of the NASA Authorization Act of 2015, as the best way 
forward to strengthen NASA into the future and to avoid dismantling the 
manned space program.
  This legislation will protect American and Texan jobs, saving more 
than while, driving innovation, and ensure our Nation's youth are 
encouraged to pursue careers in science, exploration, engineering, 
technology, and math.
  The United States space program has existed for over half a century 
and my commitment to providing NASA with the resources to carry the 
agency forward with its ambitious agenda of research, exploration, and 
discovery is unwavering.
  It is our job as members of Congress to make sure that NASA continues 
to push the boundaries of what is possible, keeping our Nation on the 
forefront of innovation and exploration.
  This bill authorizes programs and projects at the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for Fiscal Year 2015 
(FY15).
  This authorization bill's funding is consistent with the funding 
$18,010,200,000 In appropriations for NASA in the Consolidated and 
Further Appropriations Act, 2015 bill passed at the end of the 113th 
Congress.
  NASA continues to be the world's premier space organization.
  This bill seeks to maintain sustainability of purpose and budget for 
NASA programs, continuing the congressional commitment provided in 
previous reauthorizations in 2005, 2008, and 2010 to space exploration, 
both human and robotic.
  This legislation makes clear that a human mission to Mars is the goal 
for NASA's human spaceflight program and requires the development of a 
roadmap to achieve that goal, as well as biennial updates.
  In the near-term, the primary tasks for NASA human spaceflight 
include:
  Realizing the research potential of the International Space Station 
(ISS) with an Office of Science & Technology Policy-led strategic plan 
for all science agencies to conduct research on the Station.
  Continued commitment to develop the Space Launch System and Orion 
Crew Vehicle to serve as a backup system to support the ISS if 
necessary.
  NASA will be able to engage in the educational and outreach 
activities necessary to support science, technology, engineering, and 
mathematics curriculum and inspire the next generation of explorers.
  The authorization will assist in building at least one Commercial 
Crew system (with NASA funds) to carry American astronauts on American 
rockets safely, reliably, and affordably to and from the International 
Space Station so that we are no longer reliant on Russia for crew 
access.
  The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steady cadence of 
science missions, including a Europa mission with a goal of launching 
by 2021.
  The bill directs NASA and the NASA to provide Congress with a report 
assessing the long-term goals of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, which 
includes the Mars 2020 rover.
  To reflect the increase in the number of newly discovered planets 
outside our solar system, the legislation also directs NASA and the NAS 
to provide an exoplanet exploration strategy.
  This bill stresses the importance of completing and expanding the 
Congressionally mandated near-Earth object survey to detect, track, 
catalogue, and characterize near-Earth objects 140 meters in diameter 
or larger.
  This authorization addresses an issue of great importance to a 
sustained and healthy space program.
  The bill provides NASA with the agility to develop a plan to better 
position the agency to have the facilities and infrastructure necessary 
to meet future requirements including those set forth in the human 
exploration roadmap.

[[Page H892]]

  It is the responsibility of this Congress to ensure that the future 
of NASA is one of continued progress and that space exploration remains 
a part of our national destiny.
   NASA inspires our children to look to the stars and dream of what 
they too may achieve one day.
  Space exploration allows us to push the bounds of our scientific 
knowledge, as we carry out research projects not possible within the 
constraints of planet Earth.
  I look forward to the reintroduction of the REAL Space Act this 
Congress and ask that my colleagues support this important measure.
  In recent years, we have seen other nations joining in the space race 
with varying levels of success.
  We applaud these efforts, which include:
  The European Space Agency's success in landing a vehicle on a comet 
that was speeding through deep space; and
  China's landing its first rover ``Jade Rabbit'' on the surface of the 
moon.
  Exploration of space remains critical to United States leadership and 
economic trendsetting position in the global economy.
  The future is space, and I support NASA's continued progress to 
ensure the United States retains its leadership in this vital area of 
human exploration.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in voting for H.R. 810.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the NASA 
Authorization bill before the House.
  This legislation is important because it reaffirms Congress' 
commitment to space exploration and the important role NASA plays in 
the areas of science, aeronautics, exploration, and human spaceflight. 
Over the next few months, NASA spacecraft will visit Pluto and the 
dwarf planet Ceres for the first time. We will further develop our 
nation's commercial launch capability even as NASA continues work on 
the Orion space capsule and a new heavy-lift rocket. NASA will also 
build on its efforts in the important areas of space science and 
education. The bill before the House supports all of these endeavors.
  I want to mention one NASA program in particular, the Student 
Spaceflight Experiments Program. This program gives students across the 
country the chance to design microgravity experiments to fly in Earth 
orbit. Indeed, one of these experiments is scheduled to come home from 
the International Space Station today. The experiment was designed by a 
team of four students from Wilkinson Middle School in Madison Heights, 
Michigan. The experiment involves the effects of microgravity on water 
purification. In Michigan, we tend to take the availability of fresh 
water for granted since we are surrounded by the Great Lakes, but water 
is a rare and precious commodity in space, and hopefully this 
experiment will help future astronauts to re-use water.
  I want to commend the students who have worked so hard on this 
microgravity experiment: Regina Alsabagh, Farah Sabah, Maryam Kafra and 
Israa Alfadhli. Their achievement is all the more remarkable since 
their experiment originally was supposed to be carried into orbit last 
October, but that rocket exploded shortly after liftoff, destroying the 
students' experiment. Fortunately, NASA was able to find space on a 
rocket to the space station that launched in January, and the Wilkinson 
students managed to build a second version of their experiment in time 
for that flight.
  I congratulate the Wilkinson students for their hard work, 
perseverance, and determination to overcome obstacles. It's important 
that Congress continue to support NASA and efforts like the Student 
Spaceflight Experiments Program. I urge all my colleagues to join me in 
voting for the NASA Authorization bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Palazzo) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 810.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________