[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 215 (Friday, December 18, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7651-S7683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019

  Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, in a few moments, I am going to ask 
unanimous consent for the Senate to pass S. 2800, which is the 
bipartisan NASA Authorization Act. Before doing so, I want to make some 
brief remarks about how important this legislation is to American 
leadership in space and to our continued space exploration efforts.
  Well over a year ago, I joined with Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member 
Cantwell, and Subcommittee on Aviation and Space Ranking Member Sinema, 
and we began writing the NASA Authorization Act, using as a foundation 
the bipartisan bill that I had previously authored with Senators 
Cornyn, Rubio, Markey, and then-Senator Bill Nelson, from the last 
Congress, as our starting point. We solicited input from hundreds of 
stakeholders, from individuals and academics to industry partners and 
even our international allies. Hundreds of pages of suggestions, 
proposed edits, and comments were submitted. Over many months, our 
staffs worked diligently through each and every submission, trying to 
incorporate the feedback to the greatest extent possible, and what 
resulted is this bill, which was marked up last year and unanimously 
reported.
  What we have achieved together is legislation that enjoys deep and 
broad bipartisan support and that sets bold goals for NASA and the 
United States in space. It provides the direction and

[[Page S7652]]

the infrastructure necessary to meet them. I am very proud of the work 
we have done together and of this legislation we have assembled, and I 
want to express particular thanks to Senators Wicker, Cantwell, and 
Sinema and to their staffs for their hard work.
  Our bill strengthens U.S. leadership in space, ensuring that we 
remain the default space exploration partner of the world. It extends 
the life of the International Space Station through 2030, and it 
challenges us to be the international leader for lunar and Mars 
exploration and to reach new horizons.
  It is not just human exploration, though. By working in a collegial 
and good-faith manner, we were able to craft a product that strengthens 
all of NASA's core missions--something which benefits not just States 
with strong NASA equities but every American. It is amazing what 
strong, unified leadership can do to bring the Members of this body 
together, working to pass vitally important legislation that advances 
science and technology and national security and the interests of our 
Nation.
  I want to say again how grateful I am to my colleagues who worked on 
this bill with me and to state just how proud I am that the Senate is 
speaking with one, unified voice in passing this legislation. This is 
following a tradition that we have seen in the past 8 years I have 
served in this body, where, on the question of space, we have seen over 
and over again strong bipartisan cooperation. Even at a time when 
partisan division pulls us apart in so many other areas, on the 
question of America's leading the world in space, the U.S. Senate 
speaks with one voice.
  We have a real opportunity here to boldly shape the Nation's space 
exploration efforts, to inspire new generations of little boys and 
little girls gazing up at the stars and wondering what is out there, 
and to make the United States a true space-faring nation.
  While this bill is not going to pass the House of Representatives 
during the remainder of this Congress, I look forward to the beginning 
of the next Congress, where we can use this unanimously approved 
legislation as the starting point to move quickly to pass a 
comprehensive NASA Authorization Act across the finish line and get it 
signed into law
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, will the Senator from Washington and the 
Distinguished Ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce, Science and 
Transportation Committee yield for a colloquy on some issues related to 
the committee's substitute for S. 2800?
  Ms. CANTWELL. I would be delighted to yield to the senior Senator 
from Maryland and his colleague, Senator Van Hollen.
  Mr. CARDIN. The Commerce Committee substitute, as proposed, contains 
three provisions that are cause for concern for my colleague and me. I 
would yield to my colleague from Maryland, a distinguished member of 
the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds NASA, to outline these 
concerns.
  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I thank my colleague. First, section 702 references 
how NASA should select multi-institution consortia and university 
affiliated research centers, inserting Congress into an agency-specific 
process that is broadly governed by existing authorities in title 5 and 
title 41 of the U.S. Code, which make such selections based on 
technical merit alone and not political influence. We are deeply 
concerned about the committee's explicit delineation of this authority 
for NASA, given that such authority already exists and NASA currently 
does not have any university affiliated research centers so designated. 
We believe that such language should never become law as it implies 
that Congress is trying to force NASA to establish such a center or 
consortia even though NASA does not see the need for one.
  Second, sections 818 and 819 call for short order reports from NASA 
on creating a Space Resources Institute and Center for Space Weather 
Technology that could allow NASA to bypass extensive consultation with 
the scientific and aerospace communities and without the benefit of 
independent peer review under the auspices of the National Academy of 
Sciences.
  These are the concerns my colleague and I have.
  Mr. CARDIN. Will the Senator from Washington confirm that it is not 
the committee's intention or desire to force NASA to establish a 
university affiliated research center or to see either sections 818 or 
section 819 enacted without sufficient peer review, to avoid even the 
appearance of a perception that any favorable recommendation is 
predesignated for a specific institution or set of institutions?
  Ms. CANTWELL. The Senator from Maryland is correct. The Commerce 
Committee has no intention of trying to pressure NASA to establish a 
university affiliated research center unless NASA leadership identifies 
a technical need for a mission requirement that the agency cannot 
satisfy through the standard competitive processes. In addition, the 
intended results of the reports called for in sections 818 and 819 
should not be viewed as seeking to avoid either peer review by the 
National Academy of Sciences or very broad consultation with the 
scientific and aerospace communities.
  Mr. CARDIN. I thank the Senator for her assurances and ask her, 
knowing that the future of this bill's fate in this Congress is 
uncertain, if she will agree that she will work with my colleague from 
Maryland and me to fix these provisions to our satisfaction early in 
the next Congress before a new NASA authorization bill is introduced?
  Ms. CANTWELL. The Senator has my assurance to work to accommodate his 
concerns and those of his colleague from Maryland before we proceed on 
any comparable legislation in the 117th Congress
  Mr. CRUZ. Therefore, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous 
consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of 
Calendar No. 525, S. 2800.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. 2800) to authorize programs of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill, 
which had been reported from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation, with an amendment to strike all after the enacting 
clause and insert in lieu thereof the following

     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 
     2019''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

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

                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.

              TITLE II--HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT AND EXPLORATION

Sec. 201. Advanced cislunar and lunar surface capabilities.
Sec. 202. Space launch system configurations.
Sec. 203. Advanced spacesuits.
Sec. 204. Life science and physical science research.
Sec. 205. Acquisition of domestic space transportation and logistics 
              resupply services.
Sec. 206. Rocket engine test infrastructure.
Sec. 207. Indian River Bridge.
Sec. 208. Value of International Space Station and capabilities in low-
              Earth orbit.
Sec. 209. Extension and modification relating to International Space 
              Station.
Sec. 210. Department of Defense activities on International Space 
              Station.
Sec. 211. Low-Earth orbit commercialization.
Sec. 212. Maintaining a national laboratory in space.
Sec. 213. International Space Station national laboratory; property 
              rights in inventions.
Sec. 214. Data first produced during non-NASA scientific use of the ISS 
              national laboratory.
Sec. 215. Royalties and other payments received for designated 
              activities.
Sec. 216. Steppingstone approach to exploration.
Sec. 217. Technical amendments relating to Artemis missions.

                           TITLE III--SCIENCE

Sec. 301. Science priorities.
Sec. 302. Lunar discovery program.
Sec. 303. Search for life.
Sec. 304. James Webb Space Telescope.
Sec. 305. Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope.
Sec. 306. Satellite servicing for science missions.
Sec. 307. Earth science missions and programs.
Sec. 308. Science missions to Mars.
Sec. 309. Planetary Defense Coordination Office.
Sec. 310. Suborbital science flights.
Sec. 311. Earth science data and observations.
Sec. 312. Sense of Congress on small satellite science.
Sec. 313. Sense of Congress on commercial space services.
Sec. 314. Procedures for identifying and addressing alleged violations 
              of scientific integrity policy.

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                         TITLE IV--AERONAUTICS

Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Definitions.
Sec. 403. Experimental aircraft projects.
Sec. 404. Unmanned aircraft systems.
Sec. 405. 21st Century Aeronautics Capabilities Initiative.
Sec. 406. Sense of Congress on on-demand air transportation.
Sec. 407. Sense of Congress on hypersonic technology research.

                       TITLE V--SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Sec. 501. Space Technology Mission Directorate.
Sec. 502. Flight opportunities program.
Sec. 503. Small Spacecraft Technology Program.
Sec. 504. Nuclear propulsion technology.
Sec. 505. Mars-forward technologies.
Sec. 506. Prioritization of low-enriched uranium technology.
Sec. 507. Sense of Congress on next-generation communications 
              technology.

                       TITLE VI--STEM ENGAGEMENT

Sec. 601. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 602. STEM education engagement activities.
Sec. 603. Skilled technical education outreach program.
Sec. 604. National space grant college and fellowship program.

                TITLE VII--WORKFORCE AND INDUSTRIAL BASE

Sec. 701. Appointment and compensation pilot program.
Sec. 702. Establishment of multi-institution consortia and university-
              affiliated research centers.
Sec. 703. Expedited access to technical talent and expertise.
Sec. 704. Report on industrial base for civil space missions and 
              operations.
Sec. 705. Separations and retirement incentives.
Sec. 706. Confidentiality of medical quality assurance records.

                  TITLE VIII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 801. Contracting authority.
Sec. 802. Authority for transaction prototype projects and follow-on 
              production contracts.
Sec. 803. Protection of data and information from public disclosure.
Sec. 804. Physical security modernization.
Sec. 805. Lease of non-excess property.
Sec. 806. Cybersecurity.
Sec. 807. Limitation on cooperation with the People's Republic of 
              China.
Sec. 808. Consideration of issues related to contracting with entities 
              receiving assistance from or affiliated with the People's 
              Republic of China.
Sec. 809. Small satellite launch services program.
Sec. 810. 21st century space launch infrastructure.
Sec. 811. Missions of national need.
Sec. 812. Exemption from the Iran, North Korea, and Syria 
              Nonproliferation Act.
Sec. 813. Drinking water well replacement for Chincoteague, Virginia.
Sec. 814. Passenger carrier use.
Sec. 815. Use of commercial near-space balloons.
Sec. 816. President's Space Advisory Board.
Sec. 817. Initiative on technologies for noise and emissions 
              reductions.
Sec. 818. Remediation of sites contaminated with trichloroethylene.
Sec. 819. Report on merits and options for establishing an institute 
              relating to space resources.
Sec. 820. Report on establishing center of excellence for space weather 
              technology.
Sec. 821. Review on preference for domestic suppliers.
Sec. 822. Report on utilization of commercial space ports licensed by 
              Federal Aviation Administration.
Sec. 823. Active orbital debris mitigation.
Sec. 824. Study on commercial communications services.

     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 National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration.
       (3) Appropriate committees of congress.--Except as 
     otherwise expressly provided, the term ``appropriate 
     committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
     House of Representatives.
       (4) Cislunar space.--The term ``cislunar space'' means the 
     region of space beyond low-Earth orbit out to and including 
     the region around the surface of the Moon.
       (5) Deep space.--The term ``deep space'' means the region 
     of space beyond low-Earth orbit, including cislunar space.
       (6) Development cost.--The term ``development cost'' has 
     the meaning given the term in section 30104 of title 51, 
     United States Code.
       (7) ISS.--The term ``ISS'' means the International Space 
     Station.
       (8) ISS management entity.--The term ``ISS management 
     entity'' means the organization with which the Administrator 
     has entered into a cooperative agreement under section 504(a) 
     of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(a)).
       (9) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration.
       (10) Orion.--The term ``Orion'' 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).
       (11) OSTP.--The term ``OSTP'' means the Office of Science 
     and Technology Policy.
       (12) Space launch system.--The term ``Space Launch System'' 
     means the Space Launch System authorized under section 302 of 
     the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Act of 2010 
     (42 U.S.C. 18322).

                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

     SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Administration for fiscal year 2020 $22,750,000,000 as 
     follows:
       (1) For Exploration, $6,222,600,000.
       (2) For Space Operations, $4,150,200,000.
       (3) For Science, $6,905,700,000.
       (4) For Aeronautics, $783,900,000.
       (5) For Space Technology, $1,076,400,000.
       (6) For Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics 
     Engagement, $112,000,000.
       (7) For Safety, Security, and Mission Services, 
     $2,934,800,000.
       (8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and 
     Restoration, $524,400,000.
       (9) For Inspector General, $40,000,000.

              TITLE II--HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT AND EXPLORATION

     SEC. 201. ADVANCED CISLUNAR AND LUNAR SURFACE CAPABILITIES.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) commercial entities in the United States have made 
     significant investment and progress toward the development of 
     human-class lunar landers;
       (2) NASA developed the Artemis program--
       (A) to fulfill the goal of landing United States 
     astronauts, including the first woman and the next man, on 
     the Moon; and
       (B) to collaborate with commercial and international 
     partners to establish sustainable lunar exploration by 2028; 
     and
       (3) in carrying out the Artemis program, the Administration 
     should ensure that the entire Artemis program is inclusive 
     and representative of all people of the United States, 
     including women and minorities.
       (b) Lander Program.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall foster the flight 
     demonstration of not more than 2 human-class lunar lander 
     designs through public-private partnerships.
       (2) Initial development phase.--The Administrator may 
     support the formulation of more than 2 concepts in the 
     initial development phase.
       (c) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (b), the Administrator shall--
       (1) enter into industry-led partnerships using a fixed-
     price, milestone-based approach;
       (2) to the maximum extent practicable, encourage 
     reusability and sustainability of systems developed;
       (3) ensure availability of 1 or more lunar polar science 
     payloads for a demonstration mission; and
       (4) to the maximum extent practicable, offer existing 
     capabilities and assets of NASA centers to support these 
     partnerships.

     SEC. 202. SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS.

       (a) Mobile Launch Platform.--The Administrator is 
     authorized to maintain 2 operational mobile launch platforms 
     to enable the launch of multiple configurations of the Space 
     Launch System.
       (b) Exploration Upper Stage.--To meet the capability 
     requirements under section 302(c)(2) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)(2)), the Administrator shall 
     continue development of the Exploration Upper Stage for the 
     Space Launch System with a scheduled availability sufficient 
     for use on the third launch of the Space Launch System.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
     appropriate committees of Congress on the development and 
     scheduled availability of the Exploration Upper Stage for the 
     third launch of the Space Launch System.
       (d) Main Propulsion Test Article.--To meet the requirements 
     under section 302(c)(3) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18322(c)(3)), the Administrator shall--
       (1) immediately on completion of the first full-duration 
     integrated core stage test of the Space Launch System, 
     initiate development of a main propulsion test article for 
     the integrated core stage propulsion elements of the Space 
     Launch System;
       (2) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
     a detailed plan for the development and operation of such 
     main propulsion test article; and
       (3) use existing capabilities of NASA centers for the 
     design, manufacture, and operation of the main propulsion 
     test article.

     SEC. 203. ADVANCED SPACESUITS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     next-generation advanced spacesuits are a critical technology 
     for human space exploration and use of low-Earth orbit, 
     cislunar space, the surface of the Moon, and Mars.
       (b) Development Plan.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     detailed plan for the development and manufacture of advanced 
     spacesuits, consistent with the deep space exploration goals 
     and timetables of NASA.
       (c) Diverse Astronaut Corps.--The Administrator shall 
     ensure that spacesuits developed

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     and manufactured after the date of the enactment of this Act 
     are capable of accommodating a wide range of sizes of 
     astronauts so as to meet the needs of the diverse NASA 
     astronaut corps.
       (d) ISS Use.--Throughout the operational life of the ISS, 
     the Administrator should fully use the ISS for testing 
     advanced spacesuits.
       (e) Prior Investments.--
       (1) In general.--In developing an advanced spacesuit, the 
     Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     partner with industry-proven spacesuit design, development, 
     and manufacturing suppliers and leverage prior and existing 
     investments in advanced spacesuit technologies to maximize 
     the benefits of such investments and technologies.
       (2) Agreements with private entities.--In carrying out this 
     subsection, the Administrator may enter into 1 or more 
     agreements with 1 or more private entities for the 
     manufacture of advanced spacesuits, as the Administrator 
     considers appropriate.
       (f) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and semiannually thereafter until 
     NASA procures advanced spacesuits under this section, the 
     Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
     Congress on the development plan in subsection (b).

     SEC. 204. LIFE SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the 2011 decadal survey on biological and physical 
     sciences in space identifies--
       (A) many areas in which fundamental scientific research is 
     needed to efficiently advance the range of human activities 
     in space, from the first stages of exploration to eventual 
     economic development; and
       (B) many areas of basic and applied scientific research 
     that could use the microgravity, radiation, and other aspects 
     of the spaceflight environment to answer fundamental 
     scientific questions;
       (2) given the central role of life science and physical 
     science research in developing the future of space 
     exploration, NASA should continue to invest strategically in 
     such research to maintain United States leadership in space 
     exploration; and
       (3) such research remains important to the objectives of 
     NASA with respect to long-duration deep space human 
     exploration to the Moon and Mars.
       (b) Program Continuation.--
       (1) In general.--In support of the goals described in 
     section 20302 of title 51, United States Code, the 
     Administrator shall continue to implement a collaborative, 
     multidisciplinary life science and physical science 
     fundamental research program--
       (A) to build a scientific foundation for the exploration 
     and development of space;
       (B) to investigate the mechanisms of changes to biological 
     systems and physical systems, and the environments of those 
     systems in space, including the effects of long-duration 
     exposure to deep space-related environmental factors on those 
     systems;
       (C) to understand the effects of combined deep space 
     radiation and altered gravity levels on biological systems so 
     as to inform the development and testing of potential 
     countermeasures;
       (D) to understand physical phenomena in reduced gravity 
     that affect design and performance of enabling technologies 
     necessary for the space exploration program;
       (E) to provide scientific opportunities to educate, train, 
     and develop the next generation of researchers and engineers; 
     and
       (F) to provide state-of-the-art data repositories and 
     curation of large multi-data sets to enable comparative 
     research analyses.
       (2) Elements.--The program under paragraph (1) shall--
       (A) include fundamental research relating to life science, 
     space bioscience, and physical science; and
       (B) maximize intra-agency and interagency partnerships to 
     advance space exploration, scientific knowledge, and benefits 
     to Earth.
       (3) Use of facilities.--In carrying out the program under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator may use ground-based, air-
     based, and space-based facilities in low-Earth orbit and 
     beyond low-Earth orbit.

     SEC. 205. ACQUISITION OF DOMESTIC SPACE TRANSPORTATION AND 
                   LOGISTICS RESUPPLY SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the 
     Administrator shall not enter into any contract with a person 
     or entity that proposes to use, or will use, a foreign launch 
     provider for a commercial service to provide space 
     transportation or logistics resupply for--
       (1) the ISS; or
       (2) any Government-owned or Government-funded platform in 
     Earth orbit or cislunar space, on the lunar surface, or 
     elsewhere in space.
       (b) Exception.--The Administrator may enter into a contract 
     with a person or entity that proposes to use, or will use, a 
     foreign launch provider for a commercial service to carry out 
     an activity described in subsection (a) if a domestic vehicle 
     or service is unavailable.
       (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to prohibit the Administrator from entering into 1 
     or more no-exchange-of-funds collaborative agreements with an 
     international partner in support of the deep space 
     exploration plan of NASA.

     SEC. 206. ROCKET ENGINE TEST INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall carry out a 
     program to modernize rocket propulsion test infrastructure at 
     NASA facilities--
       (1) to increase capabilities;
       (2) to enhance safety;
       (3) to support propulsion development and testing; and
       (4) to foster the improvement of Government and commercial 
     space transportation and exploration.
       (b) Projects.--Projects funded under the program under 
     subsection (a) may include--
       (1) infrastructure and other facilities and systems 
     relating to rocket propulsion test stands and rocket 
     propulsion testing;
       (2) enhancements to test facility capacity and flexibility; 
     and
       (3) such other projects as the Administrator considers 
     appropriate to meet the goals described in subsection (a).
       (c) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
       (1) prioritize investments in projects that enhance test 
     and flight certification capabilities for large thrust-level 
     atmospheric and altitude engines and engine systems, and 
     multi-engine integrated test capabilities; and
       (2) ensure that no project carried out under this program 
     shall adversely impact, delay, or defer testing or other 
     activities associated with facilities used for Government 
     programs, including--
       (A) the Space Launch System and the Exploration Upper Stage 
     of the Space Launch System;
       (B) in-space propulsion to support exploration missions; or
       (C) nuclear propulsion testing.
       (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall preclude 
     a NASA program, including the Space Launch System and the 
     Exploration Upper Stage of the Space Launch System, from 
     using the modernized test infrastructure developed under this 
     section.

     SEC. 207. INDIAN RIVER BRIDGE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator, in coordination with 
     the heads of other Federal agencies that use the Indian River 
     Bridge on the NASA Causeway, shall develop a plan to ensure 
     that a bridge over the Indian River at such location provides 
     access to the Eastern Range for national security, civil, and 
     commercial space operations.
       (b) Fee or Toll Discouraged.--The plan shall strongly 
     discourage the imposition of a user fee or toll on a bridge 
     over the Indian River at such location.

     SEC. 208. VALUE OF INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION AND 
                   CAPABILITIES IN LOW-EARTH ORBIT.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) it is in the national and economic security interests 
     of the United States to maintain a continuous human presence 
     in low-Earth orbit;
       (2) low-Earth orbit should be used as a test bed to advance 
     human space exploration and scientific discoveries; and
       (3) the ISS is a critical component of economic, 
     commercial, and industrial development in low-Earth orbit.
       (b) Human Presence Requirement.--The United States shall 
     continuously maintain the capability for a continuous human 
     presence in low-Earth orbit through and beyond the useful 
     life of the ISS.

     SEC. 209. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION RELATING TO 
                   INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.

       (a) Policy.--Section 501(a) of the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18351(a)) is amended by striking ``2024'' and inserting 
     ``2030''.
       (b) Maintenance of United States Segment and Assurance of 
     Continued Operations.--Section 503(a) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18353(a)) is amended by striking ``September 
     30, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2030''.
       (c) Research Capacity Allocation and Integration of 
     Research Payloads.--Section 504(d) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(d)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), in the first sentence--
       (A) by striking ``As soon as practicable'' and all that 
     follows through ``2011,'' and inserting ``The''; and
       (B) by striking ``September 30, 2024'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2030''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2), in the third sentence, by striking 
     ``September 30, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2030''.
       (d) Maintenance of Use.--
       (1) In general.--Section 70907 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (A) in the section heading, by striking ``2024'' and 
     inserting ``2030'';
       (B) in subsection (a), by striking ``September 30, 2024'' 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2030''; and
       (C) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``September 30, 
     2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2030''.
       (e) Transition Plan Reports.--Section 50111(c)(2) of title 
     51, United States Code is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (J), by striking ``2028'' and inserting 
     ``2030''.
       (f) Elimination of International Space Station National 
     Laboratory Advisory Committee.--Section 70906 of title 51, 
     United States Code, is repealed.
       (g) Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 709 of title 51, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 70907 as section 70906; and
       (2) in the table of sections for the chapter, by striking 
     the items relating to sections 70906 and 70907 and inserting 
     the following:

``70906. Maintaining use through at least 2030.''.

     SEC. 210. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ACTIVITIES ON INTERNATIONAL 
                   SPACE STATION.

       (a) In General.--Not later than March 1, 2020, the 
     Secretary of Defense shall--

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       (1) identify and review each activity, program, and project 
     of the Department of Defense completed, being carried out, or 
     planned to be carried out on the ISS as of the date of the 
     review; and
       (2) provide to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     briefing that describes the results of the review.
       (b) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 211. LOW-EARTH ORBIT COMMERCIALIZATION.

       (a) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United 
     States to encourage the development of a thriving and robust 
     United States commercial sector in low-Earth orbit.
       (b) Preference for United States Commercial Products and 
     Services.--The Administrator shall continue to increase the 
     use of assets, products, and services of private entities in 
     the United States to fulfill the low-Earth orbit requirements 
     of the Administration.
       (c) Noncompetition.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     Administrator may not offer to a foreign person or a foreign 
     government a spaceflight product or service relating to the 
     ISS, if a comparable spaceflight product or service, as 
     applicable, is offered by a private entity in the United 
     States.
       (2) Exception.--The Administrator may offer a spaceflight 
     product or service relating to the ISS to the government of a 
     country that is a signatory to the Agreement Among the 
     Government of Canada, Governments of Member States of the 
     European Space Agency, the Government of Japan, the 
     Government of the Russian Federation, and the Government of 
     the United States of America Concerning Cooperation on the 
     Civil International Space Station, signed at Washington 
     January 29, 1998, and entered into force on March 27, 2001 
     (TIAS 12927).
       (d) Short-duration Commercial Missions.--To provide 
     opportunities for additional transport of astronauts to the 
     ISS and help establish a commercial market in low-Earth 
     orbit, the Administrator may permit short-duration missions 
     to the ISS for commercial passengers.
       (e) Program Authorization.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     low-Earth orbit commercialization program to encourage the 
     fullest commercial use and development of space by private 
     entities in the United States.
       (2) Elements.--The program established under paragraph (1) 
     shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include 
     activities--
       (A) to stimulate demand for--
       (i) space-based commercial research, development, and 
     manufacturing;
       (ii) spaceflight products and services; and
       (iii) human spaceflight products and services in low-Earth 
     orbit;
       (B) to improve the capability of the ISS to accommodate 
     commercial users; and
       (C) subject to paragraph (3), to foster the development of 
     commercial space stations and habitats.
       (3) Commercial space stations and habitats.--
       (A) Priority.--With respect to an activity to develop a 
     commercial space station or habitat, the Administrator shall 
     give priority to an activity for which a private entity 
     provides a share of the cost to develop and operate the 
     activity.
       (B) Limitation.--The Administrator may not provide funding 
     for the development of a commercial space station or habitat 
     until after the date on which the Administrator awards a 
     contract for the use of a docking port on the ISS.
       (C) Report.--Not later than 30 days after the date that an 
     award or agreement is made to carry out an activity to 
     develop a commercial space station or habitat, the 
     Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report on the development of the commercial space 
     station or habitat, as applicable, that includes--
       (i) a business plan that describes the manner in which the 
     project will--

       (I) meet the future requirements of NASA for low-Earth 
     orbit human space-flight services; and
       (II) fulfill the cost-share funding prioritization under 
     subparagraph (A); and

       (ii) a review of the viability of the operational business 
     case, including--

       (I) the level of expected Government participation;
       (II) a list of anticipated nongovernmental an international 
     customers and associated contributions; and
       (III) an assessment of long-term sustainability for the 
     nongovernmental customers, including an independent 
     assessment of the viability of the market for such commercial 
     services or products.

     SEC. 212. MAINTAINING A NATIONAL LABORATORY IN SPACE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the United States segment of the International Space 
     Station (as defined in section 70905 of title 51, United 
     States Code), which is designated as a national laboratory 
     under section 70905(b) of title 51, United States Code--
       (A) benefits the scientific community and promotes commerce 
     in space;
       (B) fosters stronger relationships among NASA and other 
     Federal agencies, the private sector, and research groups and 
     universities;
       (C) advances science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics education through use of the unique microgravity 
     environment; and
       (D) advances human knowledge and international cooperation;
       (2) after the ISS is decommissioned, the United States 
     should maintain a national microgravity laboratory in space;
       (3) in maintaining a national microgravity laboratory in 
     space, the United States should make appropriate 
     accommodations for different types of ownership and operation 
     arrangements for the ISS and future space stations;
       (4) to the maximum extent practicable, a national 
     microgravity laboratory in space should be maintained in 
     cooperation with international space partners; and
       (5) NASA should continue to support fundamental science 
     research on future platforms in low-Earth orbit and cislunar 
     space, orbital and suborbital flights, drop towers, and other 
     microgravity testing environments.
       (b) Report.--The Administrator, in coordination with the 
     National Space Council and other Federal agencies as the 
     Administrator considers appropriate, shall issue a report 
     detailing the feasibility of establishing a microgravity 
     national laboratory federally funded research and development 
     center to carry out activities relating to the study and use 
     of in-space conditions.

     SEC. 213. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION NATIONAL LABORATORY; 
                   PROPERTY RIGHTS IN INVENTIONS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 20150. Property rights in designated inventions

       ``(a) Exclusive Property Rights.--Notwithstanding section 
     3710a of title 15, chapter 18 of title 35, section 20135, or 
     any other provision of law, a designated invention shall be 
     the exclusive property of a user, and shall not be subject to 
     a Government-purpose license, if--
       ``(1) the Administration is reimbursed under the terms of 
     the contract for the full cost of a contribution by the 
     Federal Government of the use of Federal facilities, 
     equipment, materials, proprietary information of the Federal 
     Government, or services of a Federal employee during working 
     hours, including the cost for the Administration to carry out 
     its responsibilities under paragraphs (1) and (4) of section 
     504(d) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(d));
       ``(2) Federal funds are not transferred to the user under 
     the contract; and
       ``(3) the invention was made (as defined in section 
     20135(a))--
       ``(A) solely by the user; or
       ``(B)(i) by the user with the services of a Federal 
     employee under the terms of the contract; and
       ``(ii) the Administration is reimbursed for such services 
     under paragraph (1).
       ``(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed to affect the rights of the Federal Government, 
     including property rights in inventions, under any contract, 
     except in the case of a written contract with the 
     Administration or the ISS management entity for the 
     performance of a designated activity.
       ``(c) Definitions.--In this section--
       ``(1) Contract.--The term `contract' has the meaning giving 
     the term in section 20135(a).
       ``(2) Designated activity.--The term `designated activity' 
     means any non-NASA scientific use of the ISS national 
     laboratory as described in section 504 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354).
       ``(3) Designated invention.--The term `designated 
     invention' means any invention conceived or first reduced to 
     practice by any person in the performance of a designated 
     activity under a written contract with the Administration or 
     the ISS management entity.
       ``(4) Government-purpose license.--The term `Government-
     purpose license' means the reservation by the Federal 
     Government of an irrevocable, nonexclusive, nontransferable, 
     royalty-free license for the use of an invention throughout 
     the world by or on behalf of the United States or any foreign 
     government pursuant to a treaty or agreement with the United 
     States.
       ``(5) ISS management entity.--The term `ISS management 
     entity' means the organization with which the Administrator 
     enters into a cooperative agreement under section 504(a) of 
     the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(a)).
       ``(6) User.--The term `user' means a person, including a 
     nonprofit organization or small business firm (as such terms 
     are defined in section 201 of title 35), or class of persons 
     that enters into a written contract with the Administration 
     or the ISS management entity for the performance of 
     designated activities.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for 
     chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting after the item relating to section 20149 the 
     following:

``20150. Property rights in designated inventions.''.

     SEC. 214. DATA FIRST PRODUCED DURING NON-NASA SCIENTIFIC USE 
                   OF THE ISS NATIONAL LABORATORY.

       (a) Data Rights.--Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 
     51, United States Code, as amended by section 213, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 20151. Data rights

       ``(a) Non-NASA Scientific Use of the ISS National 
     Laboratory.--The Federal Government may not use or reproduce, 
     or disclose outside of the Government, any data first 
     produced in the performance of a designated activity under a 
     written contract with the Administration or the ISS 
     management entity, unless--
       ``(1) otherwise agreed under the terms of the contract with 
     the Administration or the ISS management entity, as 
     applicable;
       ``(2) the designated activity is carried out with Federal 
     funds;

[[Page S7656]]

       ``(3) disclosure is required by law;
       ``(4) the Federal Government has rights in the data under 
     another Federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or 
     other transaction; or
       ``(5) the data is--
       ``(A) otherwise lawfully acquired or independently 
     developed by the Federal Government;
       ``(B) related to the health and safety of personnel on the 
     ISS; or
       ``(C) essential to the performance of work by the ISS 
     management entity or NASA personnel.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Contract.--The term `contract' has the meaning given 
     the term under section 20135(a).
       ``(2) Data.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `data' means recorded 
     information, regardless of form or the media on which it may 
     be recorded.
       ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `data' includes technical data 
     and computer software.
       ``(C) Exclusions.--The term `data' does not include 
     information incidental to contract administration, such as 
     financial, administrative, cost or pricing, or management 
     information.
       ``(3) Designated activity.--The term `designated activity' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 20150.
       ``(4) ISS management entity.--The term `ISS management 
     entity' has the meaning given the term in section 20150.''.
       (b) Special Handling of Trade Secrets or Confidential 
     Information.--Section 20131(b)(2) of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) Information described.--
       ``(A) Activities under agreement.--Information referred to 
     in paragraph (1) is information that--
       ``(i) results from activities conducted under an agreement 
     entered into under subsections (e) and (f) of section 20113; 
     and
       ``(ii) would be a trade secret or commercial or financial 
     information that is privileged or confidential within the 
     meaning of section 552(b)(4) of title 5 if the information 
     had been obtained from a non-Federal party participating in 
     such an agreement.
       ``(B) Certain data.--Information referred to in paragraph 
     (1) includes data (as defined in section 20151) that--
       ``(i) was first produced by the Administration in the 
     performance of any designated activity (as defined in section 
     20150); and
       ``(ii) would be a trade secret or commercial or financial 
     information that is privileged or confidential within the 
     meaning of section 552(b)(4) of title 5 if the data had been 
     obtained from a non-Federal party.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for 
     chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, as amended by 
     section 213, is further amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 20150 the following:

``20151. Data rights.''.

     SEC. 215. ROYALTIES AND OTHER PAYMENTS RECEIVED FOR 
                   DESIGNATED ACTIVITIES.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Administrator should determine a threshold for which it 
     may be appropriate for NASA to recoup the costs of supporting 
     the creation of invention aboard the ISS, through the 
     negotiation of royalties, similar to agreements made by other 
     Federal agencies that support private sector innovation.
       (b) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, 
     United States Code, as amended by sections 213 and 214, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 20152. Royalties and other payments received for 
       designated activities

       ``(a) Designated Inventions Made With Federal Assistance.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the 
     Administration, under the terms of a written contract for the 
     performance of a designated activity, agrees to provide, 
     unreimbursed, the total cost of a contribution by the Federal 
     Government of the use of Federal facilities, equipment, 
     materials, proprietary information of the Federal Government, 
     or services of a Federal employee during working hours, 
     including the cost for the Administration to carry out its 
     responsibilities under paragraphs (1) and (4) of section 
     504(d) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(d)), the 
     Administrator shall negotiate an agreement on the terms and 
     rates of royalty payments with respect to an invention or 
     class of inventions conceived or first reduced to practice by 
     any person or class of persons in the performance of such 
     designated activities.
       ``(b) Licensing and Assignment of Inventions.--
     Notwithstanding sections 3710a and 3710c of title 15 and any 
     other provision of law, after payment in accordance with 
     subsection (A)(i) of such section 3710c(a)(1)(A)(i) to the 
     inventors who have directly assigned to the Federal 
     Government their interests in an invention under a written 
     contract with the Administration or the ISS management entity 
     for the performance of a designated activity, the balance of 
     any royalty or other payment received by the Administrator or 
     the ISS management entity from licensing and assignment of 
     such invention shall be paid by the Administrator or the ISS 
     management entity, as applicable, to the Space Exploration 
     Fund.
       ``(c) Space Exploration Fund.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury 
     of the United States a fund, to be known as the `Space 
     Exploration Fund' (referred to in this subsection as the 
     `Fund'), to be administered by the Administrator.
       ``(2) Use of fund.--The Fund shall be available without 
     fiscal year limitation and without further appropriation to 
     carry out space exploration activities under section 20302.
       ``(3) Deposits.--There shall be deposited in the Fund--
       ``(A) amounts appropriated to the Fund;
       ``(B) fees and royalties collected by the Administrator or 
     the ISS management entity under subsections (a) and (b); and
       ``(C) donations or contributions designated to support 
     authorized activities.
       ``(4) Rule of construction.--Amounts available to the 
     Administrator under this subsection shall be in addition to 
     amounts otherwise made available for the purpose described in 
     paragraph (2).
       ``(d) Definitions.--The terms used in this section have the 
     meanings given the terms in section 20150.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for 
     chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, as amended by 
     sections 213 and 214, is further amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 20151 the following:

``20152. Royalties and other payments received for designated 
              activities.''.

     SEC. 216. STEPPINGSTONE APPROACH TO EXPLORATION.

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

     ``Sec. 70504. Steppingstone approach to exploration

       ``(a) In General.--The Administrator, in sustainable steps, 
     may conduct missions to intermediate destinations, such as 
     the Moon, in accordance with section 20302(b), and on a 
     timetable determined by the availability of funding, in order 
     to achieve the objective of human exploration of Mars 
     specified in section 202(b)(5) of the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18312(b)(5)), if the Administrator--
       ``(1) determines that each such mission demonstrates or 
     advances a technology or operational concept that will enable 
     human missions to Mars; and
       ``(2) incorporates each such mission into the human 
     exploration roadmap under section 432 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization 
     Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note).
       ``(b) Cislunar Space Exploration Activities.--In conducting 
     a mission under subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
       ``(1) use a combination of launches of the Space Launch 
     System and space transportation services from United States 
     commercial providers, as appropriate, for the mission;
       ``(2) plan for not fewer than 1 Space Launch System launch 
     annually beginning after the first successful crewed launch 
     of Orion on the Space Launch System; and
       ``(3) establish an outpost in orbit around the Moon that--
       ``(A) demonstrates technologies, systems, and operational 
     concepts directly applicable to the space vehicle that will 
     be used to transport humans to Mars;
       ``(B) has the capability for periodic human habitation; and
       ``(C) can function as a point of departure, return, or 
     staging for Administration or nongovernmental or 
     international partner missions to multiple locations on the 
     lunar surface or other destinations.
       ``(c) Cost-effectiveness.--To maximize the cost-
     effectiveness of the long-term space exploration and 
     utilization activities of the United States, the 
     Administrator shall take all necessary steps, including 
     engaging nongovernmental and international partners, to 
     ensure that activities in the Administration's human space 
     exploration program are balanced in order to help meet the 
     requirements of future exploration and utilization activities 
     leading to human habitation on the surface of Mars.
       ``(d) Completion.--Within budgetary considerations, once an 
     exploration-related project enters its development phase, the 
     Administrator shall seek, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     to complete that project without undue delay.
       ``(e) International Participation.--To achieve the goal of 
     successfully conducting a crewed mission to the surface of 
     Mars, the Administrator shall invite the partners in the ISS 
     program and other nations, as appropriate, to participate in 
     an international initiative under the leadership of the 
     United States.''.
       (b) Definition of Cislunar Space.--Section 10101 of title 
     51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(3) Cislunar space.--The term `cislunar space' means the 
     region of space beyond low-Earth orbit out to and including 
     the region around the surface of the Moon.''.
       (c) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--Section 3 of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
     Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18302) is amended by striking 
     paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     `appropriate committees of Congress' means--
       ``(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate; and
       ``(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives.
       ``(3) Cislunar space.--The term `cislunar space' means the 
     region of space beyond low-Earth orbit out to and including 
     the region around the surface of the Moon.''.

     SEC. 217. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS RELATING TO ARTEMIS MISSIONS.

       (a) Section 421 of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 
     51 U.S.C. 20301 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)(3)--
       (A) by striking ``EM-1'' and inserting ``Artemis 1'';
       (B) by striking ``EM-2'' and inserting ``Artemis 2''; and
       (C) by striking ``EM-3'' and inserting ``Artemis 3''; and
       (2) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``EM-3'' and 
     inserting ``Artemis 3''.

[[Page S7657]]

       (b) Section 432(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 
     51 U.S.C. 20302 note) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)(D)--
       (A) by striking ``EM-1'' and inserting ``Artemis 1''; and
       (B) by striking ``EM-2'' and inserting ``Artemis 2''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking ``EM-3'' and inserting 
     ``Artemis 3''.

                           TITLE III--SCIENCE

     SEC. 301. SCIENCE PRIORITIES.

       (a) Sense of Congress on Science Portfolio.--Congress 
     reaffirms the sense of Congress that--
       (1) a balanced and adequately funded set of activities, 
     consisting of research and analysis grant programs, 
     technology development, suborbital research activities, and 
     small, medium, and large space missions, contributes to a 
     robust and productive science program and serves as a 
     catalyst for innovation and discovery; and
       (2) the Administrator should set science priorities by 
     following the guidance provided by the scientific community 
     through the decadal surveys of the National Academies of 
     Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
       (b) National Academies Decadal Surveys.--Section 20305(c) 
     of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The Administrator shall'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(1) Reexamination of priorities by national academies.--
     The Administrator shall''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Reexamination of priorities by administrator.--If the 
     Administrator decides to reexamine the applicability of the 
     priorities of the decadal surveys to the missions and 
     activities of the Administration due to scientific 
     discoveries or external factors, the Administrator shall 
     consult with the relevant committees of the National 
     Academies.''.

     SEC. 302. LUNAR DISCOVERY PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator may carry out a program 
     to conduct lunar science research, including missions to the 
     surface of the Moon, that materially contributes to the 
     objective described in section 20102(d)(1) of title 51, 
     United States Code.
       (b) Commercial Landers.--In carrying out a program under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall procure the services 
     of commercial landers developed primarily by United States 
     industry to land science payloads of all classes on the lunar 
     surface.
       (c) Lunar Science Research.--The Administrator shall ensure 
     that lunar science research carried out under subsection (a) 
     is consistent with recommendations made by the National 
     Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
       (d) Lunar Polar Volatiles.--In carrying out a program under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall, at the earliest 
     opportunity, consider mission proposals to evaluate the 
     potential of lunar polar volatiles to contribute to 
     sustainable lunar exploration.

     SEC. 303. SEARCH FOR LIFE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the report entitled ``An Astrobiology Strategy for the 
     Search for Life in the Universe'' published by the National 
     Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine outlines the 
     key scientific questions and methods for fulfilling the 
     objective of NASA to search for the origin, evolution, 
     distribution, and future of life in the universe; and
       (2) the interaction of lifeforms with their environment, a 
     central focus of astrobiology research, is a topic of broad 
     significance to life sciences research in space and on Earth.
       (b) Program Continuation.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall continue to 
     implement a collaborative, multidisciplinary science and 
     technology development program to search for proof of the 
     existence or historical existence of life beyond Earth in 
     support of the objective described in section 20102(d)(10) of 
     title 51, United States Code.
       (2) Element.--The program under paragraph (1) shall include 
     activities relating to astronomy, biology, geology, and 
     planetary science.
       (3) Coordination with life sciences program.--In carrying 
     out the program under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall 
     coordinate efforts with the life sciences program of the 
     Administration.
       (4) Technosignatures.--In carrying out the program under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator shall support activities to 
     search for and analyze technosignatures.
       (5) Instrumentation and sensor technology.--In carrying out 
     the program under paragraph (1), the Administrator may 
     strategically invest in the development of new 
     instrumentation and sensor technology.

     SEC. 304. JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the James Webb Space Telescope will be the next premier 
     observatory in space and has great potential to further 
     scientific study and assist scientists in making new 
     discoveries in the field of astronomy;
       (2) the James Webb Space Telescope was developed as an 
     ambitious project with a scope that was not fully defined at 
     inception and with risk that was not fully known or 
     understood;
       (3) despite the major technology development and innovation 
     that was needed to construct the James Webb Space Telescope, 
     major negative impacts to the cost and schedule of the James 
     Webb Space Telescope resulted from poor program management 
     and poor contractor performance;
       (4) the Administrator should take into account the lessons 
     learned from the cost and schedule issues relating to the 
     development of the James Webb Space Telescope in making 
     decisions regarding the scope of and the technologies needed 
     for future scientific missions;
       (5) in selecting future scientific missions, the 
     Administrator should take into account the impact that large 
     programs that overrun cost and schedule estimates may have on 
     other NASA programs in earlier phases of development; and
       (6) the Administrator should continue to develop the James 
     Webb Space Telescope with a development cost of not more than 
     $8,802,700,000, as estimated by the James Webb Space 
     Telescope Independent Review Board Report released in May 
     2018.
       (b) Project Continuation.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall continue--
       (A) to closely track the cost and schedule performance of 
     the James Webb Space Telescope project; and
       (B) to improve the reliability of cost estimates and 
     contractor performance data throughout the remaining 
     development of the James Webb Space Telescope.
       (2) Key program objective.--The Administrator shall 
     continue to develop the James Webb Space Telescope on a 
     schedule to meet the objective of safely launching the James 
     Webb Space Telescope not later than March 31, 2021.

     SEC. 305. WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) major growth in the cost of astrophysics flagship-class 
     missions has impacted the overall portfolio balance of the 
     Science Mission Directorate; and
       (2) the Administrator should continue to develop the Wide-
     Field Infrared Survey Telescope with a development cost of 
     not more than $3,200,000,000.
       (b) Project Continuation.--The Administrator shall continue 
     to develop the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope to meet 
     the objectives outlined in the 2010 decadal survey on 
     astronomy and astrophysics of the National Academies of 
     Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in a manner that 
     maximizes scientific productivity based on the resources 
     invested.

     SEC. 306. SATELLITE SERVICING FOR SCIENCE MISSIONS.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall conduct a study on 
     the feasibility of using in-space robotic refueling, repair, 
     or refurbishment capabilities to extend the useful life of 
     telescopes and other science missions that are operational or 
     in development as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (2) Elements.--The study conducted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) An identification of the technologies and in-space 
     testing required to demonstrate the in-space robotic 
     refueling, repair, or refurbishment capabilities described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (B) The projected cost of using such capabilities, 
     including the cost of extended operations for science 
     missions described in that paragraph.
       (b) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress and the Space Studies 
     Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
     Medicine a briefing on the results of the study conducted 
     under subsection (a)(1).

     SEC. 307. EARTH SCIENCE MISSIONS AND PROGRAMS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Earth Science Division of NASA plays an important role in 
     national efforts--
       (1) to collect and use Earth observations in service to 
     society; and
       (2) to understand global change.
       (b) Earth Science Missions and Programs.--With respect to 
     the missions and programs of the Earth Science Division, the 
     Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     follow the recommendations and guidance provided by the 
     scientific community through the decadal survey for Earth 
     science and applications from space of the National Academies 
     of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, including--
       (1) the science priorities described in such survey;
       (2) the execution of the series of existing or previously 
     planned observations (commonly known as the ``program of 
     record''); and
       (3) the development of a range of missions of all classes, 
     including opportunities for principal investigator-led, 
     competitively selected missions.

     SEC. 308. SCIENCE MISSIONS TO MARS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall conduct 1 or more 
     science missions to Mars to enable the selection of 1 or more 
     sites for human landing.
       (b) Sample Program.--The Administrator may carry out a 
     program--
       (1) to collect samples from the surface of Mars; and
       (2) to return such samples to Earth for scientific 
     analysis.
       (c) Use of Existing Capabilities and Assets.--In carrying 
     out this section, the Administrator shall, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, use existing capabilities and assets of 
     NASA centers.

     SEC. 309. PLANETARY DEFENSE COORDINATION OFFICE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Near-Earth objects remain a threat to the United 
     States.
       (2) Section 321(d)(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-155; 
     119 Stat. 2922; 51 U.S.C. 71101 note prec.) established a 
     requirement that the Administrator plan, develop,

[[Page S7658]]

     and implement a Near-Earth Object Survey program 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, with the goal of 90-
     percent completion of the catalogue of such near-Earth 
     objects by December 30, 2020.
       (3) The current planetary defense strategy of NASA 
     acknowledges that such goal will not be met.
       (4) The report of the National Academies of Sciences, 
     Engineering, and Medicine entitled ``Finding Hazardous 
     Asteroids Using Infrared and Visible Wavelength Telescopes'' 
     issued in 2019 states that--
       (A) NASA cannot accomplish such goal with currently 
     available assets;
       (B) NASA should develop and launch a dedicated space-based 
     infrared survey telescope to meet the requirements of section 
     321(d)(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-155; 
     119 Stat. 2922; 51 U.S.C. 71101 note prec.); and
       (C) the early detection of potentially hazardous near-Earth 
     objects enabled by a space-based infrared survey telescope is 
     important to enable deflection of a dangerous asteroid.
       (5) A comprehensive survey of near-Earth objects is vital 
     to--
       (A) the national security of the United States; and
       (B) the safety and security of the assets and personnel of 
     the United States Armed Forces throughout the world.
       (b) Establishment of Planetary Defense Coordination 
     Office.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish 
     an office within the Planetary Science Division of the 
     Science Mission Directorate, to be known as the ``Planetary 
     Defense Coordination Office'', to plan, develop, and 
     implement a program to survey threats posed by near-Earth 
     objects equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter, as 
     required by section 321(d)(1) of the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 
     109-155; 119 Stat. 2922; 51 U.S.C. 71101 note prec.).
       (2) Activities.--The Administrator shall--
       (A) develop and, not later than September 30, 2025, launch 
     a space-based infrared survey telescope that is capable of 
     detecting near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 
     meters in diameter, with preference given to planetary 
     missions selected by the Administrator as of the date of the 
     enactment of this Act to pursue concept design studies 
     relating to the development of a space-based infrared survey 
     telescope;
       (B) identify, track, and characterize potentially hazardous 
     near-Earth objects and issue warnings of the effects of 
     potential impacts of such objects; and
       (C) assist in coordinating Government planning for response 
     to a potential impact of a near-Earth object.
       (3) Department of defense support.--The Secretary of 
     Defense shall, as appropriate, support efforts of the 
     Administrator in carrying out this section.
       (c) Annual Report.--Section 321(f) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2005 (Public Law 109-155; 119 Stat. 2922; 51 U.S.C. 71101 
     note prec.) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(f) Annual Report.--Not later than September 30, 2020, 
     and annually thereafter through 90-percent completion of the 
     catalogue required by subsection (d)(1), the Administrator 
     shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a 
     report that includes the following:
       ``(1) A summary of all activities carried out by the 
     Planetary Defense Coordination Office established under 
     section 309(b)(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2019 since the date of 
     enactment of that Act.
       ``(2) A description of the progress with respect to the 
     design, development, and launch of the space-based infrared 
     survey telescope required by section 309(b)(2)(A) of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
     Act of 2019.
       ``(3) An assessment of the progress toward meeting the 
     requirements of subsection (d)(1).
       ``(4) A description of the status of efforts to coordinate 
     planetary defense activities in response to a threat posed by 
     a near-Earth object with other Federal agencies since the 
     date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2019.
       ``(5) 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.
       ``(6) A summary of expenditures for all activities carried 
     out by the Planetary Defense Coordination Office since the 
     date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2019.''.
       (d) Limitation on Use of Funds.--Of the amounts authorized 
     to be appropriated by this Act, not more than 80 percent of 
     amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Office of the 
     Administrator for a fiscal year may be obligated or expended 
     until the date on which the Administrator submits the report 
     for such fiscal year required by section 321(f) of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
     Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-155; 119 Stat. 2922; 51 U.S.C. 
     71101 note prec.).
       (e) Near-Earth Object Defined.--In 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.

     SEC. 310. SUBORBITAL SCIENCE FLIGHTS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     commercially available suborbital flight platforms enable 
     low-cost access to a microgravity environment to advance 
     science and train scientists and engineers under the 
     Suborbital Research Program established under section 802(c) 
     of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18382(c)).
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report evaluating 
     the manner in which suborbital flight platforms can 
     contribute to meeting the science objectives of NASA for the 
     Science Mission Directorate and the Human Exploration and 
     Operations Mission Directorate.
       (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) An assessment of the advantages of suborbital flight 
     platforms to meet science objectives.
       (B) An evaluation of the challenges to greater use of 
     commercial suborbital flight platforms for science purposes.
       (C) An analysis of whether commercial suborbital flight 
     platforms can provide low-cost flight opportunities to test 
     lunar and Mars science payloads.

     SEC. 311. EARTH SCIENCE DATA AND OBSERVATIONS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall make available to 
     the public in an easily accessible electronic database all 
     data (including metadata, documentation, models, data 
     processing methods, images, synchronization frames, 
     communications headers, duplicate data, and research results) 
     of the missions and programs of the Earth Science Division of 
     the Administration, or any successor division.
       (b) Open Data Program.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall establish and continue to operate an open 
     data program that--
       (1) is consistent with the greatest degree of 
     interactivity, interoperability, and accessibility; and
       (2) enables outside communities, including the research and 
     applications community, private industry, academia, and the 
     general public, to effectively collaborate in areas important 
     to--
       (A) studying the Earth system and improving the prediction 
     of Earth system change; and
       (B) improving model development, data assimilation 
     techniques, systems architecture integration, and 
     computational efficiencies; and
       (3) meets basic end-user requirements for running on public 
     computers and networks located outside of secure 
     Administration information and technology systems.
       (c) Hosting.--The program under subsection (b) shall use, 
     as appropriate and cost-effective, innovative strategies and 
     methods for hosting and management of part or all of the 
     program, including cloud-based computing capabilities.

     SEC. 312. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SMALL SATELLITE SCIENCE.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) small satellites--
       (A) are increasingly robust, effective, and affordable 
     platforms for carrying out space science missions;
       (B) can work in tandem with or augment larger NASA 
     spacecraft to support high-priority science missions of NASA; 
     and
       (C) are cost effective solutions that may allow NASA to 
     continue collecting legacy observations while developing 
     next-generation science missions; and
       (2) NASA should continue to support small satellite 
     research, development, technologies, and programs, including 
     technologies for compact and lightweight instrumentation for 
     small satellites.

     SEC. 313. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON COMMERCIAL SPACE SERVICES.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Administration should explore partnerships with the 
     commercial space industry for space science missions in and 
     beyond Earth orbit, including partnerships relating to 
     payload and instrument hosting and commercially available 
     datasets; and
       (2) such partnerships could result in increased mission 
     cadence, technology advancement, and cost savings for the 
     Administration.

     SEC. 314. PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING AND ADDRESSING ALLEGED 
                   VIOLATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY POLICY.

       Not later than October 1, 2020, the Administrator shall 
     develop and document procedures for identifying and 
     addressing alleged violations of the scientific integrity 
     policy of NASA.

                         TITLE IV--AERONAUTICS

     SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Aeronautics Innovation 
     Act''.

     SEC. 402. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Aeronautics strategic implementation plan.--The term 
     ``Aeronautics Strategic Implementation Plan'' means the 
     Aeronautics Strategic Implementation Plan issued by the 
     Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.
       (2) Unmanned aircraft; unmanned aircraft system.--The terms 
     ``unmanned aircraft'' and ``unmanned aircraft system'' have 
     the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49, 
     United States Code.
       (3) X-plane.--The term ``X-plane'' means an experimental 
     aircraft that is--
       (A) used to test and evaluate a new technology or 
     aerodynamic concept; and
       (B) operated by NASA or the Department of Defense.

     SEC. 403. EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT PROJECTS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--

[[Page S7659]]

       (1) developing high-risk, precompetitive aerospace 
     technologies for which there is not yet a profit rationale is 
     a fundamental role of NASA;
       (2) large-scale piloted flight test experimentation and 
     validation are necessary for--
       (A) transitioning new technologies and materials, including 
     associated manufacturing processes, for general aviation, 
     commercial aviation, and military aeronautics use; and
       (B) capturing the full extent of benefits from investments 
     made by the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate in 
     priority programs called for in--
       (i) the National Aeronautics Research and Development Plan 
     issued by the National Science and Technology Council in 
     February 2010;
       (ii) the NASA 2014 Strategic Plan;
       (iii) the Aeronautics Strategic Implementation Plan; and
       (iv) any updates to the programs called for in the plans 
     described in clauses (i) through (iii);
       (3) a level of funding that adequately supports large-scale 
     piloted flight test experimentation and validation, including 
     related infrastructure, should be ensured over a sustained 
     period of time to restore the capacity of NASA--
       (A) to see legacy priority programs through to completion; 
     and
       (B) to achieve national economic and security objectives; 
     and
       (4) NASA should not be directly involved in the Type 
     Certification of aircraft for current and future scheduled 
     commercial air service under part 121 or 135 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, that would result in reductions 
     in crew augmentation or single pilot or autonomously operated 
     aircraft.
       (b) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United 
     States--
       (1) to maintain world leadership in--
       (A) military and civilian aeronautical science and 
     technology;
       (B) global air power projection; and
       (C) industrialization; and
       (2) to maintain as a fundamental objective of NASA 
     aeronautics research the steady progression and expansion of 
     flight research and capabilities, including the science and 
     technology of critical underlying disciplines and 
     competencies, such as--
       (A) computational-based analytical and predictive tools and 
     methodologies;
       (B) aerothermodynamics;
       (C) propulsion;
       (D) advanced materials and manufacturing processes;
       (E) high-temperature structures and materials; and
       (F) guidance, navigation, and flight controls.
       (c) Establishment and Continuation of X-plane Projects.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish or 
     continue to implement, in a manner that is consistent with 
     the roadmap for supersonic aeronautics research and 
     development required by section 604(b) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization 
     Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 131 Stat. 55), the following 
     projects:
       (A) A low-boom supersonic aircraft project to demonstrate 
     supersonic aircraft designs and technologies that--
       (i) reduce sonic boom noise; and
       (ii) assist the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration in enabling--

       (I) the safe commercial deployment of civil supersonic 
     aircraft technology; and
       (II) the safe and efficient operation of civil supersonic 
     aircraft.

       (B) A subsonic flight demonstrator aircraft project to 
     advance aircraft designs and technologies that enable 
     significant increases in energy efficiency and reduced life-
     cycle emissions in the aviation system while reducing noise 
     and emissions.
       (C) A series of large-scale X-plane demonstrators that 
     are--
       (i) developed sequentially or in parallel; and
       (ii) each based on a set of new configuration concepts or 
     technologies determined by the Administrator to demonstrate--

       (I) aircraft and propulsion concepts and technologies and 
     related advances in alternative propulsion and energy; and
       (II) flight propulsion concepts and technologies.

       (2) Elements.--For each project under paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall--
       (A) include the development of X-planes and all necessary 
     supporting flight test assets;
       (B) pursue a robust technology maturation and flight test 
     validation effort;
       (C) improve necessary facilities, flight testing 
     capabilities, and computational tools to support the project;
       (D) award any primary contracts for design, procurement, 
     and manufacturing to United States persons, consistent with 
     international obligations and commitments;
       (E) coordinate research and flight test demonstration 
     activities with other Federal agencies and the United States 
     aviation community, as the Administrator considers 
     appropriate; and
       (F) ensure that the project is aligned with the Aeronautics 
     Strategic Implementation Plan and any updates to the 
     Aeronautics Strategic Implementation Plan.
       (3) United states person defined.--In this subsection, the 
     term ``United States person'' means--
       (A) a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted 
     for permanent residence to the United States; or
       (B) an entity organized under the laws of the United States 
     or of any jurisdiction within the United States, including a 
     foreign branch of such an entity.
       (d) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology 
     Program.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator may establish an 
     advanced materials and manufacturing technology program--
       (A) to develop--
       (i) new materials, including composite and high-temperature 
     materials, from base material formulation through full-scale 
     structural validation and manufacture;
       (ii) advanced materials and manufacturing processes, 
     including additive manufacturing, to reduce the cost of 
     manufacturing scale-up and certification for use in general 
     aviation, commercial aviation, and military aeronautics; and
       (iii) noninvasive or nondestructive techniques for testing 
     or evaluating aviation and aeronautics structures, including 
     for materials and manufacturing processes;
       (B) to reduce the time it takes to design, industrialize, 
     and certify advanced materials and manufacturing processes;
       (C) to provide education and training opportunities for the 
     aerospace workforce; and
       (D) to address global cost and human capital 
     competitiveness for United States aeronautical industries and 
     technological leadership in advanced materials and 
     manufacturing technology.
       (2) Elements.--In carrying out a program under paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator shall--
       (A) build on work that was carried out by the Advanced 
     Composites Project of NASA;
       (B) partner with the private and academic sectors, such as 
     members of the Advanced Composites Consortium of NASA, the 
     Joint Advanced Materials and Structures Center of Excellence 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration, the Manufacturing USA 
     institutes of the Department of Commerce, and national 
     laboratories, as the Administrator considers appropriate;
       (C) provide a structure for managing intellectual property 
     generated by the program based on or consistent with the 
     structure established for the Advanced Composites Consortium 
     of NASA;
       (D) ensure adequate Federal cost share for applicable 
     research; and
       (E) coordinate with advanced manufacturing and composites 
     initiatives in other mission directorates of NASA, as the 
     Administrator considers appropriate.
       (e) Research Partnerships.--In carrying out the projects 
     under subsection (c) and a program under subsection (d), the 
     Administrator may engage in cooperative research programs 
     with--
       (1) academia; and
       (2) commercial aviation and aerospace manufacturers.

     SEC. 404. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

       (a) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation Program.--The 
     Administrator shall--
       (1) research and test capabilities and concepts, including 
     unmanned aircraft systems communications, for integrating 
     unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system;
       (2) leverage the partnership NASA has with industry focused 
     on the advancement of technologies for future air traffic 
     management systems for unmanned aircraft systems; and
       (3) continue to align the research and testing portfolio of 
     NASA to inform the integration of unmanned aircraft systems 
     into the national airspace system, consistent with public 
     safety and national security objectives.
       (b) Sense of Congress on Coordination With Federal Aviation 
     Administration.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) NASA should continue--
       (A) to coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration 
     on research on air traffic management systems for unmanned 
     aircraft systems; and
       (B) to assist the Federal Aviation Administration in the 
     integration of air traffic management systems for unmanned 
     aircraft systems into the national airspace system; and
       (2) the test ranges (as defined in section 44801 of title 
     49, United States Code) should continue to be leveraged for 
     research on--
       (A) air traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft 
     systems; and
       (B) the integration of such systems into the national 
     airspace system.

     SEC. 405. 21ST CENTURY AERONAUTICS CAPABILITIES INITIATIVE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator may establish an 
     initiative, to be known as the ``21st Century Aeronautics 
     Capabilities Initiative'', within the Construction and 
     Environmental Compliance and Restoration Account, to ensure 
     that NASA possesses the infrastructure and capabilities 
     necessary to conduct proposed flight demonstration projects 
     across the range of NASA aeronautics interests.
       (b) Activities.--In carrying out the 21st Century 
     Aeronautics Capabilities Initiative, the Administrator may 
     carry out the following activities:
       (1) Any investments the Administrator considers necessary 
     to upgrade and create facilities for civil and national 
     security aeronautics research to support advancements in--
       (A) long-term foundational science and technology;
       (B) advanced aircraft systems;
       (C) air traffic management systems;
       (D) fuel efficiency;
       (E) electric propulsion technologies;
       (F) system-wide safety assurance;
       (G) autonomous aviation; and
       (H) supersonic and hypersonic aircraft design and 
     development.
       (2) Any measures the Administrator considers necessary to 
     support flight testing activities, including--
       (A) continuous refinement and development of free-flight 
     test techniques and methodologies;
       (B) upgrades and improvements to real-time tracking and 
     data acquisition; and
       (C) such other measures relating to aeronautics research 
     support and modernization as the Administrator considers 
     appropriate to carry out the scientific study of the problems 
     of flight, with a view to practical solutions for such 
     problems.

[[Page S7660]]

  


     SEC. 406. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON ON-DEMAND AIR TRANSPORTATION.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) greater use of high-speed air transportation, small 
     airports, helipads, vertical flight infrastructure, and other 
     aviation-related infrastructure can alleviate surface 
     transportation congestion and support economic growth within 
     cities;
       (2) with respect to urban air mobility and related 
     concepts, NASA should continue--
       (A) to conduct research focused on concepts, technologies, 
     and design tools; and
       (B) to support the evaluation of advanced technologies and 
     operational concepts that can be leveraged by--
       (i) industry to develop future vehicles and systems; and
       (ii) the Federal Aviation Administration to support vehicle 
     safety and operational certification; and
       (3) NASA should leverage ongoing efforts to develop 
     advanced technologies to actively support the research needed 
     for on-demand air transportation.

     SEC. 407. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY 
                   RESEARCH.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) hypersonic technology is critical to the development of 
     advanced high-speed aerospace vehicles for both civilian and 
     national security purposes;
       (2) for hypersonic vehicles to be realized, research is 
     needed to overcome technical challenges, including in 
     propulsion, advanced materials, and flight performance in a 
     severe environment;
       (3) NASA plays a critical role in supporting fundamental 
     hypersonic research focused on system design, analysis and 
     validation, and propulsion technologies;
       (4) NASA research efforts in hypersonic technology should 
     complement research supported by the Department of Defense to 
     the maximum extent practicable, since contributions from both 
     agencies working in partnership with universities and 
     industry are necessary to overcome key technical challenges;
       (5) previous coordinated research programs between NASA and 
     the Department of Defense enabled important progress on 
     hypersonic technology;
       (6) the commercial sector could provide flight platforms 
     and other capabilities that are able to host and support NASA 
     hypersonic technology research projects; and
       (7) in carrying out hypersonic technology research 
     projects, the Administrator should--
       (A) focus research and development efforts on high-speed 
     propulsion systems, reusable vehicle technologies, high-
     temperature materials, and systems analysis;
       (B) coordinate with the Department of Defense to prevent 
     duplication of efforts and of investments;
       (C) include partnerships with universities and industry to 
     accomplish research goals; and
       (D) maximize public-private use of commercially available 
     platforms for hosting research and development flight 
     projects.

                       TITLE V--SPACE TECHNOLOGY

     SEC. 501. SPACE TECHNOLOGY MISSION DIRECTORATE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that an 
     independent Space Technology Mission Directorate is critical 
     to ensuring continued investments in the development of 
     technologies for missions across the portfolio of NASA, 
     including science, aeronautics, and human exploration.
       (b) Space Technology Mission Directorate.--The 
     Administrator shall maintain a Space Technology Mission 
     Directorate consistent with section 702 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization 
     Act of 2017 (51 U.S.C. 20301 note).

     SEC. 502. FLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Administrator should provide flight opportunities for 
     payloads to microgravity environments and suborbital 
     altitudes as required by section 907(c) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18405(c)), as amended by subsection (b).
       (b) Establishment.--Section 907(c) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18405(c)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(c) Establishment.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program within the 
     Space Technology Mission Directorate to fund--
       ``(A) the development of payloads for scientific research, 
     technology development, and education;
       ``(B) flight opportunities for those payloads to 
     microgravity environments and suborbital altitudes; and
       ``(C) transition of those payloads to orbital 
     opportunities.
       ``(2) Commercial reusable vehicle flights.--In carrying out 
     the Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program, the 
     Administrator may fund engineering and integration 
     demonstrations, proofs of concept, and educational 
     experiments for flights of commercial reusable vehicles.
       ``(3) Commercial suborbital launch vehicles.--In carrying 
     out the Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program, the 
     Administrator may not fund the development of commercial 
     suborbital launch vehicles.
       ``(4) Working with mission directorates.--In carrying out 
     the Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program, the 
     Administrator shall work with the mission directorates of 
     NASA to achieve the research, technology, and education goals 
     of NASA.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 907(b) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18405(b)) is amended, in the first sentence, 
     by striking ``Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program 
     in'' and inserting ``Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research 
     Program established under subsection (c)(1) within''.

     SEC. 503. SMALL SPACECRAFT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Small Spacecraft Technology Program is important for 
     conducting science and technology validation for--
       (1) short- and long-duration missions in low-Earth orbit;
       (2) deep space missions; and
       (3) deorbiting capabilities designed specifically for 
     smaller spacecraft.
       (b) Accommodation of Certain Payloads.--In carrying out the 
     Small Spacecraft Technology Program, the Administrator shall, 
     as the mission risk posture and technology development 
     objectives allow, accommodate science payloads that further 
     the goal of long-term human exploration to the Moon and Mars.

     SEC. 504. NUCLEAR PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     nuclear propulsion is critical to the development of advanced 
     spacecraft for civilian and national defense purposes.
       (b) Development; Studies.--The Administrator shall, in 
     coordination with the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary 
     of Defense--
       (1) continue to develop the fuel element design for NASA 
     nuclear propulsion technology;
       (2) finalize the systems feasibility studies for such 
     technology; and
       (3) partner with members of commercial industry to conduct 
     mission concept studies on such technology.
       (c) Nuclear Propulsion Technology Demonstration.--
       (1) Determination; report.--Not later than December 31, 
     2021, the Administrator shall--
       (A) determine the correct approach for conducting a flight 
     demonstration of nuclear propulsion technology; and
       (B) submit to Congress a report on a plan for such a 
     demonstration.
       (2) Demonstration.--Not later than December 31, 2024, the 
     Administrator shall conduct the flight demonstration 
     described in paragraph (1).

     SEC. 505. MARS-FORWARD TECHNOLOGIES.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Administrator should pursue multiple technical paths for 
     entry, descent, and landing for Mars, including competitively 
     selected technology demonstration missions.
       (b) Prioritization of Long-lead Technologies and Systems.--
     The Administrator shall prioritize, within the Space 
     Technology Mission Directorate, research, testing, and 
     development of long-lead technologies and systems for Mars, 
     including technologies and systems relating to--
       (1) entry, descent, and landing; and
       (2) in-space propulsion, including nuclear propulsion, 
     cryogenic fluid management, in-situ large-scale additive 
     manufacturing, and electric propulsion (including solar 
     electric propulsion leveraging lessons learned from the power 
     and propulsion element of the lunar outpost) options.

     SEC. 506. PRIORITIZATION OF LOW-ENRICHED URANIUM TECHNOLOGY.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) space technology, including nuclear propulsion 
     technology and space surface power reactors, should be 
     developed in a manner consistent with broader United States 
     foreign policy, national defense, and space exploration and 
     commercialization priorities;
       (2) highly enriched uranium presents security and nuclear 
     nonproliferation concerns;
       (3) since 1977, based on the concerns associated with 
     highly enriched uranium, the United States has promoted the 
     use of low-enriched uranium over highly enriched uranium in 
     nonmilitary contexts, including research and commercial 
     applications;
       (4) as part of United States efforts to limit international 
     use of highly enriched uranium, the United States has 
     actively pursued--
       (A) since 1978, the conversion of domestic and foreign 
     research reactors that use highly enriched uranium fuel to 
     low-enriched uranium fuel and the avoidance of any new 
     research reactors that use highly enriched uranium fuel; and
       (B) since 1994, the elimination of international commerce 
     in highly enriched uranium for civilian purposes; and
       (5) the use of low-enriched uranium in place of highly 
     enriched uranium has security, nonproliferation, and economic 
     benefits, including for the national space program.
       (b) Prioritization of Low-enriched Uranium Technology.--The 
     Administrator shall establish and prioritize, within the 
     Space Technology Mission Directorate, a program for the 
     research, testing, and development of a space surface power 
     reactor design that uses low-enriched uranium fuel.
       (c) Report on Nuclear Technology Prioritization.--Not later 
     than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
     of Congress a report that--
       (1) details the actions taken to implement subsection (b); 
     and
       (2) identifies a plan and timeline under which such 
     subsection will be implemented.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Highly enriched uranium.--The term ``highly enriched 
     uranium'' means uranium having an assay of 20 percent or 
     greater of the uranium-235 isotope.
       (2) Low-enriched uranium.--The term ``low-enriched 
     uranium'' means uranium having an assay greater than the 
     assay for natural uranium but less than 20 percent of the 
     uranium-235 isotope.

     SEC. 507. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON NEXT-GENERATION COMMUNICATIONS 
                   TECHNOLOGY.

       It is the sense of Congress that--

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       (1) optical communications technologies--
       (A) will be critical to the development of next-generation 
     space-based communications networks;
       (B) have the potential to allow NASA to expand the volume 
     of data transmissions in low-Earth orbit and deep space; and
       (C) may provide more secure and cost-effective solutions 
     than current radio frequency communications systems;
       (2) quantum encryption technology has promising 
     implications for the security of the satellite and 
     terrestrial communications networks of the United States, 
     including optical communications networks, and further 
     research and development by NASA with respect to quantum 
     encryption is essential to maintaining the security of the 
     United States and United States leadership in space; and
       (3) in order to provide NASA with more secure and reliable 
     space-based communications, the Space Communications and 
     Navigation program office of NASA should continue--
       (A) to support research on and development of optical 
     communications; and
       (B) to develop quantum encryption capabilities, especially 
     as those capabilities apply to optical communications 
     networks.

                       TITLE VI--STEM ENGAGEMENT

     SEC. 601. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) NASA serves as a source of inspiration to the people of 
     the United States; and
       (2) NASA is uniquely positioned to help increase student 
     interest in science, technology, engineering, and math;
       (3) engaging students, and providing hands-on experience at 
     an early age, in science, technology, engineering, and math 
     are important aspects of ensuring and promoting United States 
     leadership in innovation; and
       (4) NASA should strive to leverage its unique position--
       (A) to increase kindergarten through grade 12 involvement 
     in NASA projects;
       (B) to enhance higher education in STEM fields in the 
     United States;
       (C) to support individuals who are underrepresented in 
     science, technology, engineering, and math fields, such as 
     women, minorities, and individuals in rural areas; and
       (D) to provide flight opportunities for student experiments 
     and investigations.

     SEC. 602. STEM EDUCATION ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue to 
     provide opportunities for formal and informal STEM education 
     engagement activities within the Office of NASA STEM 
     Engagement and other NASA directorates, including--
       (1) the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive 
     Research;
       (2) the Minority University Research and Education Project; 
     and
       (3) the National Space Grant College and Fellowship 
     Program.
       (b) Leveraging NASA National Programs to Promote STEM 
     Education.--The Administrator, in partnership with museums, 
     nonprofit organizations, and commercial entities, shall, to 
     the maximum extent practicable, leverage human spaceflight 
     missions, Deep Space Exploration Systems (including the Space 
     Launch System, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems), and 
     NASA science programs to engage students at the kindergarten 
     through grade 12 and higher education levels to pursue 
     learning and career opportunities in STEM fields.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
     appropriate committees of Congress on--
       (1) the status of the programs described in subsection (a); 
     and
       (2) the manner by which each NASA STEM education engagement 
     activity is organized and funded.
       (d) STEM Education Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``STEM education'' has the meaning given the term in section 
     2 of the STEM Education Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-59; 42 
     U.S.C. 6621 note).

     SEC. 603. SKILLED TECHNICAL EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAM.

       (a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     program to conduct outreach to secondary school students--
       (1) to expose students to careers that require career and 
     technical education; and
       (2) to encourage students to pursue careers that require 
     career and technical education.
       (b) Outreach Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     outreach program under subsection (a) that includes--
       (1) an implementation plan;
       (2) a description of the resources needed to carry out the 
     program; and
       (3) any recommendations on expanding outreach to secondary 
     school students interested in skilled technical occupations.
       (c) Systems Observation.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall develop a program 
     and associated policies to allow students from accredited 
     educational institutions to view the manufacturing, assembly, 
     and testing of NASA-funded space and aeronautical systems, as 
     the Administrator considers appropriate.
       (2) Considerations.--In developing the program and policies 
     under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall take into 
     consideration factors such as workplace safety, mission 
     needs, and the protection of sensitive and proprietary 
     technologies.

     SEC. 604. NATIONAL SPACE GRANT COLLEGE AND FELLOWSHIP 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Purposes.--Section 40301 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (C), by adding ``and'' after the 
     semicolon at the end; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) promote equally the State and regional STEM interests 
     of each space grant consortium;''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``made up of university 
     and industry members, in order to advance'' and inserting 
     ``comprised of members of universities in each State and 
     other entities, such as 2-year colleges, industries, science 
     learning centers, museums, and government entities, to 
     advance''.
       (b) Definitions.--Section 40302 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (3);
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Lead institution.--The term `lead institution' means 
     an entity in a State that--
       ``(A) was designated by the Administrator under section 
     40306, as in effect on the day before the date of the 
     enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2019; or
       ``(B) is designated by the Administrator under section 
     40303(d)(3).'';
       (3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``space grant college, 
     space grant regional consortium, institution of higher 
     education,'' and inserting ``lead institution, space grant 
     consortium,'';
       (4) by striking paragraphs (6), (7), and (8);
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
       ``(6) Space grant consortium.--The term `space grant 
     consortium' means a State-wide group, led by a lead 
     institution, that has established partnerships with other 
     academic institutions, industries, science learning centers, 
     museums, and government entities to promote a strong 
     educational base in the space and aeronautical sciences.'';
       (6) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (7);
       (7) in paragraph (7)(B), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     ``and aeronautics'' after ``space'';
       (8) by striking paragraph (10); and
       (9) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) STEM.--The term `STEM' means science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics.''.
       (c) Program Objective.--Section 40303 of title 51, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (d) and (e);
       (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (e); and
       (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Program Objective.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall carry out the 
     national space grant college and fellowship program with the 
     objective of providing hands-on research, training, and 
     education programs with measurable outcomes in each State, 
     including programs to provide--
       ``(A) internships, fellowships, and scholarships;
       ``(B) interdisciplinary hands-on mission programs and 
     design projects;
       ``(C) student internships with industry or university 
     researchers or at centers of the Administration;
       ``(D) faculty and curriculum development initiatives;
       ``(E) university-based research initiatives relating to the 
     Administration and the STEM workforce needs of each State; or
       ``(F) STEM engagement programs for kindergarten through 
     grade 12 teachers and students.
       ``(2) Program priorities.--In carrying out the objective 
     described in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure 
     that each program carried out by a space grant consortium 
     under the national space grant college and fellowship program 
     balances the following priorities:
       ``(A) The space and aeronautics research needs of the 
     Administration, including the mission directorates.
       ``(B) The need to develop a national STEM workforce.
       ``(C) The STEM workforce needs of the State.
       ``(c) Program Administered Through Space Grant Consortia.--
     The Administrator shall carry out the national space grant 
     college and fellowship program through the space grant 
     consortia.
       ``(d) Suspension; Termination; New Competition.--
       ``(1) Suspension.--The Administrator may, for cause and 
     after an opportunity for hearing, suspend a lead institution 
     that was designated by the Administrator under section 40306, 
     as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of 
     the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2019.
       ``(2) Termination.--If the issue resulting in a suspension 
     under paragraph (1) is not resolved within a period 
     determined by the Administrator, the Administrator may 
     terminate the designation of the entity as a lead 
     institution.
       ``(3) New competition.--If the Administrator terminates the 
     designation of an entity as a lead institution, the 
     Administrator may initiate a new competition in the 
     applicable State for the designation of a lead 
     institution.''.
       (d) Grants.--Section 40304 of title 51, United States Code, 
     is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 40304. Grants

       ``(a) Eligible Space Grant Consortium Defined.--In this 
     section, the term `eligible space grant consortium' means a 
     space grant consortium that the Administrator has 
     determined--
       ``(1) has the capability and objective to carry out not 
     fewer than 3 of the 6 programs under section 40303(b)(1);
       ``(2) will carry out programs that balance the priorities 
     described in section 40303(b)(2); and
       ``(3) is engaged in research, training, and education 
     relating to space and aeronautics.
       ``(b) Grants.--

[[Page S7662]]

       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall award grants to 
     the lead institutions of eligible space grant consortia to 
     carry out the programs under section 40303(b)(1).
       ``(2) Request for proposals.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2019, the Administrator 
     shall issue a request for proposals from space grant 
     consortia for the award of grants under this section.
       ``(B) Applications.--A lead institution of a space grant 
     consortium that seeks a grant under this section shall 
     submit, on behalf of such space grant consortium, an 
     application to the Administrator at such time, in such 
     manner, and accompanied by such information as the 
     Administrator may require.
       ``(3) Grant awards.--The Administrator shall award 1 or 
     more 5-year grants, disbursed in annual installments, to the 
     lead institution of the eligible space grant consortium of--
       ``(A) each State;
       ``(B) the District of Columbia; and
       ``(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
       ``(4) Use of funds.--A grant awarded under this section 
     shall be used by an eligible space grant consortium to carry 
     out not fewer than 3 of the 6 programs under section 
     40303(b)(1).
       ``(c) Allocation of Funding.--
       ``(1) Program implementation.--
       ``(A) In general.--To carry out the objective described in 
     section 40303(b)(1), of the funds made available each fiscal 
     year for the national space grant college and fellowship 
     program, the Administrator shall allocate not less than 85 
     percent as follows:
       ``(i) The 52 eligible space grant consortia shall each 
     receive an equal share.
       ``(ii) The territories of Guam and the United States Virgin 
     Islands shall each receive funds equal to approximately \1/5\ 
     of the share for each eligible space grant consortia.
       ``(B) Matching requirement.--Each eligible space grant 
     consortium shall match the funds allocated under subparagraph 
     (A)(i) on a basis of not less than 1 non-Federal dollar for 
     every 1 Federal dollar, except that any program funded under 
     paragraph (3) or any program to carry out 1 or more 
     internships or fellowships shall not be subject to that 
     matching requirement.
       ``(2) Program administration.--
       ``(A) In general.--Of the funds made available each fiscal 
     year for the national space grant college and fellowship 
     program, the Administrator shall allocate not more than 10 
     percent for the administration of the program.
       ``(B) Costs covered.--The funds allocated under 
     subparagraph (A) shall cover all costs of the Administration 
     associated with the administration of the national space 
     grant college and fellowship program, including--
       ``(i) direct costs of the program, including costs relating 
     to support services and civil service salaries and benefits;
       ``(ii) indirect general and administrative costs of centers 
     and facilities of the Administration; and
       ``(iii) indirect general and administrative costs of the 
     Administration headquarters.
       ``(3) Special programs.--Of the funds made available each 
     fiscal year for the national space grant college and 
     fellowship program, the Administrator shall allocate not more 
     than 5 percent to the lead institutions of space grant 
     consortia established as of the date of the enactment of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
     Act of 2019 for grants to carry out innovative approaches and 
     programs to further science and education relating to the 
     missions of the Administration and STEM disciplines.
       ``(d) Terms and Conditions.--
       ``(1) Limitations.--Amounts made available through a grant 
     under this section may not be applied to--
       ``(A) the purchase of land;
       ``(B) the purchase, construction, preservation, or repair 
     of a building; or
       ``(C) the purchase or construction of a launch facility or 
     launch vehicle.
       ``(2) Leases.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), land, 
     buildings, launch facilities, and launch vehicles may be 
     leased under a grant on written approval by the 
     Administrator.
       ``(3) Records.--
       ``(A) In general.--Any person that receives or uses the 
     proceeds of a grant under this section shall keep such 
     records as the Administrator shall by regulation prescribe as 
     being necessary and appropriate to facilitate effective audit 
     and evaluation, including records that fully disclose the 
     amount and disposition by a recipient of such proceeds, the 
     total cost of the program or project in connection with which 
     such proceeds were used, and the amount, if any, of such cost 
     that was provided through other sources.
       ``(B) Maintenance of records.--Records under subparagraph 
     (A) shall be maintained for not less than 3 years after the 
     date of completion of such a program or project.
       ``(C) Access.--For the purpose of audit and evaluation, the 
     Administrator and the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall have access to any books, documents, papers, and 
     records of receipts relating to a grant under this section, 
     as determined by the Administrator or Comptroller General.''.
       (e) Program Streamlining.--Title 51, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking sections 40305 through 40308, 40310, and 
     40311; and
       (2) by redesignating section 40309 as section 40305.
       (f) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 403 of title 51, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking the items relating to sections 40304 
     through 40311 and inserting the following:

``40304. Grants.
``40305. Availability of other Federal personnel and data.''.

                TITLE VII--WORKFORCE AND INDUSTRIAL BASE

     SEC. 701. APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Definition of Covered Provisions.--In this section, the 
     term ``covered provisions'' means the provisions of title 5, 
     United States Code, other than--
       (1) section 2301 of that title;
       (2) section 2302 of that title;
       (3) chapter 71 of that title;
       (4) section 7204 of that title; and
       (5) chapter 73 of that title.
       (b) Establishment.--There is established a 3-year pilot 
     program under which, notwithstanding section 20113 of title 
     51, United States Code, the Administrator may, with respect 
     to not more than 5,000 designated personnel--
       (1) appoint and manage such designated personnel of the 
     Administration, without regard to the covered provisions; and
       (2) fix the compensation of such designated personnel of 
     the Administration, without regard to chapter 51 and 
     subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, 
     at a rate that does not exceed the per annum rate of salary 
     of the Vice President of the United States under section 104 
     of title 3, United States Code.
       (c) Administrator Responsibilities.--In carrying out the 
     pilot program established under subsection (b), the 
     Administrator shall ensure that the pilot program--
       (1) uses--
       (A) state-of-the-art recruitment techniques;
       (B) simplified classification methods with respect to 
     personnel of the Administration; and
       (C) broad banding; and
       (2) offers--
       (A) competitive compensation; and
       (B) the opportunity for career mobility.

     SEC. 702. ESTABLISHMENT OF MULTI-INSTITUTION CONSORTIA AND 
                   UNIVERSITY-AFFILIATED RESEARCH CENTERS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator, pursuant to section 
     2304(c)(3)(B) of title 10, United States Code, may--
       (1) establish one or more multi-institution consortia or 
     university-affiliated research centers to facilitate access 
     to essential engineering, research, and development 
     capabilities in support of NASA missions;
       (2) use such a consortium or research center to fund 
     technical analyses and other engineering support to address 
     the acquisition, technical, and operational needs of NASA 
     centers; and
       (3) ensure such a consortium or research center--
       (A) is held accountable for the technical quality of the 
     work product developed under this section; and
       (B) convenes disparate groups to facilitate public-private 
     partnerships.
       (b) Policies and Procedures.--The Administrator shall 
     develop and implement policies and procedures to govern, with 
     respect to the establishment of a consortium or research 
     center under subsection (a)--
       (1) the selection of participants;
       (2) the award of cooperative agreements or other contracts;
       (3) the appropriate use of competitive awards and sole 
     source awards; and
       (4) technical capabilities required.
       (c) Eligibility.--The following entities shall be eligible 
     to participate in a consortium or research center established 
     under subsection (a):
       (1) An institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1002)).
       (2) An operator of a federally funded research and 
     development center.
       (3) A nonprofit or not-for-profit research institution.
       (4) A consortium composed of--
       (A) an entity described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3); and
       (B) one or more for-profit entities.

     SEC. 703. EXPEDITED ACCESS TO TECHNICAL TALENT AND EXPERTISE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator may--
       (1) establish one or more multi-institution task order 
     contracts, consortia, cooperative agreements, or other 
     arrangements to facilitate expedited access to eligible 
     entities in support of NASA missions; and
       (2) use such a multi-institution task order contract, 
     consortium, cooperative agreement, or other arrangement to 
     fund technical analyses and other engineering support to 
     address the acquisition, technical, and operational needs of 
     NASA centers.
       (b) Consultation With Other NASA-affiliated Entities.--To 
     ensure access to technical expertise and reduce costs and 
     duplicative efforts, a multi-institution task order contract, 
     consortium, cooperative agreement, or any other arrangement 
     established under subsection (a)(1) shall, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, be carried out in consultation with other 
     NASA-affiliated entities, including federally funded research 
     and development centers, university-affiliated research 
     centers, and NASA laboratories and test centers.
       (c) Policies and Procedures.--The Administrator shall 
     develop and implement policies and procedures to govern, with 
     respect to the establishment of a multi-institution task 
     order contract, consortium, cooperative agreement, or any 
     other arrangement under subsection (a)(1)--
       (1) the selection of participants;
       (2) the award of task orders;
       (3) the maximum award size for a task;
       (4) the appropriate use of competitive awards and sole 
     source awards; and
       (5) technical capabilities required.
       (d) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``eligible entity'' means--
       (1) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1002));

[[Page S7663]]

       (2) an operator of a federally funded research and 
     development center;
       (3) a nonprofit or not-for-profit research institution; and
       (4) a consortium composed of--
       (A) an entity described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3); and
       (B) one or more for-profit entities.

     SEC. 704. REPORT ON INDUSTRIAL BASE FOR CIVIL SPACE MISSIONS 
                   AND OPERATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and from time to time thereafter, 
     the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
     of Congress a report on the United States industrial base for 
     NASA civil space missions and operations.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A comprehensive description of the current status of 
     the United States industrial base for NASA civil space 
     missions and operations.
       (2) A description and assessment of the weaknesses in the 
     supply chain, skills, manufacturing capacity, raw materials, 
     key components, and other areas of the United States 
     industrial base for NASA civil space missions and operations 
     that could adversely impact such missions and operations if 
     unavailable.
       (3) A description and assessment of various mechanisms to 
     address and mitigate the weaknesses described pursuant to 
     paragraph (2).
       (4) A comprehensive list of the collaborative efforts, 
     including future and proposed collaborative efforts, between 
     NASA and the Manufacturing USA institutes of the Department 
     of Commerce.
       (5) An assessment of--
       (A) the defense and aerospace manufacturing supply chains 
     relevant to NASA in each region of the United States; and
       (B) the feasibility and benefits of establishing a supply 
     chain center of excellence in a State in which NASA does not, 
     as of the date of the enactment of this Act, have a research 
     center or test facility.
       (6) Such other matters relating to the United States 
     industrial base for NASA civil space missions and operations 
     as the Administrator considers appropriate.

     SEC. 705. SEPARATIONS AND RETIREMENT INCENTIVES.

       Section 20113 of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(o) Provisions Related to Separation and Retirement 
     Incentives.--
       ``(1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term 
     `employee'--
       ``(A) means an employee of the Administration serving under 
     an appointment without time limitation; and
       ``(B) does not include--
       ``(i) a reemployed annuitant under subchapter III of 
     chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5 or any other retirement 
     system for employees of the Federal Government;
       ``(ii) an employee having a disability on the basis of 
     which such employee is or would be eligible for disability 
     retirement under any of the retirement systems referred to in 
     clause (i); or
       ``(iii) for purposes of eligibility for separation 
     incentives under this subsection, an employee who is in 
     receipt of a decision notice of involuntary separation for 
     misconduct or unacceptable performance.
       ``(2) Authority.--The Administrator may establish a program 
     under which employees may be eligible for early retirement, 
     offered separation incentive pay to separate from service 
     voluntarily, or both. This authority may be used to reduce 
     the number of personnel employed or to restructure the 
     workforce to meet mission objectives without reducing the 
     overall number of personnel. This authority is in addition 
     to, and notwithstanding, any other authorities established by 
     law or regulation for such programs.
       ``(3) Early retirement.--An employee who is at least 50 
     years of age and has completed 20 years of service, or has at 
     least 25 years of service, may, pursuant to regulations 
     promulgated under this subsection, apply and be retired from 
     the Administration and receive benefits in accordance with 
     subchapter III of chapter 83 or 84 of title 5 if the employee 
     has been employed continuously within the Administration for 
     more than 30 days before the date on which the determination 
     to conduct a reduction or restructuring within 1 or more 
     Administration centers is approved.
       ``(4) Separation pay.--
       ``(A) In general.--Separation pay shall be paid in a lump 
     sum or in installments and shall be equal to the lesser of--
       ``(i) an amount equal to the amount the employee would be 
     entitled to receive under section 5595(c) of title 5, if the 
     employee were entitled to payment under such section; or
       ``(ii) $40,000.
       ``(B) Limitations.--Separation pay shall not be a basis for 
     payment, and shall not be included in the computation, of any 
     other type of Government benefit. Separation pay shall not be 
     taken into account for the purpose of determining the amount 
     of any severance pay to which an individual may be entitled 
     under section 5595 of title 5, based on any other separation.
       ``(C) Installments.--Separation pay, if paid in 
     installments, shall cease to be paid upon the recipient's 
     acceptance of employment by the Federal Government, or 
     commencement of work under a personal services contract as 
     described in paragraph (5).
       ``(5) Limitations on reemployment.--
       ``(A) An employee who receives separation pay under such 
     program may not be reemployed by the Administration for a 12-
     month period beginning on the effective date of the 
     employee's separation, unless this prohibition is waived by 
     the Administrator on a case-by-case basis.
       ``(B) An employee who receives separation pay under this 
     section on the basis of a separation and accepts employment 
     with the Government of the United States, or who commences 
     work through a personal services contract with the United 
     States within 5 years after the date of the separation on 
     which payment of the separation pay is based, shall be 
     required to repay the entire amount of the separation pay to 
     the Administration. If the employment is with an Executive 
     agency (as defined by section 105 of title 5) other than the 
     Administration, the Administrator may, at the request of the 
     head of that agency, waive the repayment if the individual 
     involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified 
     applicant available for the position. If the employment is 
     within the Administration, the Administrator may waive the 
     repayment if the individual involved is the only qualified 
     applicant available for the position. If the employment is 
     with an entity in the legislative branch, the head of the 
     entity or the appointing official may waive the repayment if 
     the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the 
     only qualified applicant available for the position. If the 
     employment is with the judicial branch, the Director of the 
     Administrative Office of the United States Courts may waive 
     the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique 
     abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for 
     the position.
       ``(6) Regulations.--Under the program established under 
     paragraph (2), early retirement and separation pay may be 
     offered only pursuant to regulations established by the 
     Administrator, subject to such limitations or conditions as 
     the Administrator may require.
       ``(7) Use of existing funds.--The Administrator shall carry 
     out this subsection using amounts otherwise made available to 
     the Administrator and no additional funds are authorized to 
     be appropriated to carry out this subsection.''.

     SEC. 706. CONFIDENTIALITY OF MEDICAL QUALITY ASSURANCE 
                   RECORDS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 313 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 31303. Confidentiality of medical quality assurance 
       records

       ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection 
     (b)(1)--
       ``(1) a medical quality assurance record, or any part of a 
     medical quality assurance record, may not be subject to 
     discovery or admitted into evidence in a judicial or 
     administrative proceeding; and
       ``(2) an individual who reviews or creates a medical 
     quality assurance record for the Administration, or 
     participates in any proceeding that reviews or creates a 
     medical quality assurance record, may not testify in a 
     judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to--
       ``(A) the medical quality assurance record; or
       ``(B) any finding, recommendation, evaluation, opinion, or 
     action taken by such individual or in accordance with such 
     proceeding with respect to the medical quality assurance 
     record.
       ``(b) Disclosure of Records.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a 
     medical quality assurance record may be disclosed to--
       ``(A) a Federal agency or private entity, if the medical 
     quality assurance record is necessary for the Federal agency 
     or private entity to carry out--
       ``(i) licensing or accreditation functions relating to 
     Administration healthcare facilities; or
       ``(ii) monitoring of Administration healthcare facilities 
     required by law;
       ``(B) a Federal agency or healthcare provider, if the 
     medical quality assurance record is required by the Federal 
     agency or healthcare provider to enable Administration 
     participation in a healthcare program of the Federal agency 
     or healthcare provider;
       ``(C) a criminal or civil law enforcement agency, or an 
     instrumentality authorized by law to protect the public 
     health or safety, on written request by a qualified 
     representative of such agency or instrumentality submitted to 
     the Administrator that includes a description of the lawful 
     purpose for which the medical quality assurance record is 
     requested;
       ``(D) an officer, an employee, or a contractor of the 
     Administration who requires the medical quality assurance 
     record to carry out an official duty associated with 
     healthcare;
       ``(E) healthcare personnel, to the extent necessary to 
     address a medical emergency affecting the health or safety of 
     an individual; and
       ``(F) any committee, panel, or board convened by the 
     Administration to review the healthcare-related policies and 
     practices of the Administration.
       ``(2) Subsequent disclosure prohibited.--An individual or 
     entity to whom a medical quality assurance record has been 
     disclosed under paragraph (1) may not make a subsequent 
     disclosure of the medical quality assurance record.
       ``(c) Personally Identifiable Information.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     personally identifiable information contained in a medical 
     quality assurance record of a patient or an employee of the 
     Administration, or any other individual associated with the 
     Administration for purposes of a medical quality assurance 
     program, shall be removed before the disclosure of the 
     medical quality assurance record to an entity other than the 
     Administration.
       ``(2) Exception.-- Personally identifiable information 
     described in paragraph (1) may be released to an entity other 
     than the Administration if the Administrator makes a 
     determination that the release of such personally 
     identifiable information--
       ``(A) is in the best interests of the Administration; and

[[Page S7664]]

       ``(B) does not constitute an unwarranted invasion of 
     personal privacy.
       ``(d) Exclusion From FOIA.--A medical quality assurance 
     record may not be made available to any person under section 
     552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as 
     the `Freedom of Information Act'), and this section shall be 
     considered a statute described in subsection (b)(3)(B) of 
     such section 522.
       ``(e) Regulations.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this section, the Administrator shall 
     promulgate regulations to implement this section.
       ``(f) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed--
       ``(1) to withhold a medical quality assurance record from a 
     committee of the Senate or House of Representatives or a 
     joint committee of Congress if the medical quality assurance 
     record relates to a matter within the jurisdiction of such 
     committee or joint committee; or
       ``(2) to limit the use of a medical quality assurance 
     record within the Administration, including the use by a 
     contractor or consultant of the Administration.
       ``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Medical quality assurance record.--The term `medical 
     quality assurance record' means any proceeding, discussion, 
     record, finding, recommendation, evaluation, opinion, 
     minutes, report, or other document or action that results 
     from a quality assurance committee, quality assurance 
     program, or quality assurance program activity.
       ``(2) Quality assurance program.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `quality assurance program' 
     means a comprehensive program of the Administration--
       ``(i) to systematically review and improve the quality of 
     medical and behavioral health services provided by the 
     Administration to ensure the safety and security of 
     individuals receiving such health services; and
       ``(ii) to evaluate and improve the efficiency, 
     effectiveness, and use of staff and resources in the delivery 
     of such health services.
       ``(B) Inclusion.--The term `quality assurance program' 
     includes any activity carried out by or for the 
     Administration to assess the quality of medical care provided 
     by the Administration.''.
       (b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of 
     sections for chapter 313 of title 51, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

``31303. Confidentiality of medical quality assurance records.''.

                  TITLE VIII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     SEC. 801. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY.

       Section 20113 of title 51, United States Code, as amended 
     by section 705, is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(p) Contracting Authority.--The Administration--
       ``(1) may enter into an agreement with a private, 
     commercial, or State government entity to provide the entity 
     with supplies, support, and services related to private, 
     commercial, or State government space activities carried out 
     at a property owned or operated by the Administration; and
       ``(2) upon the request of such an entity, may include such 
     supplies, support, and services in the requirements of the 
     Administration if--
       ``(A) the Administrator determines that the inclusion of 
     such supplies, support, or services in such requirements--
       ``(i) is in the best interest of the Federal Government;
       ``(ii) does not interfere with the requirements of the 
     Administration; and
       ``(iii) does not compete with the commercial space 
     activities of other such entities; and
       ``(B) the Administration has full reimbursable funding from 
     the entity that requested supplies, support, and services 
     prior to making any obligation for the delivery of such 
     supplies, support, or services under an Administration 
     procurement contract or any other agreement.''.

     SEC. 802. AUTHORITY FOR TRANSACTION PROTOTYPE PROJECTS AND 
                   FOLLOW-ON PRODUCTION CONTRACTS.

       Section 20113 of title 51, United States Code, as amended 
     by section 801, is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(q) Transaction Prototype Projects and Follow-on 
     Production Contracts.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administration may enter into a 
     transaction (other than a contract, cooperative agreement, or 
     grant) to carry out a prototype project that is directly 
     relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of the 
     Administration.
       ``(2) Subsequent award of follow-on production contract.--A 
     transaction entered into under this subsection for a 
     prototype project may provide for the subsequent award of a 
     follow-on production contract to participants in the 
     transaction.
       ``(3) Inclusion.--A transaction under this subsection 
     includes a project awarded to an individual participant and 
     to all individual projects awarded to a consortium of United 
     States industry and academic institutions.
       ``(4) Determination.--The authority of this section may be 
     exercised for a transaction for a prototype project and any 
     follow-on production contract, upon a determination by the 
     head of the contracting activity, in accordance with 
     Administration policies, that--
       ``(A) circumstances justify use of a transaction to provide 
     an innovative business arrangement that would not be feasible 
     or appropriate under a contract; and
       ``(B) the use of the authority of this section is essential 
     to promoting the success of the prototype project.
       ``(5) Competitive procedure.--
       ``(A) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
     Administrator shall use competitive procedures with respect 
     to entering into a transaction to carry out a prototype 
     project.
       ``(B) Exception.--Notwithstanding section 2304 of title 10, 
     United States Code, a follow-on production contract may be 
     awarded to the participants in the prototype transaction 
     without the use of competitive procedures, if--
       ``(i) competitive procedures were used for the selection of 
     parties for participation in the prototype transaction; and
       ``(ii) the participants in the transaction successfully 
     completed the prototype project provided for in the 
     transaction.
       ``(6) Cost share.--A transaction to carry out a prototype 
     project and a follow-on production contract may require that 
     part of the total cost of the transaction or contract be paid 
     by the participant or contractor from a source other than the 
     Federal Government.
       ``(7) Procurement ethics.--A transaction under this 
     authority shall be considered an agency procurement for 
     purposes of chapter 21 of title 41, United States Code, with 
     regard to procurement ethics.''.

     SEC. 803. PROTECTION OF DATA AND INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC 
                   DISCLOSURE.

       (a) Certain Technical Data.--Section 20131 of title 51, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d);
       (2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``subsection (b)'' 
     and inserting ``subsection (b) or (c)'';
       (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Special Handling of Certain Technical Data.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may provide 
     appropriate protections against the public dissemination of 
     certain technical data, including exemption from subchapter 
     II of chapter 5 of title 5.
       ``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Certain technical data.--The term `certain technical 
     data' means technical data that may not be exported lawfully 
     outside the United States without approval, authorization, or 
     license under--
       ``(i) the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (Public Law 
     115-232; 132 Stat. 2208); or
       ``(ii) the International Security Assistance and Arms 
     Export Control Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-329; 90 Stat. 729).
       ``(B) Technical data.--The term `technical data' means any 
     blueprint, drawing, photograph, plan, instruction, computer 
     software, or documentation, or any other technical 
     information.'';
       (4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by inserting ``, 
     including any data,'' after ``information''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Exclusion From FOIA.--This section shall be 
     considered a statute described in subsection (b)(3)(B) of 
     section 552 of title 5 (commonly referred to as the `Freedom 
     of Information Act').''.
       (b) Certain Voluntarily Provided Safety-related 
     Information.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall provide 
     appropriate safeguards against the public dissemination of 
     safety-related information collected as part of a mishap 
     investigation carried out under the NASA safety reporting 
     system or in conjunction with an organizational safety 
     assessment, if the Administrator makes a written 
     determination, including a justification of the 
     determination, that--
       (A)(i) disclosure of the information would inhibit 
     individuals from voluntarily providing safety-related 
     information; and
       (ii) the ability of NASA to collect such information 
     improves the safety of NASA programs and research relating to 
     aeronautics and space; or
       (B) withholding such information from public disclosure 
     improves the safety of such NASA programs and research.
       (2) Other federal agencies.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, if the Administrator provides to the head 
     of another Federal agency safety-related information with 
     respect to which the Administrator has made a determination 
     under paragraph (1), the head of the Federal agency shall 
     withhold the information from public disclosure.
       (3) Public availability.--A determination under paragraph 
     (1) shall be made available to the public on request, as 
     required under section 552 of title 5, United States Code 
     (commonly referred to as the ``Freedom of Information Act'').
       (4) Exclusion from foia.--This subsection shall be 
     considered a statute described in subsection (b)(3)(B) of 
     section 552 of title 5, United States Code.

     SEC. 804. PHYSICAL SECURITY MODERNIZATION.

       Chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in section 20133(2), by striking ``property'' and all 
     that follows through ``to the United States,'' and inserting 
     ``Administration personnel or of property owned or leased by, 
     or under the control of, the United States''; and
       (2) in section 20134, in the second sentence--
       (A) by inserting ``Administration personnel or any'' after 
     ``protecting''; and
       (B) by striking ``, at facilities owned or contracted to 
     the Administration''.

     SEC. 805. LEASE OF NON-EXCESS PROPERTY.

       Section 20145 of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (b)(1)(B), by striking ``entered into for 
     the purpose of developing renewable energy production 
     facilities''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (g).

     SEC. 806. CYBERSECURITY.

       (a) In General.--Section 20301 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Cybersecurity.--The Administrator shall update and 
     improve the cybersecurity of NASA space assets and supporting 
     infrastructure.''.
       (b) Security Operations Center.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall maintain a 
     Security Operations Center, to identify and respond to 
     cybersecurity threats to

[[Page S7665]]

     NASA information technology systems, including institutional 
     systems and mission systems.
       (2) Inspector general recommendations.--The Administrator 
     shall implement, to the maximum extent practicable, each of 
     the recommendations contained in the report of the Inspector 
     General of NASA entitled ``Audit of NASA's Security 
     Operations Center'', issued on May 23, 2018.
       (c) Cyber Threat Hunt.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator, in coordination with 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security and the heads of other 
     relevant Federal agencies, may implement a cyber threat hunt 
     capability to proactively search NASA information systems for 
     advanced cyber threats that otherwise evade existing security 
     tools.
       (2) Threat-hunting process.--In carrying out paragraph (1), 
     the Administrator shall develop and document a threat-hunting 
     process, including the roles and responsibilities of 
     individuals conducting a cyber threat hunt.
       (d) GAO Priority Recommendations.--The Administrator shall 
     implement, to the maximum extent practicable, the 
     recommendations for NASA contained in the report of the 
     Comptroller General of the United States entitled 
     ``Information Security: Agencies Need to Improve Controls 
     over Selected High-Impact Systems'', issued May 18, 2016, 
     including--
       (1) re-evaluating security control assessments; and
       (2) specifying metrics for the continuous monitoring 
     strategy of the Administration.

     SEC. 807. LIMITATION ON COOPERATION WITH THE PEOPLE'S 
                   REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

       (a) In General.--Except as provided by subsection (b), the 
     Administrator, the Director of the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy, and the Chair of the National Space 
     Council, shall not--
       (1) develop, design, plan, promulgate, implement, or 
     execute a bilateral policy, program, order, or contract of 
     any kind to participate, collaborate, or coordinate 
     bilaterally in any manner with--
       (A) the Government of the People's Republic of China; or
       (B) any company--
       (i) owned by the Government of the People's Republic of 
     China; or
       (ii) incorporated under the laws of the People's Republic 
     of China; and
       (2) host official visitors from the People's Republic of 
     China at a facility belonging to or used by NASA.
       (b) Waiver.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator, the Director, or the 
     Chair may waive the limitation under subsection (a) with 
     respect to an activity described in that subsection only if 
     the Administrator, the Director, or the Chair, as applicable, 
     makes a determination that the activity--
       (A) does not pose a risk of a transfer of technology, data, 
     or other information with national security or economic 
     security implications to an entity described in paragraph (1) 
     of such subsection; and
       (B) does not involve knowing interactions with officials 
     who have been determined by the United States to have direct 
     involvement with violations of human rights.
       (2) Certification to congress.--Not later than 30 days 
     after the date on which a waiver is granted under paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator, the Director, or the Chair, as 
     applicable, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology and the Committee on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives a written certification that the 
     activity complies with the requirements in subparagraphs (A) 
     and (B) of that paragraph.
       (c) GAO Review.--
       (1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a review of NASA contracts that may 
     subject the Administration to unacceptable transfers of 
     intellectual property or technology to any entity--
       (A) owned or controlled (in whole or in part) by, or 
     otherwise affiliated with, the Government of the People's 
     Republic of China; or
       (B) organized under, or otherwise subject to, the laws of 
     the People's Republic of China.
       (2) Elements.--The review required under paragraph (1) 
     shall assess--
       (A) whether the Administrator is aware--
       (i) of any NASA contractor that benefits from significant 
     financial assistance from--

       (I) the Government of the People's Republic of China;
       (II) any entity controlled by the Government of the 
     People's Republic of China; or
       (III) any other governmental entity of the People's 
     Republic of China; and

       (ii) that the Government of the People's Republic of China, 
     or an entity controlled by the Government of the People's 
     Republic of China, may be--

       (I) leveraging United States companies that share ownership 
     with NASA contractors; or
       (II) obtaining intellectual property or technology 
     illicitly or by other unacceptable means; and

       (B) the steps the Administrator is taking to ensure that--
       (i) NASA contractors are not being leveraged (directly or 
     indirectly) by the Government of the People's Republic of 
     China or by an entity controlled by the Government of the 
     People's Republic of China;
       (ii) the intellectual property and technology of NASA 
     contractors are adequately protected; and
       (iii) NASA flight-critical components are not sourced from 
     the People's Republic of China through any entity benefiting 
     from Chinese investments, loans, or other assistance.
       (3) Recommendations.--The Comptroller General shall provide 
     to the Administrator recommendations for future NASA 
     contracting based on the results of the review.
       (4) Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which 
     the Comptroller General completes the review, the 
     Administrator shall--
       (A) develop a plan to implement the recommendations of the 
     Comptroller General; and
       (B) submit the plan to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress.

     SEC. 808. CONSIDERATION OF ISSUES RELATED TO CONTRACTING WITH 
                   ENTITIES RECEIVING ASSISTANCE FROM OR 
                   AFFILIATED WITH THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

       In considering any response to a request for proposal, 
     request for information, broad area announcement, or any 
     other form of request or solicitation, and in considering or 
     undertaking any negotiation or conclusion of any contract, 
     agreement, or other transaction with any commercial or non-
     commercial entity, the Administrator shall, in consultation 
     with appropriate Federal departments and agencies, take into 
     account the implications of any benefit received by such 
     commercial or non-commercial entity (or any other commercial 
     or non-commercial entity related through ownership, control, 
     or other affiliation to such entity) as a result of a 
     significant loan or other financial assistance provided by--
       (1) any governmental organization of the People's Republic 
     of China; or
       (2) any other entity that is--
       (A) owned or controlled by, or otherwise affiliated with, 
     any governmental organization of the People's Republic of 
     China; or
       (B) organized under, or otherwise subject to, the laws of 
     the People's Republic of China.

     SEC. 809. SMALL SATELLITE LAUNCH SERVICES PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue to 
     procure dedicated launch services for small satellites, 
     including CubeSats, for the purpose of conducting science and 
     technology missions that further the goals of NASA.
       (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
       (1) engage with the academic community to maximize 
     awareness and use of dedicated small satellite launch 
     opportunities; and
       (2) to the maximum extent practicable, use a secondary 
     payload of procured launch services for CubeSats.

     SEC. 810. 21ST CENTURY SPACE LAUNCH INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall carry out a 
     program to modernize launch infrastructure at NASA 
     facilities--
       (1) to enhance safety; and
       (2) to advance Government and commercial space 
     transportation and exploration.
       (b) Projects.--Projects funded under the program under 
     subsection (a) may include--
       (1) infrastructure relating to commodities;
       (2) standard interfaces to meet customer needs for multiple 
     payload processing and launch vehicle processing;
       (3) enhancements to range capacity and flexibility; and
       (4) such other projects as the Administrator considers 
     appropriate to meet the goals described in subsection (a).
       (c) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
       (1) prioritize investments in projects that can be used by 
     multiple users and launch vehicles, including non-NASA users 
     and launch vehicles; and
       (2) limit investments to projects that would not otherwise 
     be funded by a NASA program, such as an institutional or 
     programmatic infrastructure program.
       (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall preclude 
     a NASA program, including the Space Launch System and Orion, 
     from using the launch infrastructure modernized under this 
     section.

     SEC. 811. MISSIONS OF NATIONAL NEED.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the Sense of Congress that--
       (1) while certain space missions, such as asteroid 
     detection or space debris mitigation or removal missions, may 
     not provide the highest-value science, as determined by the 
     National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine 
     decadal surveys, such missions provide tremendous value to 
     the United States and the world; and
       (2) the current organizational and funding structure of 
     NASA has not prioritized the funding of missions of national 
     need.
       (b) Study.--
       (1) In general.--The Director of the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy shall conduct a study on the manner in 
     which NASA funds missions of national need.
       (2) Matters to be included.--The study conducted under 
     paragraph (1) shall include the following:
       (A) An identification and assessment of the types of 
     missions or technology development programs that constitute 
     missions of national need.
       (B) An assessment of the manner in which such missions are 
     currently funded and managed by NASA.
       (C) An analysis of the options for funding missions of 
     national need, including--
       (i) structural changes required to allow NASA to fund such 
     missions; and
       (ii) an assessment of the capacity of other Federal 
     agencies to make funds available for such missions.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office 
     of Science and Technology Policy shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of 
     the study conducted under subsection (b), including 
     recommendations for funding missions of national need.

     SEC. 812. EXEMPTION FROM THE IRAN, NORTH KOREA, AND SYRIA 
                   NONPROLIFERATION ACT.

       Section 7(1) of the Iran, North Korea, and Syria 
     Nonproliferation Act (Public Law 106-178;

[[Page S7666]]

     50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended, in the undesignated matter 
     following subparagraph (B), by striking ``December 31, 2025'' 
     and inserting ``December 31, 2030''.

     SEC. 813. DRINKING WATER WELL REPLACEMENT FOR CHINCOTEAGUE, 
                   VIRGINIA.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the 5-
     year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator may enter into 1 or more agreements 
     with the town of Chincoteague, Virginia, to reimburse the 
     town for costs that are directly associated with--
       (1) the removal of drinking water wells located on property 
     administered by the Administration; and
       (2) the relocation of such wells to property under the 
     administrative control, through lease, ownership, or 
     easement, of the town.

     SEC. 814. PASSENGER CARRIER USE.

       Section 1344(a)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or'' after the 
     comma at the end; and
       (3) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) necessary for post-flight transportation of United 
     States Government astronauts, and other astronauts subject to 
     reimbursable arrangements, returning from space for the 
     performance of medical research, monitoring, diagnosis, or 
     treatment, or other official duties, prior to receiving post-
     flight medical clearance to operate a motor vehicle,''.

     SEC. 815. USE OF COMMERCIAL NEAR-SPACE BALLOONS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the use of an array of capabilities, including the use of 
     commercially available near-space balloon assets, is in the 
     best interest of the United States.
       (b) Use of Commercial Near-space Balloons.--The 
     Administrator shall use commercially available balloon assets 
     operating at near-space altitudes, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, as part of a diverse set of capabilities to 
     effectively and efficiently meet the goals of the 
     Administration.

     SEC. 816. PRESIDENT'S SPACE ADVISORY BOARD.

       Section 121 of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1991 (Public 
     Law 101-611; 51 U.S.C. 20111 note) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``users' advisory 
     group'' and inserting ``president's space advisory board''; 
     and
       (2) by striking ``Users' Advisory Group'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``President's Space Advisory Board.''

     SEC. 817. INITIATIVE ON TECHNOLOGIES FOR NOISE AND EMISSIONS 
                   REDUCTIONS.

       (a) Initiative Required.--Section 40112 of title 51, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (b) through (f) as 
     subsections (c) through (g), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
     subsection (b):
       ``(b) Technologies for Noise and Emissions Reduction.--
       ``(1) Initiative required.--The Administrator shall 
     establish an initiative to build upon and accelerate previous 
     or ongoing work to develop and demonstrate new technologies, 
     including systems architecture, components, or integration of 
     systems and airframe structures, in electric aircraft 
     propulsion concepts that are capable of substantially 
     reducing both emissions and noise from aircraft.
       ``(2) Approach.--In carrying out the initiative, the 
     Administrator shall do the following:
       ``(A) Continue and expand work of the Administration on 
     research, development, and demonstration of electric aircraft 
     concepts, and the integration of such concepts.
       ``(B) To the extent practicable, work with multiple 
     partners, including small businesses and new entrants, on 
     research and development activities related to transport 
     category aircraft.
       ``(C) Provide guidance to the Federal Aviation 
     Administration on technologies developed and tested pursuant 
     to the initiative.''.
       (b) Reports.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter as a part of 
     the Administration's budget submission, the Administrator 
     shall submit a report to the appropriate committee of 
     Congress on the progress of the work under the initiative 
     required by subsection (b) of section 40112 of title 51, 
     United States Code (as amended by subsection (a) of this 
     section), including an updated, anticipated timeframe for 
     aircraft entering into service that produce 50 percent less 
     noise and emissions than the highest performing aircraft in 
     service as of December 31, 2019.

     SEC. 818. REMEDIATION OF SITES CONTAMINATED WITH 
                   TRICHLOROETHYLENE.

       (a) Identification of Sites.--Not later than 180 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
     shall identify sites of the Administration contaminated with 
     trichloroethylene.
       (b) Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that 
     includes--
       (1) the recommendations of the Administrator for 
     remediating the sites identified under subsection (a) during 
     the 5-year period beginning on the date of the report; and
       (2) an estimate of the financial resources necessary to 
     implement those recommendations.

     SEC. 819. REPORT ON MERITS AND OPTIONS FOR ESTABLISHING AN 
                   INSTITUTE RELATING TO SPACE RESOURCES.

       (a) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the merits 
     of, and options for, establishing an institute relating to 
     space resources to advance the objectives of NASA in 
     maintaining United States preeminence in space described in 
     paragraph (3).
       (2) Matters to be included.--The report required by 
     paragraph (1) shall include an assessment by the 
     Administrator as to whether--
       (A) a virtual or physical institute relating to space 
     resources is most cost effective and appropriate; and
       (B) partnering with institutions of higher education and 
     the aerospace industry, and the extractive industry as 
     appropriate, would be effective in increasing information 
     available to such an institute with respect to advancing the 
     objectives described in paragraph (3).
       (3) Objectives.--The objectives described in this paragraph 
     are the following:
       (A) Identifying, developing, and distributing space 
     resources, including by encouraging the development of 
     foundational science and technology.
       (B) Reducing the technological risks associated with 
     identifying, developing, and distributing space resources.
       (C) Developing options for using space resources--
       (i) to support current and future space architectures, 
     programs, and missions; and
       (ii) to enable architectures, programs, and missions that 
     would not otherwise be possible.
       (4) Definitions.--In this section:
       (A) Extractive industry.--The term ``extractive industry'' 
     means a company or individual involved in the process of 
     extracting (including mining, quarrying, drilling, and 
     dredging) space resources.
       (B) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
       (C) Space resource.--
       (i) In general.--The term ``space resource'' means an 
     abiotic resource in situ in outer space.
       (ii) Inclusions.--The term ``space resource'' includes a 
     raw material, a natural material, and an energy source.

     SEC. 820. REPORT ON ESTABLISHING CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR 
                   SPACE WEATHER TECHNOLOGY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report assessing the 
     potential benefits of establishing a NASA center of 
     excellence for space weather technology.
       (b) Geographic Considerations.--In the report required by 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider the benefits 
     of establishing the center of excellence described in that 
     subsection in a geographic area--
       (1) in close proximity to--
       (A) significant government-funded space weather research 
     activities; and
       (B) institutions of higher education; and
       (2) where NASA may have been previously underrepresented.

     SEC. 821. REVIEW ON PREFERENCE FOR DOMESTIC SUPPLIERS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the Sense of Congress that 
     the Administration should, to the maximum extent practicable 
     and with due consideration of foreign policy goals and 
     obligations under Federal law--
       (1) use domestic suppliers of goods and services; and
       (2) ensure compliance with the Federal acquisition 
     regulations, including subcontract flow-down provisions.
       (b) Review.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall undertake 
     a comprehensive review of the domestic supplier preferences 
     of the Administration and the obligations of the 
     Administration under the Federal acquisition regulations to 
     ensure compliance, particularly with respect to Federal 
     acquisition regulations provisions that apply to foreign-
     based subcontractors.
       (2) Elements.--The review under paragraph (1) shall 
     include--
       (A) an assessment as to whether the Administration has 
     provided funding for infrastructure of a foreign-owned 
     company or State-sponsored entity in recent years; and
       (B) an analysis of the effects such funding has had on 
     domestic service providers.
       (c) Report.--The Administrator shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of 
     the review.

     SEC. 822. REPORT ON UTILIZATION OF COMMERCIAL SPACE PORTS 
                   LICENSED BY FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     benefits of increased utilization of commercial space ports 
     licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration for NASA 
     civil space missions and operations.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A description and assessment of current utilization of 
     commercial space ports licensed by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration for NASA civil space missions and operations.
       (2) A description and assessment of the benefits of 
     increased utilization of such space ports for such missions 
     and operations.
       (3) A description and assessment of the steps necessary to 
     achieve increased utilization of such space ports for such 
     missions and operations.

     SEC. 823. ACTIVE ORBITAL DEBRIS MITIGATION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) orbital debris, particularly in low-Earth orbit, poses 
     a hazard to NASA missions, particularly human spaceflight; 
     and

[[Page S7667]]

       (2) progress has been made on the development of guidelines 
     for long-term space sustainability through the United Nations 
     Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
       (b) Requirements.--The Administrator should--
       (1) ensure the policies and standard practices of NASA meet 
     or exceed international guidelines for spaceflight safety; 
     and
       (2) support the development of orbital debris mitigation 
     technologies through continued research and development of 
     concepts.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on 
     the status of implementing subsection (b).

     SEC. 824. STUDY ON COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) enhancing the ability of researchers to conduct and 
     interact with experiments while in flight would make huge 
     advancements in the overall profitability of conducting 
     research on suborbit and low-Earth orbit payloads; and
       (2) current NASA communications do not allow for real-time 
     data collection, observation, or transmission of information.
       (b) Study.--The Administrator shall conduct a study on the 
     feasibility, impact, and cost of using commercial 
     communications programs services for suborbital flight 
     programs and low-Earth orbit research.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     Congress and make publicly available a report that describes 
     the results of the study conducted under subsection (b).

  Mr. CRUZ. I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported 
substitute be withdrawn; that the Cruz substitute amendment at the desk 
be agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third 
time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made 
and laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The committee-reported amendment in the nature of a substitute was 
withdrawn.
  The amendment (No. 2718) in the nature of a substitute was agreed to, 
as follows:

       (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute.)

  (The amendment is printed in today's Record under ``Text of 
Amendments.'')
  The bill (S. 2800), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a 
third reading, was read the third time, and passed, as follows:

                                S. 2800

       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 
     2020''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

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

                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.

              TITLE II--HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT AND EXPLORATION

Sec. 201. Advanced cislunar and lunar surface capabilities.
Sec. 202. Space launch system configurations.
Sec. 203. Advanced spacesuits.
Sec. 204. Acquisition of domestic space transportation and logistics 
              resupply services.
Sec. 205. Rocket engine test infrastructure.
Sec. 206. Indian River Bridge.
Sec. 207. Pearl River maintenance.
Sec. 208. Value of International Space Station and capabilities in low-
              Earth orbit.
Sec. 209. Extension and modification relating to International Space 
              Station.
Sec. 210. Department of Defense activities on International Space 
              Station.
Sec. 211. Commercial development in low-Earth orbit.
Sec. 212. Maintaining a national laboratory in space.
Sec. 213. International Space Station national laboratory; property 
              rights in inventions.
Sec. 214. Data first produced during non-NASA scientific use of the ISS 
              national laboratory.
Sec. 215. Payments received for commercial space-enabled production on 
              the ISS.
Sec. 216. Stepping stone approach to exploration.
Sec. 217. Technical amendments relating to Artemis missions.

                           TITLE III--SCIENCE

Sec. 301. Science priorities.
Sec. 302. Lunar discovery program.
Sec. 303. Search for life.
Sec. 304. James Webb Space Telescope.
Sec. 305. Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope.
Sec. 306. Study on satellite servicing for science missions.
Sec. 307. Earth science missions and programs.
Sec. 308. Life science and physical science research.
Sec. 309. Science missions to Mars.
Sec. 310. Planetary Defense Coordination Office.
Sec. 311. Suborbital science flights.
Sec. 312. Earth science data and observations.
Sec. 313. Sense of Congress on small satellite science.
Sec. 314. Sense of Congress on commercial space services.
Sec. 315. Procedures for identifying and addressing alleged violations 
              of scientific integrity policy.

                         TITLE IV--AERONAUTICS

Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Definitions.
Sec. 403. Experimental aircraft projects.
Sec. 404. Unmanned aircraft systems.
Sec. 405. 21st Century Aeronautics Capabilities Initiative.
Sec. 406. Sense of Congress on on-demand air transportation.
Sec. 407. Sense of Congress on hypersonic technology research.

                       TITLE V--SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Sec. 501. Space Technology Mission Directorate.
Sec. 502. Flight opportunities program.
Sec. 503. Small Spacecraft Technology Program.
Sec. 504. Nuclear propulsion technology.
Sec. 505. Mars-forward technologies.
Sec. 506. Prioritization of low-enriched uranium technology.
Sec. 507. Sense of Congress on next-generation communications 
              technology.
Sec. 508. Lunar surface technologies.

                       TITLE VI--STEM ENGAGEMENT

Sec. 601. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 602. STEM education engagement activities.
Sec. 603. Skilled technical education outreach program.
Sec. 604. National space grant college and fellowship program.

                TITLE VII--WORKFORCE AND INDUSTRIAL BASE

Sec. 701. Appointment and compensation pilot program.
Sec. 702. Establishment of multi-institution consortia.
Sec. 703. Expedited access to technical talent and expertise.
Sec. 704. Report on industrial base for civil space missions and 
              operations.
Sec. 705. Separations and retirement incentives.
Sec. 706. Confidentiality of medical quality assurance records.

                  TITLE VIII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 801. Contracting authority.
Sec. 802. Authority for transaction prototype projects and follow-on 
              production contracts.
Sec. 803. Protection of data and information from public disclosure.
Sec. 804. Physical security modernization.
Sec. 805. Lease of non-excess property.
Sec. 806. Cybersecurity.
Sec. 807. Limitation on cooperation with the People's Republic of 
              China.
Sec. 808. Consideration of issues related to contracting with entities 
              receiving assistance from or affiliated with the People's 
              Republic of China.
Sec. 809. Small satellite launch services program.
Sec. 810. 21st century space launch infrastructure.
Sec. 811. Missions of national need.
Sec. 812. Drinking water well replacement for Chincoteague, Virginia.
Sec. 813. Passenger carrier use.
Sec. 814. Use of commercial near-space balloons.
Sec. 815. President's Space Advisory Board.
Sec. 816. Initiative on technologies for noise and emissions 
              reductions.
Sec. 817. Remediation of sites contaminated with trichloroethylene.
Sec. 818. Report on merits and options for establishing an institute 
              relating to space resources.
Sec. 819. Report on establishing center of excellence for space weather 
              technology.
Sec. 820. Review on preference for domestic suppliers.
Sec. 821. Report on utilization of commercial spaceports licensed by 
              Federal Aviation Administration.
Sec. 822. Active orbital debris mitigation.
Sec. 823. Study on commercial communications services.

     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 National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration.
       (3) Appropriate committees of congress.--Except as 
     otherwise expressly provided, the term ``appropriate 
     committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
     House of Representatives.
       (4) Cislunar space.--The term ``cislunar space'' means the 
     region of space beyond

[[Page S7668]]

     low-Earth orbit out to and including the region around the 
     surface of the Moon.
       (5) Deep space.--The term ``deep space'' means the region 
     of space beyond low-Earth orbit, including cislunar space.
       (6) Development cost.--The term ``development cost'' has 
     the meaning given the term in section 30104 of title 51, 
     United States Code.
       (7) ISS.--The term ``ISS'' means the International Space 
     Station.
       (8) ISS management entity.--The term ``ISS management 
     entity'' means the organization with which the Administrator 
     has entered into a cooperative agreement under section 504(a) 
     of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(a)).
       (9) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration.
       (10) Orion.--The term ``Orion'' 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).
       (11) OSTP.--The term ``OSTP'' means the Office of Science 
     and Technology Policy.
       (12) Space launch system.--The term ``Space Launch System'' 
     means the Space Launch System authorized under section 302 of 
     the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Act of 2010 
     (42 U.S.C. 18322).

                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

     SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Administration for fiscal year 2021 $23,495,000,000 as 
     follows:
       (1) For Exploration, $6,706,400,000.
       (2) For Space Operations, $3,988,200,000.
       (3) For Science, $7,274,700,000.
       (4) For Aeronautics, $828,700,000.
       (5) For Space Technology, $1,206,000,000.
       (6) For Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics 
     Engagement, $120,000,000.
       (7) For Safety, Security, and Mission Services, 
     $2,936,500,000.
       (8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and 
     Restoration, $390,300,000.
       (9) For Inspector General, $44,200,000.

              TITLE II--HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT AND EXPLORATION

     SEC. 201. ADVANCED CISLUNAR AND LUNAR SURFACE CAPABILITIES.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) commercial entities in the United States have made 
     significant investment and progress toward the development of 
     human-class lunar landers;
       (2) NASA developed the Artemis program--
       (A) to fulfill the goal of landing United States 
     astronauts, including the first woman and the next man, on 
     the Moon; and
       (B) to collaborate with commercial and international 
     partners to establish sustainable lunar exploration by 2028; 
     and
       (3) in carrying out the Artemis program, the Administration 
     should ensure that the entire Artemis program is inclusive 
     and representative of all people of the United States, 
     including women and minorities.
       (b) Lander Program.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall foster the flight 
     demonstration of not more than 2 human-class lunar lander 
     designs through public-private partnerships.
       (2) Initial development phase.--The Administrator may 
     support the formulation of more than 2 concepts in the 
     initial development phase.
       (c) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (b), the Administrator shall--
       (1) enter into industry-led partnerships using a fixed-
     price, milestone-based approach;
       (2) to the maximum extent practicable, encourage 
     reusability and sustainability of systems developed;
       (3) prioritize safety and implement robust ground and in-
     space test requirements;
       (4) ensure availability of 1 or more lunar polar science 
     payloads for a demonstration mission; and
       (5) to the maximum extent practicable, offer existing 
     capabilities and assets of NASA centers to support these 
     partnerships.

     SEC. 202. SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS.

       (a) Mobile Launch Platform.--The Administrator is 
     authorized to maintain 2 operational mobile launch platforms 
     to enable the launch of multiple configurations of the Space 
     Launch System.
       (b) Exploration Upper Stage.--To meet the capability 
     requirements under section 302(c)(2) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18322(c)(2)), the Administrator shall 
     continue development of the Exploration Upper Stage for the 
     Space Launch System with a scheduled availability sufficient 
     for use on the third launch of the Space Launch System.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
     appropriate committees of Congress on the development and 
     scheduled availability of the Exploration Upper Stage for the 
     third launch of the Space Launch System.
       (d) Main Propulsion Test Article.--To meet the requirements 
     under section 302(c)(3) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18322(c)(3)), the Administrator shall--
       (1) immediately on completion of the first full-duration 
     integrated core stage test of the Space Launch System, 
     initiate development of a main propulsion test article for 
     the integrated core stage propulsion elements of the Space 
     Launch System, consistent with cost and schedule constraints, 
     particularly for long-lead propulsion hardware needed for 
     flight;
       (2) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
     a detailed plan for the development and operation of such 
     main propulsion test article; and
       (3) use existing capabilities of NASA centers for the 
     design, manufacture, and operation of the main propulsion 
     test article.

     SEC. 203. ADVANCED SPACESUITS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     next-generation advanced spacesuits are a critical technology 
     for human space exploration and use of low-Earth orbit, 
     cislunar space, the surface of the Moon, and Mars.
       (b) Development Plan.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     detailed plan for the development and manufacture of advanced 
     spacesuits, consistent with the deep space exploration goals 
     and timetables of NASA.
       (c) Diverse Astronaut Corps.--The Administrator shall 
     ensure that spacesuits developed and manufactured after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act are capable of 
     accommodating a wide range of sizes of astronauts so as to 
     meet the needs of the diverse NASA astronaut corps.
       (d) ISS Use.--Throughout the operational life of the ISS, 
     the Administrator should fully use the ISS for testing 
     advanced spacesuits.
       (e) Prior Investments.--
       (1) In general.--In developing an advanced spacesuit, the 
     Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     partner with industry-proven spacesuit design, development, 
     and manufacturing suppliers and leverage prior and existing 
     investments in advanced spacesuit technologies and existing 
     capabilities at NASA centers to maximize the benefits of such 
     investments and technologies.
       (2) Agreements with private entities.--In carrying out this 
     subsection, the Administrator may enter into 1 or more 
     agreements with 1 or more private entities for the 
     manufacture of advanced spacesuits, as the Administrator 
     considers appropriate.
       (f) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and semiannually thereafter until 
     NASA procures advanced spacesuits under this section, the 
     Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
     Congress on the development plan in subsection (b).

     SEC. 204. ACQUISITION OF DOMESTIC SPACE TRANSPORTATION AND 
                   LOGISTICS RESUPPLY SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the 
     Administrator shall not enter into any contract with a person 
     or entity that proposes to use, or will use, a foreign launch 
     provider for a commercial service to provide space 
     transportation or logistics resupply for--
       (1) the ISS; or
       (2) any Government-owned or Government-funded platform in 
     Earth orbit or cislunar space, on the lunar surface, or 
     elsewhere in space.
       (b) Exception.--The Administrator may enter into a contract 
     with a person or an entity that proposes to use, or will use, 
     a foreign launch provider for a commercial service to carry 
     out an activity described in subsection (a) if--
       (1) a domestic vehicle or service is unavailable; or
       (2) the launch vehicle or service is a contribution by a 
     partner to an international no-exchange-of-funds 
     collaborative effort.
       (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to prohibit the Administrator from entering into 1 
     or more no-exchange-of-funds collaborative agreements with an 
     international partner in support of the deep space 
     exploration plan of NASA.

     SEC. 205. ROCKET ENGINE TEST INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue to carry 
     out a program to modernize rocket propulsion test 
     infrastructure at NASA facilities--
       (1) to increase capabilities;
       (2) to enhance safety;
       (3) to support propulsion development and testing; and
       (4) to foster the improvement of Government and commercial 
     space transportation and exploration.
       (b) Projects.--Projects funded under the program described 
     in subsection (a) may include--
       (1) infrastructure and other facilities and systems 
     relating to rocket propulsion test stands and rocket 
     propulsion testing;
       (2) enhancements to test facility capacity and flexibility; 
     and
       (3) such other projects as the Administrator considers 
     appropriate to meet the goals described in that subsection.
       (c) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
       (1) prioritize investments in projects that enhance test 
     and flight certification capabilities for large thrust-level 
     atmospheric and altitude engines and engine systems, and 
     multi-engine integrated test capabilities;
       (2) continue to make underutilized test facilities 
     available for commercial use on a reimbursable basis; and

[[Page S7669]]

       (3) ensure that no project carried out under this program 
     adversely impacts, delays, or defers testing or other 
     activities associated with facilities used for Government 
     programs, including--
       (A) the Space Launch System and the Exploration Upper Stage 
     of the Space Launch System;
       (B) in-space propulsion to support exploration missions; or
       (C) nuclear propulsion testing.
       (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     preclude a NASA program, including the Space Launch System 
     and the Exploration Upper Stage of the Space Launch System, 
     from using the modernized test infrastructure developed under 
     this section.
       (e) Working Capital Fund Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the use of 
     the authority under section 30102 of title 51, United States 
     Code, to promote increased use of NASA rocket propulsion test 
     infrastructure for research, development, testing, and 
     evaluation activities by other Federal agencies, firms, 
     associations, corporations, and educational institutions.
       (2) Matters to be included.--The report required by 
     paragraph (1) shall include the following:
       (A) An assessment of prior use, if any, of the authority 
     under section 30102 of title 51, United States Code, to 
     improve testing infrastructure.
       (B) An analysis of any barrier to implementation of such 
     authority for the purpose of promoting increased use of NASA 
     rocket propulsion test infrastructure.

     SEC. 206. INDIAN RIVER BRIDGE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator, in coordination with 
     the heads of other Federal agencies that use the Indian River 
     Bridge on the NASA Causeway, shall develop a plan to ensure 
     that a bridge over the Indian River at such location provides 
     access to the Eastern Range for national security, civil, and 
     commercial space operations.
       (b) Fee or Toll Discouraged.--The plan shall strongly 
     discourage the imposition of a user fee or toll on a bridge 
     over the Indian River at such location.

     SEC. 207. PEARL RIVER MAINTENANCE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall coordinate with 
     the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the 
     continued navigability of the Pearl River and Little Lake 
     channels sufficient to support NASA barge operations 
     surrounding Stennis Space Center and the Michoud Assembly 
     Facility.
       (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on 
     efforts under subsection (a).
       (c) Appropriate Committees of Congress.--In this section, 
     the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 
     the Committee on Environment and Public Works, and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

     SEC. 208. VALUE OF INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION AND 
                   CAPABILITIES IN LOW-EARTH ORBIT.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) it is in the national and economic security interests 
     of the United States to maintain a continuous human presence 
     in low-Earth orbit;
       (2) low-Earth orbit should be used as a test bed to advance 
     human space exploration and scientific discoveries; and
       (3) the ISS is a critical component of economic, 
     commercial, and industrial development in low-Earth orbit.
       (b) Human Presence Requirement.--The United States shall 
     continuously maintain the capability for a continuous human 
     presence in low-Earth orbit through and beyond the useful 
     life of the ISS.

     SEC. 209. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION RELATING TO 
                   INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.

       (a) Policy.--Section 501(a) of the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18351(a)) is amended by striking ``2024'' and inserting 
     ``2030''.
       (b) Maintenance of United States Segment and Assurance of 
     Continued Operations.--Section 503(a) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18353(a)) is amended by striking ``September 
     30, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2030''.
       (c) Research Capacity Allocation and Integration of 
     Research Payloads.--Section 504(d) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(d)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), in the first sentence--
       (A) by striking ``As soon as practicable'' and all that 
     follows through ``2011,'' and inserting ``The''; and
       (B) by striking ``September 30, 2024'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2030''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2), in the third sentence, by striking 
     ``September 30, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2030''.
       (d) Maintenance of Use.--
       (1) In general.--Section 70907 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (A) in the section heading, by striking ``2024'' and 
     inserting ``2030'';
       (B) in subsection (a), by striking ``September 30, 2024'' 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2030''; and
       (C) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``September 30, 
     2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2030''.
       (e) Transition Plan Reports.--Section 50111(c)(2) of title 
     51, United States Code is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (J), by striking ``2028'' and inserting 
     ``2030''.
       (f) Elimination of International Space Station National 
     Laboratory Advisory Committee.--Section 70906 of title 51, 
     United States Code, is repealed.
       (g) Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 709 of title 51, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 70907 as section 70906; and
       (2) in the table of sections for the chapter, by striking 
     the items relating to sections 70906 and 70907 and inserting 
     the following:

``70906. Maintaining use through at least 2030.''.

     SEC. 210. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ACTIVITIES ON INTERNATIONAL 
                   SPACE STATION.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall--
       (1) identify and review each activity, program, and project 
     of the Department of Defense completed, being carried out, or 
     planned to be carried out on the ISS as of the date of the 
     review; and
       (2) provide to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     briefing that describes the results of the review.
       (b) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Appropriations, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on 
     Appropriations, and the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives.

     SEC. 211. COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN LOW-EARTH ORBIT.

       (a) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United 
     States to encourage the development of a thriving and robust 
     United States commercial sector in low-Earth orbit.
       (b) Preference for United States Commercial Products and 
     Services.--The Administrator shall continue to increase the 
     use of assets, products, and services of private entities in 
     the United States to fulfill the low-Earth orbit requirements 
     of the Administration.
       (c) Noncompetition.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     Administrator may not offer to a foreign person or a foreign 
     government a spaceflight product or service relating to the 
     ISS, if a comparable spaceflight product or service, as 
     applicable, is offered by a private entity in the United 
     States.
       (2) Exception.--The Administrator may offer a spaceflight 
     product or service relating to the ISS to the government of a 
     country that is a signatory to the Agreement Among the 
     Government of Canada, Governments of Member States of the 
     European Space Agency, the Government of Japan, the 
     Government of the Russian Federation, and the Government of 
     the United States of America Concerning Cooperation on the 
     Civil International Space Station, signed at Washington 
     January 29, 1998, and entered into force on March 27, 2001 
     (TIAS 12927), including an international partner astronaut 
     (as defined in section 50902 of title 51, United States Code) 
     that is sponsored by the government of such a country.
       (d) Short-duration Commercial Missions.--To provide 
     opportunities for additional transport of astronauts to the 
     ISS and help establish a commercial market in low-Earth 
     orbit, the Administrator may permit short-duration missions 
     to the ISS for commercial passengers on a fully or partially 
     reimbursable basis.
       (e) Program Authorization.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     low-Earth orbit commercial development program to encourage 
     the fullest commercial use and development of space by 
     private entities in the United States.
       (2) Elements.--The program established under paragraph (1) 
     shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include 
     activities--
       (A) to stimulate demand for--
       (i) space-based commercial research, development, and 
     manufacturing;
       (ii) spaceflight products and services; and
       (iii) human spaceflight products and services in low-Earth 
     orbit;
       (B) to improve the capability of the ISS to accommodate 
     commercial users; and
       (C) subject to paragraph (3), to foster the development of 
     commercial space stations and habitats.
       (3) Commercial space stations and habitats.--
       (A) Priority.--With respect to an activity to develop a 
     commercial space station or habitat, the Administrator shall 
     give priority to an activity for which a private entity 
     provides a significant share of the cost to develop and 
     operate the activity.
       (B) Report.--Not later than 30 days after the date that an 
     award or agreement is made

[[Page S7670]]

     to carry out an activity to develop a commercial space 
     station or habitat, the Administrator shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     development of the commercial space station or habitat, as 
     applicable, that includes--
       (i) a business plan that describes the manner in which the 
     project will--

       (I) meet the future requirements of NASA for low-Earth 
     orbit human space-flight services; and
       (II) fulfill the cost-share funding prioritization under 
     subparagraph (A); and

       (ii) a review of the viability of the operational business 
     case, including--

       (I) the level of expected Government participation;
       (II) a list of anticipated nongovernmental an international 
     customers and associated contributions; and
       (III) an assessment of long-term sustainability for the 
     nongovernmental customers, including an independent 
     assessment of the viability of the market for such commercial 
     services or products.

     SEC. 212. MAINTAINING A NATIONAL LABORATORY IN SPACE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the United States segment of the International Space 
     Station (as defined in section 70905 of title 51, United 
     States Code), which is designated as a national laboratory 
     under section 70905(b) of title 51, United States Code--
       (A) benefits the scientific community and promotes commerce 
     in space;
       (B) fosters stronger relationships among NASA and other 
     Federal agencies, the private sector, and research groups and 
     universities;
       (C) advances science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics education through use of the unique microgravity 
     environment; and
       (D) advances human knowledge and international cooperation;
       (2) after the ISS is decommissioned, the United States 
     should maintain a national microgravity laboratory in space;
       (3) in maintaining a national microgravity laboratory in 
     space, the United States should make appropriate 
     accommodations for different types of ownership and operation 
     arrangements for the ISS and future space stations;
       (4) to the maximum extent practicable, a national 
     microgravity laboratory in space should be maintained in 
     cooperation with international space partners; and
       (5) NASA should continue to support fundamental science 
     research on future platforms in low-Earth orbit and cislunar 
     space, orbital and suborbital flights, drop towers, and other 
     microgravity testing environments.
       (b) Report.--The Administrator, in coordination with the 
     National Space Council and other Federal agencies as the 
     Administrator considers appropriate, shall issue a report 
     detailing the feasibility of establishing a microgravity 
     national laboratory federally funded research and development 
     center to carry out activities relating to the study and use 
     of in-space conditions.

     SEC. 213. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION NATIONAL LABORATORY; 
                   PROPERTY RIGHTS IN INVENTIONS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 20150. Property rights in designated inventions

       ``(a) Exclusive Property Rights.--Notwithstanding section 
     3710a of title 15, chapter 18 of title 35, section 20135, or 
     any other provision of law, a designated invention shall be 
     the exclusive property of a user, and shall not be subject to 
     a Government-purpose license, if--
       ``(1)(A) the Administration is reimbursed under the terms 
     of the contract for the full cost of a contribution by the 
     Federal Government of the use of Federal facilities, 
     equipment, materials, proprietary information of the Federal 
     Government, or services of a Federal employee during working 
     hours, including the cost for the Administration to carry out 
     its responsibilities under paragraphs (1) and (4) of section 
     504(d) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(d));
       ``(B) Federal funds are not transferred to the user under 
     the contract; and
       ``(C) the designated invention was made (as defined in 
     section 20135(a))--
       ``(i) solely by the user; or
       ``(ii)(I) by the user with the services of a Federal 
     employee under the terms of the contract; and
       ``(II) the Administration is reimbursed for such services 
     under subparagraph (B); or
       ``(2) the Administrator determines that the relevant field 
     of commercial endeavor is sufficiently immature that granting 
     exclusive property rights to the user is necessary to help 
     bolster demand for products and services produced on crewed 
     or crew-tended space stations.
       ``(b) Notification to Congress.--On completion of a 
     determination made under paragraph (2), the Administrator 
     shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     notification of the determination that includes a written 
     justification.
       ``(c) Public Availability.--A determination or part of such 
     determination under paragraph (1) shall be made available to 
     the public on request, as required under section 552 of title 
     5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the `Freedom 
     of Information Act').
       ``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed to affect the rights of the Federal Government, 
     including property rights in inventions, under any contract, 
     except in the case of a written contract with the 
     Administration or the ISS management entity for the 
     performance of a designated activity.
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section--
       ``(1) Contract.--The term `contract' has the meaning giving 
     the term in section 20135(a).
       ``(2) Designated activity.--The term `designated activity' 
     means any non-NASA scientific use of the ISS national 
     laboratory as described in section 504 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354).
       ``(3) Designated invention.--The term `designated 
     invention' means any invention, product, or service conceived 
     or first reduced to practice by any person in the performance 
     of a designated activity under a written contract with the 
     Administration or the ISS management entity.
       ``(4) Full cost.--The term `full cost' means the cost of 
     transporting materials or passengers to and from the ISS, 
     including any power needs, the disposal of mass, crew member 
     time, stowage, power on the ISS, data downlink, crew 
     consumables, and life support.
       ``(5) Government-purpose license.--The term `Government-
     purpose license' means the reservation by the Federal 
     Government of an irrevocable, nonexclusive, nontransferable, 
     royalty-free license for the use of an invention throughout 
     the world by or on behalf of the United States or any foreign 
     government pursuant to a treaty or agreement with the United 
     States.
       ``(6) ISS management entity.--The term `ISS management 
     entity' means the organization with which the Administrator 
     enters into a cooperative agreement under section 504(a) of 
     the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(a)).
       ``(7) User.--The term `user' means a person, including a 
     nonprofit organization or small business firm (as such terms 
     are defined in section 201 of title 35), or class of persons 
     that enters into a written contract with the Administration 
     or the ISS management entity for the performance of 
     designated activities.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for 
     chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting after the item relating to section 20149 the 
     following:

``20150. Property rights in designated inventions.''.

     SEC. 214. DATA FIRST PRODUCED DURING NON-NASA SCIENTIFIC USE 
                   OF THE ISS NATIONAL LABORATORY.

       (a) Data Rights.--Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 
     51, United States Code, as amended by section 213, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 20151. Data rights

       ``(a) Non-NASA Scientific Use of the ISS National 
     Laboratory.--The Federal Government may not use or reproduce, 
     or disclose outside of the Government, any data first 
     produced in the performance of a designated activity under a 
     written contract with the Administration or the ISS 
     management entity, unless--
       ``(1) otherwise agreed under the terms of the contract with 
     the Administration or the ISS management entity, as 
     applicable;
       ``(2) the designated activity is carried out with Federal 
     funds;
       ``(3) disclosure is required by law;
       ``(4) the Federal Government has rights in the data under 
     another Federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or 
     other transaction; or
       ``(5) the data is--
       ``(A) otherwise lawfully acquired or independently 
     developed by the Federal Government;
       ``(B) related to the health and safety of personnel on the 
     ISS; or
       ``(C) essential to the performance of work by the ISS 
     management entity or NASA personnel.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Contract.--The term `contract' has the meaning given 
     the term under section 20135(a).
       ``(2) Data.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `data' means recorded 
     information, regardless of form or the media on which it may 
     be recorded.
       ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `data' includes technical data 
     and computer software.
       ``(C) Exclusions.--The term `data' does not include 
     information incidental to contract administration, such as 
     financial, administrative, cost or pricing, or management 
     information.
       ``(3) Designated activity.--The term `designated activity' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 20150.
       ``(4) ISS management entity.--The term `ISS management 
     entity' has the meaning given the term in section 20150.''.
       (b) Special Handling of Trade Secrets or Confidential 
     Information.--Section 20131(b)(2) of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) Information described.--
       ``(A) Activities under agreement.--Information referred to 
     in paragraph (1) is information that--
       ``(i) results from activities conducted under an agreement 
     entered into under subsections (e) and (f) of section 20113; 
     and

[[Page S7671]]

       ``(ii) would be a trade secret or commercial or financial 
     information that is privileged or confidential within the 
     meaning of section 552(b)(4) of title 5 if the information 
     had been obtained from a non-Federal party participating in 
     such an agreement.
       ``(B) Certain data.--Information referred to in paragraph 
     (1) includes data (as defined in section 20151) that--
       ``(i) was first produced by the Administration in the 
     performance of any designated activity (as defined in section 
     20150); and
       ``(ii) would be a trade secret or commercial or financial 
     information that is privileged or confidential within the 
     meaning of section 552(b)(4) of title 5 if the data had been 
     obtained from a non-Federal party.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for 
     chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, as amended by 
     section 213, is further amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 20150 the following:

``20151. Data rights.''.

     SEC. 215. PAYMENTS RECEIVED FOR COMMERCIAL SPACE-ENABLED 
                   PRODUCTION ON THE ISS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Administrator should determine a threshold for NASA 
     to recover the costs of supporting the commercial development 
     of products or services aboard the ISS, through the 
     negotiation of agreements, similar to agreements made by 
     other Federal agencies that support private sector 
     innovation; and
       (2) the amount of such costs that to be recovered or 
     profits collected through such agreements should be applied 
     by the Administrator through a tiered process, taking into 
     consideration the relative maturity and profitability of the 
     applicable product or service.
       (b) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, 
     United States Code, as amended by section 214, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 20152. Payments received for commercial space-enable 
       production

       ``(a) Annual Review.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, 
     the Administrator shall review the profitability of any 
     partnership with a private entity under a contract in which 
     the Administrator--
       ``(A) permits the use of the ISS by such private entities 
     to produce a commercial product or service; and
       ``(B) provides the total unreimbursed cost of a 
     contribution by the Federal Government for the use of Federal 
     facilities, equipment, materials, proprietary information of 
     the Federal Government, or services of a Federal employee 
     during working hours, including the cost for the 
     Administration to carry out its responsibilities under 
     paragraphs (1) and (4) of section 504(d) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(d)).
       ``(2) Negotiation of reimbursements.--Subject to the review 
     described in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall seek to 
     enter into an agreement to negotiate reimbursements for 
     payments received, or portions of profits created, by any 
     mature, profitable private entity described in that 
     paragraph, as appropriate, through a tiered process that 
     reflects the profitability of the relevant product or 
     service.
       ``(3) Use of funds.--Amounts received by the Administrator 
     in accordance with an agreement under paragraph (2) shall be 
     used by the Administrator in the following order of priority:
       ``(A) To defray the operating cost of the ISS.
       ``(B) To develop, implement, or operate future low-Earth 
     orbit platforms or capabilities.
       ``(C) To develop, implement, or operate future human deep 
     space platforms or capabilities.
       ``(D) Any other costs the Administrator considers 
     appropriate.
       ``(4) Report.--On completion of the first annual review 
     under paragraph (1), and annually thereafter, the 
     Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report that includes a description of the results 
     of the annual review, any agreement entered into under this 
     section, and the amounts recouped or obtained under any such 
     agreement.
       ``(b) Licensing and Assignment of Inventions.--
     Notwithstanding sections 3710a and 3710c of title 15 and any 
     other provision of law, after payment in accordance with 
     subsection (A)(i) of such section 3710c(a)(1)(A)(i) to the 
     inventors who have directly assigned to the Federal 
     Government their interests in an invention under a written 
     contract with the Administration or the ISS management entity 
     for the performance of a designated activity, the balance of 
     any royalty or other payment received by the Administrator or 
     the ISS management entity from licensing and assignment of 
     such invention shall be paid by the Administrator or the ISS 
     management entity, as applicable, to the Space Exploration 
     Fund.
       ``(c) Space Exploration Fund.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury 
     of the United States a fund, to be known as the `Space 
     Exploration Fund' (referred to in this subsection as the 
     `Fund'), to be administered by the Administrator.
       ``(2) Use of fund.--The Fund shall be available to carry 
     out activities described in subsection (a)(3).
       ``(3) Deposits.--There shall be deposited in the Fund--
       ``(A) amounts appropriated to the Fund;
       ``(B) fees and royalties collected by the Administrator or 
     the ISS management entity under subsections (a) and (b); and
       ``(C) donations or contributions designated to support 
     authorized activities.
       ``(4) Rule of construction.--Amounts available to the 
     Administrator under this subsection shall be--
       ``(A) in addition to amounts otherwise made available for 
     the purpose described in paragraph (2); and
       ``(B) available for a period of 5 years, to the extent and 
     in the amounts provided in annual appropriation Acts.
       ``(d) Definitions.--
       ``(1) In general.--In this section, any term used in this 
     section that is also used in section 20150 shall have the 
     meaning given the term in that section.
       ``(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     `appropriate committees of Congress' means--
       ``(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the 
     Senate; and
       ``(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and 
     the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for 
     chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, as amended by 
     section and 214, is further amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 20151 the following:

``20152. Payments received for commercial space-enabled production.''.

     SEC. 216. 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.--The Administrator, in sustainable steps, 
     may conduct missions to intermediate destinations, such as 
     the Moon, in accordance with section 20302(b), and on a 
     timetable determined by the availability of funding, in order 
     to achieve the objective of human exploration of Mars 
     specified in section 202(b)(5) of the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18312(b)(5)), if the Administrator--
       ``(1) determines that each such mission demonstrates or 
     advances a technology or operational concept that will enable 
     human missions to Mars; and
       ``(2) incorporates each such mission into the human 
     exploration roadmap under section 432 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization 
     Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 51 U.S.C. 20302 note).
       ``(b) Cislunar Space Exploration Activities.--In conducting 
     a mission under subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
       ``(1) use a combination of launches of the Space Launch 
     System and space transportation services from United States 
     commercial providers, as appropriate, for the mission;
       ``(2) plan for not fewer than 1 Space Launch System launch 
     annually beginning after the first successful crewed launch 
     of Orion on the Space Launch System; and
       ``(3) establish an outpost in orbit around the Moon that--
       ``(A) demonstrates technologies, systems, and operational 
     concepts directly applicable to the space vehicle that will 
     be used to transport humans to Mars;
       ``(B) has the capability for periodic human habitation; and
       ``(C) can function as a point of departure, return, or 
     staging for Administration or nongovernmental or 
     international partner missions to multiple locations on the 
     lunar surface or other destinations.
       ``(c) Cost-effectiveness.--To maximize the cost-
     effectiveness of the long-term space exploration and 
     utilization activities of the United States, the 
     Administrator shall take all necessary steps, including 
     engaging nongovernmental and international partners, to 
     ensure that activities in the Administration's human space 
     exploration program are balanced in order to help meet the 
     requirements of future exploration and utilization activities 
     leading to human habitation on the surface of Mars.
       ``(d) Completion.--Within budgetary considerations, once an 
     exploration-related project enters its development phase, the 
     Administrator shall seek, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     to complete that project without undue delay.
       ``(e) International Participation.--To achieve the goal of 
     successfully conducting a crewed mission to the surface of 
     Mars, the Administrator shall invite the partners in the ISS 
     program and other nations, as appropriate, to participate in 
     an international initiative under the leadership of the 
     United States.''.
       (b) Definition of Cislunar Space.--Section 10101 of title 
     51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(3) Cislunar space.--The term `cislunar space' means the 
     region of space beyond low-Earth orbit out to and including 
     the region around the surface of the Moon.''.
       (c) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--Section 3 of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
     Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18302) is amended by striking 
     paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     `appropriate committees of Congress' means--
       ``(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate; and

[[Page S7672]]

       ``(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives.
       ``(3) Cislunar space.--The term `cislunar space' means the 
     region of space beyond low-Earth orbit out to and including 
     the region around the surface of the Moon.''.

     SEC. 217. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS RELATING TO ARTEMIS MISSIONS.

       (a) Section 421 of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 
     51 U.S.C. 20301 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)(3)--
       (A) by striking ``EM-1'' and inserting ``Artemis I'';
       (B) by striking ``EM-2'' and inserting ``Artemis II''; and
       (C) by striking ``EM-3'' and inserting ``Artemis III''; and
       (2) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``EM-3'' and 
     inserting ``Artemis III''.
       (b) Section 432(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 
     51 U.S.C. 20302 note) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)(D)--
       (A) by striking ``EM-1'' and inserting ``Artemis I''; and
       (B) by striking ``EM-2'' and inserting ``Artemis II''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking ``EM-3'' and inserting 
     ``Artemis III''.

                           TITLE III--SCIENCE

     SEC. 301. SCIENCE PRIORITIES.

       (a) Sense of Congress on Science Portfolio.--Congress 
     reaffirms the sense of Congress that--
       (1) a balanced and adequately funded set of activities, 
     consisting of research and analysis grant programs, 
     technology development, suborbital research activities, and 
     small, medium, and large space missions, contributes to a 
     robust and productive science program and serves as a 
     catalyst for innovation and discovery; and
       (2) the Administrator should set science priorities by 
     following the guidance provided by the scientific community 
     through the decadal surveys of the National Academies of 
     Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
       (b) National Academies Decadal Surveys.--Section 20305(c) 
     of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The Administrator shall'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(1) Reexamination of priorities by national academies.--
     The Administrator shall''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Reexamination of priorities by administrator.--If the 
     Administrator decides to reexamine the applicability of the 
     priorities of the decadal surveys to the missions and 
     activities of the Administration due to scientific 
     discoveries or external factors, the Administrator shall 
     consult with the relevant committees of the National 
     Academies.''.

     SEC. 302. LUNAR DISCOVERY PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator may carry out a program 
     to conduct lunar science research, including missions to the 
     surface of the Moon, that materially contributes to the 
     objective described in section 20102(d)(1) of title 51, 
     United States Code.
       (b) Commercial Landers.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall procure the services 
     of commercial landers developed primarily by United States 
     industry to land science payloads of all classes on the lunar 
     surface.
       (c) Lunar Science Research.--The Administrator shall ensure 
     that lunar science research carried out under subsection (a) 
     is consistent with recommendations made by the National 
     Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
       (d) Lunar Polar Volatiles.--In carrying out the program 
     under subsection (a), the Administrator shall, at the 
     earliest opportunity, consider mission proposals to evaluate 
     the potential of lunar polar volatiles to contribute to 
     sustainable lunar exploration.

     SEC. 303. SEARCH FOR LIFE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the report entitled ``An Astrobiology Strategy for the 
     Search for Life in the Universe'' published by the National 
     Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine outlines the 
     key scientific questions and methods for fulfilling the 
     objective of NASA to search for the origin, evolution, 
     distribution, and future of life in the universe; and
       (2) the interaction of lifeforms with their environment, a 
     central focus of astrobiology research, is a topic of broad 
     significance to life sciences research in space and on Earth.
       (b) Program Continuation.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall continue to 
     implement a collaborative, multidisciplinary science and 
     technology development program to search for proof of the 
     existence or historical existence of life beyond Earth in 
     support of the objective described in section 20102(d)(10) of 
     title 51, United States Code.
       (2) Element.--The program under paragraph (1) shall include 
     activities relating to astronomy, biology, geology, and 
     planetary science.
       (3) Coordination with life sciences program.--In carrying 
     out the program under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall 
     coordinate efforts with the life sciences program of the 
     Administration.
       (4) Technosignatures.--In carrying out the program under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator shall support activities to 
     search for and analyze technosignatures.
       (5) Instrumentation and sensor technology.--In carrying out 
     the program under paragraph (1), the Administrator may 
     strategically invest in the development of new 
     instrumentation and sensor technology.

     SEC. 304. JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the James Webb Space Telescope will be the next premier 
     observatory in space and has great potential to further 
     scientific study and assist scientists in making new 
     discoveries in the field of astronomy;
       (2) the James Webb Space Telescope was developed as an 
     ambitious project with a scope that was not fully defined at 
     inception and with risk that was not fully known or 
     understood;
       (3) despite the major technology development and innovation 
     that was needed to construct the James Webb Space Telescope, 
     major negative impacts to the cost and schedule of the James 
     Webb Space Telescope resulted from poor program management 
     and poor contractor performance;
       (4) the Administrator should take into account the lessons 
     learned from the cost and schedule issues relating to the 
     development of the James Webb Space Telescope in making 
     decisions regarding the scope of and the technologies needed 
     for future scientific missions; and
       (5) in selecting future scientific missions, the 
     Administrator should take into account the impact that large 
     programs that overrun cost and schedule estimates may have on 
     other NASA programs in earlier phases of development.
       (b) Project Continuation.--The Administrator shall 
     continue--
       (1) to closely track the cost and schedule performance of 
     the James Webb Space Telescope project; and
       (2) to improve the reliability of cost estimates and 
     contractor performance data throughout the remaining 
     development of the James Webb Space Telescope.
       (c) Revised Estimate.--Due to delays to the James Webb 
     Space Telescope project resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, 
     the Administrator shall provide to Congress--
       (1) an estimate of any increase to program development 
     costs, if such costs are anticipated to exceed 
     $8,802,700,000; and
       (2) an estimate for a revised launch date.

     SEC. 305. WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) major growth in the cost of astrophysics flagship-class 
     missions has impacted the overall portfolio balance of the 
     Science Mission Directorate; and
       (2) the Administrator should continue to develop the Wide-
     Field Infrared Survey Telescope with a development cost of 
     not more than $3,200,000,000.
       (b) Project Continuation.--The Administrator shall continue 
     to develop the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope to meet 
     the objectives outlined in the 2010 decadal survey on 
     astronomy and astrophysics of the National Academies of 
     Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in a manner that 
     maximizes scientific productivity based on the resources 
     invested.

     SEC. 306. STUDY ON SATELLITE SERVICING FOR SCIENCE MISSIONS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall conduct a study on 
     the feasibility of using in-space robotic refueling, repair, 
     or refurbishment capabilities to extend the useful life of 
     telescopes and other science missions that are operational or 
     in development as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (b) Elements.--The study conducted under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       (1) An identification of the technologies and in-space 
     testing required to demonstrate the in-space robotic 
     refueling, repair, or refurbishment capabilities described in 
     that subsection.
       (2) The projected cost of using such capabilities, 
     including the cost of extended operations for science 
     missions described in that subsection.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the results 
     of the study conducted under subsection (a).
       (d) Public Availability.--Not later than 30 days after the 
     Administrator provides the briefing under subsection (c), the 
     Administrator shall make the study conducted under subsection 
     (a) available to the public.

     SEC. 307. EARTH SCIENCE MISSIONS AND PROGRAMS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Earth Science Division of NASA plays an important role in 
     national efforts--
       (1) to collect and use Earth observations in service to 
     society; and
       (2) to understand global change.
       (b) Earth Science Missions and Programs.--With respect to 
     the missions and programs of the Earth Science Division, the 
     Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     follow the recommendations and guidance provided by the 
     scientific community through the decadal survey for Earth 
     science and applications from space of the National Academies 
     of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, including--
       (1) the science priorities described in such survey;
       (2) the execution of the series of existing or previously 
     planned observations (commonly known as the ``program of 
     record''); and
       (3) the development of a range of missions of all classes, 
     including opportunities for

[[Page S7673]]

     principal investigator-led, competitively selected missions.

     SEC. 308. LIFE SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the 2011 decadal survey on biological and physical 
     sciences in space identifies--
       (A) many areas in which fundamental scientific research is 
     needed to efficiently advance the range of human activities 
     in space, from the first stages of exploration to eventual 
     economic development; and
       (B) many areas of basic and applied scientific research 
     that could use the microgravity, radiation, and other aspects 
     of the spaceflight environment to answer fundamental 
     scientific questions;
       (2) given the central role of life science and physical 
     science research in developing the future of space 
     exploration, NASA should continue to invest strategically in 
     such research to maintain United States leadership in space 
     exploration; and
       (3) such research remains important to the objectives of 
     NASA with respect to long-duration deep space human 
     exploration to the Moon and Mars.
       (b) Program Continuation.--
       (1) In general.--In support of the goals described in 
     section 20302 of title 51, United States Code, the 
     Administrator shall continue to implement a collaborative, 
     multidisciplinary life science and physical science 
     fundamental research program--
       (A) to build a scientific foundation for the exploration 
     and development of space;
       (B) to investigate the mechanisms of changes to biological 
     systems and physical systems, and the environments of those 
     systems in space, including the effects of long-duration 
     exposure to deep space-related environmental factors on those 
     systems;
       (C) to understand the effects of combined deep space 
     radiation and altered gravity levels on biological systems so 
     as to inform the development and testing of potential 
     countermeasures;
       (D) to understand physical phenomena in reduced gravity 
     that affect design and performance of enabling technologies 
     necessary for the space exploration program;
       (E) to provide scientific opportunities to educate, train, 
     and develop the next generation of researchers and engineers; 
     and
       (F) to provide state-of-the-art data repositories and 
     curation of large multi-data sets to enable comparative 
     research analyses.
       (2) Elements.--The program under paragraph (1) shall--
       (A) include fundamental research relating to life science, 
     space bioscience, and physical science; and
       (B) maximize intra-agency and interagency partnerships to 
     advance space exploration, scientific knowledge, and benefits 
     to Earth.
       (3) Use of facilities.--In carrying out the program under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator may use ground-based, air-
     based, and space-based facilities in low-Earth orbit and 
     beyond low-Earth orbit.

     SEC. 309. SCIENCE MISSIONS TO MARS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall conduct 1 or more 
     science missions to Mars to enable the selection of 1 or more 
     sites for human landing.
       (b) Sample Program.--The Administrator may carry out a 
     program--
       (1) to collect samples from the surface of Mars; and
       (2) to return such samples to Earth for scientific 
     analysis.
       (c) Use of Existing Capabilities and Assets.--In carrying 
     out this section, the Administrator shall, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, use existing capabilities and assets of 
     NASA centers.

     SEC. 310. PLANETARY DEFENSE COORDINATION OFFICE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Near-Earth objects remain a threat to the United 
     States.
       (2) Section 321(d)(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-155; 
     119 Stat. 2922; 51 U.S.C. 71101 note prec.) established a 
     requirement that the Administrator plan, develop, and 
     implement a Near-Earth Object Survey program 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, with the goal of 90-
     percent completion of the catalogue of such near-Earth 
     objects by December 30, 2020.
       (3) The current planetary defense strategy of NASA 
     acknowledges that such goal will not be met.
       (4) The report of the National Academies of Sciences, 
     Engineering, and Medicine entitled ``Finding Hazardous 
     Asteroids Using Infrared and Visible Wavelength Telescopes'' 
     issued in 2019 states that--
       (A) NASA cannot accomplish such goal with currently 
     available assets;
       (B) NASA should develop and launch a dedicated space-based 
     infrared survey telescope to meet the requirements of section 
     321(d)(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-155; 
     119 Stat. 2922; 51 U.S.C. 71101 note prec.); and
       (C) the early detection of potentially hazardous near-Earth 
     objects enabled by a space-based infrared survey telescope is 
     important to enable deflection of a dangerous asteroid.
       (b) Establishment of Planetary Defense Coordination 
     Office.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish 
     an office within the Planetary Science Division of the 
     Science Mission Directorate, to be known as the ``Planetary 
     Defense Coordination Office'', to plan, develop, and 
     implement a program to survey threats posed by near-Earth 
     objects equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter, as 
     required by section 321(d)(1) of the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 
     109-155; 119 Stat. 2922; 51 U.S.C. 71101 note prec.).
       (2) Activities.--The Administrator shall--
       (A) develop and, not later than September 30, 2025, launch 
     a space-based infrared survey telescope that is capable of 
     detecting near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 
     meters in diameter, with preference given to planetary 
     missions selected by the Administrator as of the date of the 
     enactment of this Act to pursue concept design studies 
     relating to the development of a space-based infrared survey 
     telescope;
       (B) identify, track, and characterize potentially hazardous 
     near-Earth objects and issue warnings of the effects of 
     potential impacts of such objects; and
       (C) assist in coordinating Government planning for response 
     to a potential impact of a near-Earth object.
       (c) Annual Report.--Section 321(f) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2005 (Public Law 109-155; 119 Stat. 2922; 51 U.S.C. 71101 
     note prec.) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(f) Annual Report.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2020, and annually 
     thereafter through 90-percent completion of the catalogue 
     required by subsection (d)(1), the Administrator shall submit 
     to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives a report that 
     includes the following:
       ``(1) A summary of all activities carried out by the 
     Planetary Defense Coordination Office established under 
     section 310(b)(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2020 since the date of 
     enactment of that Act.
       ``(2) A description of the progress with respect to the 
     design, development, and launch of the space-based infrared 
     survey telescope required by section 310(b)(2)(A) of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
     Act of 2020.
       ``(3) An assessment of the progress toward meeting the 
     requirements of subsection (d)(1).
       ``(4) A description of the status of efforts to coordinate 
     planetary defense activities in response to a threat posed by 
     a near-Earth object with other Federal agencies since the 
     date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2020.
       ``(5) 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.
       ``(6) A summary of expenditures for all activities carried 
     out by the Planetary Defense Coordination Office since the 
     date of enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2020.''.
       (d) Limitation on Use of Funds.--None of the amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated by this Act for a fiscal year 
     may be obligated or expended for the Office of the 
     Administrator during the last 3 months of that fiscal year 
     unless the Administrator submits the report for that fiscal 
     year required by section 321(f) of the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public 
     Law 109-155; 119 Stat. 2922; 51 U.S.C. 71101 note prec.).
       (e) Near-Earth Object Defined.--In 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.

     SEC. 311. SUBORBITAL SCIENCE FLIGHTS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     commercially available suborbital flight platforms enable 
     low-cost access to a microgravity environment to advance 
     science and train scientists and engineers under the 
     Suborbital Research Program established under section 802(c) 
     of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18382(c)).
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report evaluating 
     the manner in which suborbital flight platforms can 
     contribute to meeting the science objectives of NASA for the 
     Science Mission Directorate and the Human Exploration and 
     Operations Mission Directorate.
       (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) An assessment of the advantages of suborbital flight 
     platforms to meet science objectives.
       (B) An evaluation of the challenges to greater use of 
     commercial suborbital flight platforms for science purposes.
       (C) An analysis of whether commercial suborbital flight 
     platforms can provide low-cost flight opportunities to test 
     lunar and Mars science payloads.

[[Page S7674]]

  


     SEC. 312. EARTH SCIENCE DATA AND OBSERVATIONS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall to the maximum 
     extent practicable, make available to the public in an easily 
     accessible electronic database all data (including metadata, 
     documentation, models, data processing methods, images, and 
     research results) of the missions and programs of the Earth 
     Science Division of the Administration, or any successor 
     division.
       (b) Open Data Program.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall establish and continue to operate an open 
     data program that--
       (1) is consistent with the greatest degree of 
     interactivity, interoperability, and accessibility; and
       (2) enables outside communities, including the research and 
     applications community, private industry, academia, and the 
     general public, to effectively collaborate in areas important 
     to--
       (A) studying the Earth system and improving the prediction 
     of Earth system change; and
       (B) improving model development, data assimilation 
     techniques, systems architecture integration, and 
     computational efficiencies; and
       (3) meets basic end-user requirements for running on public 
     computers and networks located outside of secure 
     Administration information and technology systems.
       (c) Hosting.--The program under subsection (b) shall use, 
     as appropriate and cost-effective, innovative strategies and 
     methods for hosting and management of part or all of the 
     program, including cloud-based computing capabilities.
       (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     interpreted to require the Administrator to release 
     classified, proprietary, or otherwise restricted information 
     that would be harmful to the national security of the United 
     States.

     SEC. 313. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SMALL SATELLITE SCIENCE.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) small satellites--
       (A) are increasingly robust, effective, and affordable 
     platforms for carrying out space science missions;
       (B) can work in tandem with or augment larger NASA 
     spacecraft to support high-priority science missions of NASA; 
     and
       (C) are cost effective solutions that may allow NASA to 
     continue collecting legacy observations while developing 
     next-generation science missions; and
       (2) NASA should continue to support small satellite 
     research, development, technologies, and programs, including 
     technologies for compact and lightweight instrumentation for 
     small satellites.

     SEC. 314. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON COMMERCIAL SPACE SERVICES.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Administration should explore partnerships with the 
     commercial space industry for space science missions in and 
     beyond Earth orbit, including partnerships relating to 
     payload and instrument hosting and commercially available 
     datasets; and
       (2) such partnerships could result in increased mission 
     cadence, technology advancement, and cost savings for the 
     Administration.

     SEC. 315. PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING AND ADDRESSING ALLEGED 
                   VIOLATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY POLICY.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Administrator shall develop and document 
     procedures for identifying and addressing alleged violations 
     of the scientific integrity policy of NASA.

                         TITLE IV--AERONAUTICS

     SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Aeronautics Innovation 
     Act''.

     SEC. 402. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Aeronautics strategic implementation plan.--The term 
     ``Aeronautics Strategic Implementation Plan'' means the 
     Aeronautics Strategic Implementation Plan issued by the 
     Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.
       (2) Unmanned aircraft; unmanned aircraft system.--The terms 
     ``unmanned aircraft'' and ``unmanned aircraft system'' have 
     the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49, 
     United States Code.
       (3) X-plane.--The term ``X-plane'' means an experimental 
     aircraft that is--
       (A) used to test and evaluate a new technology or 
     aerodynamic concept; and
       (B) operated by NASA or the Department of Defense.

     SEC. 403. EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT PROJECTS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) developing high-risk, precompetitive aerospace 
     technologies for which there is not yet a profit rationale is 
     a fundamental role of NASA;
       (2) large-scale piloted flight test experimentation and 
     validation are necessary for--
       (A) transitioning new technologies and materials, including 
     associated manufacturing processes, for general aviation, 
     commercial aviation, and military aeronautics use; and
       (B) capturing the full extent of benefits from investments 
     made by the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate in 
     priority programs called for in--
       (i) the National Aeronautics Research and Development Plan 
     issued by the National Science and Technology Council in 
     February 2010;
       (ii) the NASA 2014 Strategic Plan;
       (iii) the Aeronautics Strategic Implementation Plan; and
       (iv) any updates to the programs called for in the plans 
     described in clauses (i) through (iii);
       (3) a level of funding that adequately supports large-scale 
     piloted flight test experimentation and validation, including 
     related infrastructure, should be ensured over a sustained 
     period of time to restore the capacity of NASA--
       (A) to see legacy priority programs through to completion; 
     and
       (B) to achieve national economic and security objectives; 
     and
       (4) NASA should not be directly involved in the Type 
     Certification of aircraft for current and future scheduled 
     commercial air service under part 121 or 135 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, that would result in reductions 
     in crew augmentation or single pilot or autonomously operated 
     aircraft.
       (b) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United 
     States--
       (1) to maintain world leadership in--
       (A) military and civilian aeronautical science and 
     technology;
       (B) global air power projection; and
       (C) aerospace industrialization; and
       (2) to maintain as a fundamental objective of NASA 
     aeronautics research the steady progression and expansion of 
     flight research and capabilities, including the science and 
     technology of critical underlying disciplines and 
     competencies, such as--
       (A) computational-based analytical and predictive tools and 
     methodologies;
       (B) aerothermodynamics;
       (C) propulsion;
       (D) advanced materials and manufacturing processes;
       (E) high-temperature structures and materials; and
       (F) guidance, navigation, and flight controls.
       (c) Establishment and Continuation of X-plane Projects.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish or 
     continue to implement, in a manner that is consistent with 
     the roadmap for supersonic aeronautics research and 
     development required by section 604(b) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization 
     Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-10; 131 Stat. 55), the following 
     projects:
       (A) A low-boom supersonic aircraft project to demonstrate 
     supersonic aircraft designs and technologies that--
       (i) reduce sonic boom noise; and
       (ii) assist the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration in enabling--

       (I) the safe commercial deployment of civil supersonic 
     aircraft technology; and
       (II) the safe and efficient operation of civil supersonic 
     aircraft.

       (B) A subsonic flight demonstrator aircraft project to 
     advance high-aspect-ratio, thin-wing aircraft designs and to 
     integrate propulsion, composites, and other technologies that 
     enable significant increases in energy efficiency and reduced 
     life-cycle emissions in the aviation system while reducing 
     noise and emissions.
       (C) A series of large-scale X-plane demonstrators that 
     are--
       (i) developed sequentially or in parallel; and
       (ii) each based on a set of new configuration concepts or 
     technologies determined by the Administrator to demonstrate--

       (I) aircraft and propulsion concepts and technologies and 
     related advances in alternative propulsion and energy; and
       (II) flight propulsion concepts and technologies.

       (2) Elements.--For each project under paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall--
       (A) include the development of X-planes and all necessary 
     supporting flight test assets;
       (B) pursue a robust technology maturation and flight test 
     validation effort;
       (C) improve necessary facilities, flight testing 
     capabilities, and computational tools to support the project;
       (D) award any primary contracts for design, procurement, 
     and manufacturing to United States persons, consistent with 
     international obligations and commitments;
       (E) coordinate research and flight test demonstration 
     activities with other Federal agencies and the United States 
     aviation community, as the Administrator considers 
     appropriate; and
       (F) ensure that the project is aligned with the Aeronautics 
     Strategic Implementation Plan and any updates to the 
     Aeronautics Strategic Implementation Plan.
       (3) United states person defined.--In this subsection, the 
     term ``United States person'' means--
       (A) a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted 
     for permanent residence to the United States; or
       (B) an entity organized under the laws of the United States 
     or of any jurisdiction within the United States, including a 
     foreign branch of such an entity.
       (d) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology 
     Program.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator may establish an 
     advanced materials and manufacturing technology program--
       (A) to develop--
       (i) new materials, including composite and high-temperature 
     materials, from base material formulation through full-scale 
     structural validation and manufacture;
       (ii) advanced materials and manufacturing processes, 
     including additive manufacturing,

[[Page S7675]]

     to reduce the cost of manufacturing scale-up and 
     certification for use in general aviation, commercial 
     aviation, and military aeronautics; and
       (iii) noninvasive or nondestructive techniques for testing 
     or evaluating aviation and aeronautics structures, including 
     for materials and manufacturing processes;
       (B) to reduce the time it takes to design, industrialize, 
     and certify advanced materials and manufacturing processes;
       (C) to provide education and training opportunities for the 
     aerospace workforce; and
       (D) to address global cost and human capital 
     competitiveness for United States aeronautical industries and 
     technological leadership in advanced materials and 
     manufacturing technology.
       (2) Elements.--In carrying out a program under paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator shall--
       (A) build on work that was carried out by the Advanced 
     Composites Project of NASA;
       (B) partner with the private and academic sectors, such as 
     members of the Advanced Composites Consortium of NASA, the 
     Joint Advanced Materials and Structures Center of Excellence 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration, the Manufacturing USA 
     institutes of the Department of Commerce, and national 
     laboratories, as the Administrator considers appropriate;
       (C) provide a structure for managing intellectual property 
     generated by the program based on or consistent with the 
     structure established for the Advanced Composites Consortium 
     of NASA;
       (D) ensure adequate Federal cost share for applicable 
     research; and
       (E) coordinate with advanced manufacturing and composites 
     initiatives in other mission directorates of NASA, as the 
     Administrator considers appropriate.
       (e) Research Partnerships.--In carrying out the projects 
     under subsection (c) and a program under subsection (d), the 
     Administrator may engage in cooperative research programs 
     with--
       (1) academia; and
       (2) commercial aviation and aerospace manufacturers.

     SEC. 404. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

       (a) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation Program.--The 
     Administrator shall--
       (1) research and test capabilities and concepts, including 
     unmanned aircraft systems communications, for integrating 
     unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system;
       (2) leverage the partnership NASA has with industry focused 
     on the advancement of technologies for future air traffic 
     management systems for unmanned aircraft systems; and
       (3) continue to align the research and testing portfolio of 
     NASA to inform the integration of unmanned aircraft systems 
     into the national airspace system, consistent with public 
     safety and national security objectives.
       (b) Sense of Congress on Coordination With Federal Aviation 
     Administration.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) NASA should continue--
       (A) to coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration 
     on research on air traffic management systems for unmanned 
     aircraft systems; and
       (B) to assist the Federal Aviation Administration in the 
     integration of air traffic management systems for unmanned 
     aircraft systems into the national airspace system; and
       (2) the test ranges (as defined in section 44801 of title 
     49, United States Code) should continue to be leveraged for 
     research on--
       (A) air traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft 
     systems; and
       (B) the integration of such systems into the national 
     airspace system.

     SEC. 405. 21ST CENTURY AERONAUTICS CAPABILITIES INITIATIVE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator may establish an 
     initiative, to be known as the ``21st Century Aeronautics 
     Capabilities Initiative'', within the Construction and 
     Environmental Compliance and Restoration Account, to ensure 
     that NASA possesses the infrastructure and capabilities 
     necessary to conduct proposed flight demonstration projects 
     across the range of NASA aeronautics interests.
       (b) Activities.--In carrying out the 21st Century 
     Aeronautics Capabilities Initiative, the Administrator may 
     carry out the following activities:
       (1) Any investments the Administrator considers necessary 
     to upgrade and create facilities for civil and national 
     security aeronautics research to support advancements in--
       (A) long-term foundational science and technology;
       (B) advanced aircraft systems;
       (C) air traffic management systems;
       (D) fuel efficiency;
       (E) electric propulsion technologies;
       (F) system-wide safety assurance;
       (G) autonomous aviation; and
       (H) supersonic and hypersonic aircraft design and 
     development.
       (2) Any measures the Administrator considers necessary to 
     support flight testing activities, including--
       (A) continuous refinement and development of free-flight 
     test techniques and methodologies;
       (B) upgrades and improvements to real-time tracking and 
     data acquisition; and
       (C) such other measures relating to aeronautics research 
     support and modernization as the Administrator considers 
     appropriate to carry out the scientific study of the problems 
     of flight, with a view to practical solutions for such 
     problems.

     SEC. 406. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON ON-DEMAND AIR TRANSPORTATION.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) greater use of high-speed air transportation, small 
     airports, helipads, vertical flight infrastructure, and other 
     aviation-related infrastructure can alleviate surface 
     transportation congestion and support economic growth within 
     cities;
       (2) with respect to urban air mobility and related 
     concepts, NASA should continue--
       (A) to conduct research focused on concepts, technologies, 
     and design tools; and
       (B) to support the evaluation of advanced technologies and 
     operational concepts that can be leveraged by--
       (i) industry to develop future vehicles and systems; and
       (ii) the Federal Aviation Administration to support vehicle 
     safety and operational certification; and
       (3) NASA should leverage ongoing efforts to develop 
     advanced technologies to actively support the research needed 
     for on-demand air transportation.

     SEC. 407. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY 
                   RESEARCH.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) hypersonic technology is critical to the development of 
     advanced high-speed aerospace vehicles for both civilian and 
     national security purposes;
       (2) for hypersonic vehicles to be realized, research is 
     needed to overcome technical challenges, including in 
     propulsion, advanced materials, and flight performance in a 
     severe environment;
       (3) NASA plays a critical role in supporting fundamental 
     hypersonic research focused on system design, analysis and 
     validation, and propulsion technologies;
       (4) NASA research efforts in hypersonic technology should 
     complement research supported by the Department of Defense to 
     the maximum extent practicable, since contributions from both 
     agencies working in partnership with universities and 
     industry are necessary to overcome key technical challenges;
       (5) previous coordinated research programs between NASA and 
     the Department of Defense enabled important progress on 
     hypersonic technology;
       (6) the commercial sector could provide flight platforms 
     and other capabilities that are able to host and support NASA 
     hypersonic technology research projects; and
       (7) in carrying out hypersonic technology research 
     projects, the Administrator should--
       (A) focus research and development efforts on high-speed 
     propulsion systems, reusable vehicle technologies, high-
     temperature materials, and systems analysis;
       (B) coordinate with the Department of Defense to prevent 
     duplication of efforts and of investments;
       (C) include partnerships with universities and industry to 
     accomplish research goals; and
       (D) maximize public-private use of commercially available 
     platforms for hosting research and development flight 
     projects.

                       TITLE V--SPACE TECHNOLOGY

     SEC. 501. SPACE TECHNOLOGY MISSION DIRECTORATE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that an 
     independent Space Technology Mission Directorate is critical 
     to ensuring continued investments in the development of 
     technologies for missions across the portfolio of NASA, 
     including science, aeronautics, and human exploration.
       (b) Space Technology Mission Directorate.--The 
     Administrator shall maintain a Space Technology Mission 
     Directorate consistent with section 702 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization 
     Act of 2017 (51 U.S.C. 20301 note).

     SEC. 502. FLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Administrator should provide flight opportunities for 
     payloads to microgravity environments and suborbital 
     altitudes as required by section 907(c) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18405(c)), as amended by subsection (b).
       (b) Establishment.--Section 907(c) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18405(c)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(c) Establishment.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program within the 
     Space Technology Mission Directorate to fund--
       ``(A) the development of payloads for scientific research, 
     technology development, and education;
       ``(B) flight opportunities for those payloads to 
     microgravity environments and suborbital altitudes; and
       ``(C) transition of those payloads to orbital 
     opportunities.
       ``(2) Commercial reusable vehicle flights.--In carrying out 
     the Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program, the 
     Administrator may fund engineering and integration 
     demonstrations, proofs of concept, and educational 
     experiments for flights of commercial reusable vehicles.
       ``(3) Commercial suborbital launch vehicles.--In carrying 
     out the Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program, the 
     Administrator may not fund the development of new commercial 
     suborbital launch vehicles.

[[Page S7676]]

       ``(4) Working with mission directorates.--In carrying out 
     the Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program, the 
     Administrator shall work with the mission directorates of 
     NASA to achieve the research, technology, and education goals 
     of NASA.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 907(b) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18405(b)) is amended, in the first sentence, 
     by striking ``Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program 
     in'' and inserting ``Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research 
     Program established under subsection (c)(1) within''.

     SEC. 503. SMALL SPACECRAFT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Small Spacecraft Technology Program is important for 
     conducting science and technology validation for--
       (1) short- and long-duration missions in low-Earth orbit;
       (2) deep space missions; and
       (3) deorbiting capabilities designed specifically for 
     smaller spacecraft.
       (b) Accommodation of Certain Payloads.--In carrying out the 
     Small Spacecraft Technology Program, the Administrator shall, 
     as the mission risk posture and technology development 
     objectives allow, accommodate science payloads that further 
     the goal of long-term human exploration to the Moon and Mars.

     SEC. 504. NUCLEAR PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     nuclear propulsion is critical to the development of advanced 
     spacecraft for civilian and national defense purposes.
       (b) Development; Studies.--The Administrator shall, in 
     coordination with the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary 
     of Defense--
       (1) continue to develop the fuel element design for NASA 
     nuclear propulsion technology;
       (2) undertake the systems feasibility studies for such 
     technology; and
       (3) partner with members of commercial industry to conduct 
     studies on such technology.
       (c) Nuclear Propulsion Technology Demonstration.--
       (1) Determination; report.--Not later than December 31, 
     2021, the Administrator shall--
       (A) determine the correct approach for conducting a flight 
     demonstration of nuclear propulsion technology; and
       (B) submit to Congress a report on a plan for such a 
     demonstration.
       (2) Demonstration.--Not later than December 31, 2026, the 
     Administrator shall conduct the flight demonstration 
     described in paragraph (1).

     SEC. 505. MARS-FORWARD TECHNOLOGIES.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Administrator should pursue multiple technical paths for 
     entry, descent, and landing for Mars, including competitively 
     selected technology demonstration missions.
       (b) Prioritization of Long-lead Technologies and Systems.--
     The Administrator shall prioritize, within the Space 
     Technology Mission Directorate, research, testing, and 
     development of long-lead technologies and systems for Mars, 
     including technologies and systems relating to--
       (1) entry, descent, and landing; and
       (2) in-space propulsion, including nuclear propulsion, 
     cryogenic fluid management, in-situ large-scale additive 
     manufacturing, and electric propulsion (including solar 
     electric propulsion leveraging lessons learned from the power 
     and propulsion element of the lunar outpost) options.
       (c) Technology Demonstration.--The Administrator may use 
     low-Earth orbit and cis-lunar missions, including missions to 
     the lunar surface, to demonstrate technologies for Mars.

     SEC. 506. PRIORITIZATION OF LOW-ENRICHED URANIUM TECHNOLOGY.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) space technology, including nuclear propulsion 
     technology and space surface power reactors, should be 
     developed in a manner consistent with broader United States 
     foreign policy, national defense, and space exploration and 
     commercialization priorities;
       (2) highly enriched uranium presents security and nuclear 
     nonproliferation concerns;
       (3) since 1977, based on the concerns associated with 
     highly enriched uranium, the United States has promoted the 
     use of low-enriched uranium over highly enriched uranium in 
     nonmilitary contexts, including research and commercial 
     applications;
       (4) as part of United States efforts to limit international 
     use of highly enriched uranium, the United States has 
     actively pursued--
       (A) since 1978, the conversion of domestic and foreign 
     research reactors that use highly enriched uranium fuel to 
     low-enriched uranium fuel and the avoidance of any new 
     research reactors that use highly enriched uranium fuel; and
       (B) since 1994, the elimination of international commerce 
     in highly enriched uranium for civilian purposes; and
       (5) the use of low-enriched uranium in place of highly 
     enriched uranium has security, nonproliferation, and economic 
     benefits, including for the national space program.
       (b) Prioritization of Low-enriched Uranium Technology.--The 
     Administrator shall--
       (1) establish, within the Space Technology Mission 
     Directorate, a program for the research, testing, and 
     development of in-space reactor designs, including a surface 
     power reactor, that uses low-enriched uranium fuel; and
       (2) prioritize the research, demonstration, and deployment 
     of such designs over designs using highly enriched uranium 
     fuel.
       (c) Report on Nuclear Technology Prioritization.--Not later 
     than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
     of Congress a report that--
       (1) details the actions taken to implement subsection (b); 
     and
       (2) identifies a plan and timeline under which such 
     subsection will be implemented.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Highly enriched uranium.--The term ``highly enriched 
     uranium'' means uranium having an assay of 20 percent or 
     greater of the uranium-235 isotope.
       (2) Low-enriched uranium.--The term ``low-enriched 
     uranium'' means uranium having an assay greater than the 
     assay for natural uranium but less than 20 percent of the 
     uranium-235 isotope.

     SEC. 507. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON NEXT-GENERATION COMMUNICATIONS 
                   TECHNOLOGY.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) optical communications technologies--
       (A) will be critical to the development of next-generation 
     space-based communications networks;
       (B) have the potential to allow NASA to expand the volume 
     of data transmissions in low-Earth orbit and deep space; and
       (C) may provide more secure and cost-effective solutions 
     than current radio frequency communications systems;
       (2) quantum encryption technology has promising 
     implications for the security of the satellite and 
     terrestrial communications networks of the United States, 
     including optical communications networks, and further 
     research and development by NASA with respect to quantum 
     encryption is essential to maintaining the security of the 
     United States and United States leadership in space; and
       (3) in order to provide NASA with more secure and reliable 
     space-based communications, the Space Communications and 
     Navigation program office of NASA should continue--
       (A) to support research on and development of optical 
     communications; and
       (B) to develop quantum encryption capabilities, especially 
     as those capabilities apply to optical communications 
     networks.

     SEC. 508. LUNAR SURFACE TECHNOLOGIES.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Administrator should--
       (1) identify and develop the technologies needed to live on 
     and explore the lunar surface and prepare for future 
     operations on Mars;
       (2) convene teams of experts from academia, industry, and 
     government to shape the technology development priorities of 
     the Administration for lunar surface exploration and 
     habitation; and
       (3) establish partnerships with researchers, universities, 
     and the private sector to rapidly develop and deploy 
     technologies required for successful lunar surface 
     exploration.
       (b) Development and Demonstration.--The Administrator shall 
     carry out a program, within the Space Technology Mission 
     Directorate, to conduct technology development and 
     demonstrations to enable human and robotic exploration on the 
     lunar surface.
       (c) Research Consortium.--The Administrator shall establish 
     a consortium consisting of experts from academia, industry, 
     and government--
       (1) to assist the Administrator in developing a cohesive, 
     executable strategy for the development and deployment of 
     technologies required for successful lunar surface 
     exploration; and
       (2) to identify specific technologies relating to lunar 
     surface exploration that--
       (A) should be developed to facilitate such exploration; or
       (B) require future research and development.
       (d) Research Awards.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator may task any member of 
     the research consortium established under subsection (c) with 
     conducting research and development with respect to a 
     technology identified under paragraph (2) of that subsection.
       (2) Standard process for arrangements.--
       (A) In general.--The Administrator shall develop a standard 
     process by which a consortium member tasked with research and 
     development under paragraph (1) may enter into a formal 
     arrangement with the Administrator to carry out such research 
     and development, such as an arrangement under section 702 or 
     703.
       (B) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on the one or 
     more types of arrangement the Administrator intends to enter 
     into under this subsection.

                       TITLE VI--STEM ENGAGEMENT

     SEC. 601. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) NASA serves as a source of inspiration to the people of 
     the United States; and

[[Page S7677]]

       (2) NASA is uniquely positioned to help increase student 
     interest in science, technology, engineering, and math;
       (3) engaging students, and providing hands-on experience at 
     an early age, in science, technology, engineering, and math 
     are important aspects of ensuring and promoting United States 
     leadership in innovation; and
       (4) NASA should strive to leverage its unique position--
       (A) to increase kindergarten through grade 12 involvement 
     in NASA projects;
       (B) to enhance higher education in STEM fields in the 
     United States;
       (C) to support individuals who are underrepresented in 
     science, technology, engineering, and math fields, such as 
     women, minorities, and individuals in rural areas; and
       (D) to provide flight opportunities for student experiments 
     and investigations.

     SEC. 602. STEM EDUCATION ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue to 
     provide opportunities for formal and informal STEM education 
     engagement activities within the Office of NASA STEM 
     Engagement and other NASA directorates, including--
       (1) the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive 
     Research;
       (2) the Minority University Research and Education Project; 
     and
       (3) the National Space Grant College and Fellowship 
     Program.
       (b) Leveraging NASA National Programs to Promote STEM 
     Education.--The Administrator, in partnership with museums, 
     nonprofit organizations, and commercial entities, shall, to 
     the maximum extent practicable, leverage human spaceflight 
     missions, Deep Space Exploration Systems (including the Space 
     Launch System, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems), and 
     NASA science programs to engage students at the kindergarten 
     through grade 12 and higher education levels to pursue 
     learning and career opportunities in STEM fields.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
     appropriate committees of Congress on--
       (1) the status of the programs described in subsection (a); 
     and
       (2) the manner by which each NASA STEM education engagement 
     activity is organized and funded.
       (d) STEM Education Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``STEM education'' has the meaning given the term in section 
     2 of the STEM Education Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-59; 42 
     U.S.C. 6621 note).

     SEC. 603. SKILLED TECHNICAL EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAM.

       (a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     program to conduct outreach to secondary school students--
       (1) to expose students to careers that require career and 
     technical education; and
       (2) to encourage students to pursue careers that require 
     career and technical education.
       (b) Outreach Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     outreach program under subsection (a) that includes--
       (1) an implementation plan;
       (2) a description of the resources needed to carry out the 
     program; and
       (3) any recommendations on expanding outreach to secondary 
     school students interested in skilled technical occupations.
       (c) Systems Observation.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall develop a program 
     and associated policies to allow students from accredited 
     educational institutions to view the manufacturing, assembly, 
     and testing of NASA-funded space and aeronautical systems, as 
     the Administrator considers appropriate.
       (2) Considerations.--In developing the program and policies 
     under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall take into 
     consideration factors such as workplace safety, mission 
     needs, and the protection of sensitive and proprietary 
     technologies.

     SEC. 604. NATIONAL SPACE GRANT COLLEGE AND FELLOWSHIP 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Purposes.--Section 40301 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (C), by adding ``and'' after the 
     semicolon at the end; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) promote equally the State and regional STEM interests 
     of each space grant consortium;''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``made up of university 
     and industry members, in order to advance'' and inserting 
     ``comprised of members of universities in each State and 
     other entities, such as 2-year colleges, industries, science 
     learning centers, museums, and government entities, to 
     advance''.
       (b) Definitions.--Section 40302 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (3);
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Lead institution.--The term `lead institution' means 
     an entity in a State that--
       ``(A) was designated by the Administrator under section 
     40306, as in effect on the day before the date of the 
     enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2020; or
       ``(B) is designated by the Administrator under section 
     40303(d)(3).'';
       (3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``space grant college, 
     space grant regional consortium, institution of higher 
     education,'' and inserting ``lead institution, space grant 
     consortium,'';
       (4) by striking paragraphs (6), (7), and (8);
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
       ``(6) Space grant consortium.--The term `space grant 
     consortium' means a State-wide group, led by a lead 
     institution, that has established partnerships with other 
     academic institutions, industries, science learning centers, 
     museums, and government entities to promote a strong 
     educational base in the space and aeronautical sciences.'';
       (6) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (7);
       (7) in paragraph (7)(B), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     ``and aeronautics'' after ``space'';
       (8) by striking paragraph (10); and
       (9) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) STEM.--The term `STEM' means science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics.''.
       (c) Program Objective.--Section 40303 of title 51, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (d) and (e);
       (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (e); and
       (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Program Objective.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall carry out the 
     national space grant college and fellowship program with the 
     objective of providing hands-on research, training, and 
     education programs with measurable outcomes in each State, 
     including programs to provide--
       ``(A) internships, fellowships, and scholarships;
       ``(B) interdisciplinary hands-on mission programs and 
     design projects;
       ``(C) student internships with industry or university 
     researchers or at centers of the Administration;
       ``(D) faculty and curriculum development initiatives;
       ``(E) university-based research initiatives relating to the 
     Administration and the STEM workforce needs of each State; or
       ``(F) STEM engagement programs for kindergarten through 
     grade 12 teachers and students.
       ``(2) Program priorities.--In carrying out the objective 
     described in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure 
     that each program carried out by a space grant consortium 
     under the national space grant college and fellowship program 
     balances the following priorities:
       ``(A) The space and aeronautics research needs of the 
     Administration, including the mission directorates.
       ``(B) The need to develop a national STEM workforce.
       ``(C) The STEM workforce needs of the State.
       ``(c) Program Administered Through Space Grant Consortia.--
     The Administrator shall carry out the national space grant 
     college and fellowship program through the space grant 
     consortia.
       ``(d) Suspension; Termination; New Competition.--
       ``(1) Suspension.--The Administrator may, for cause and 
     after an opportunity for hearing, suspend a lead institution 
     that was designated by the Administrator under section 40306, 
     as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of 
     the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2020.
       ``(2) Termination.--If the issue resulting in a suspension 
     under paragraph (1) is not resolved within a period 
     determined by the Administrator, the Administrator may 
     terminate the designation of the entity as a lead 
     institution.
       ``(3) New competition.--If the Administrator terminates the 
     designation of an entity as a lead institution, the 
     Administrator may initiate a new competition in the 
     applicable State for the designation of a lead 
     institution.''.
       (d) Grants.--Section 40304 of title 51, United States Code, 
     is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 40304. Grants

       ``(a) Eligible Space Grant Consortium Defined.--In this 
     section, the term `eligible space grant consortium' means a 
     space grant consortium that the Administrator has 
     determined--
       ``(1) has the capability and objective to carry out not 
     fewer than 3 of the 6 programs under section 40303(b)(1);
       ``(2) will carry out programs that balance the priorities 
     described in section 40303(b)(2); and
       ``(3) is engaged in research, training, and education 
     relating to space and aeronautics.
       ``(b) Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall award grants to 
     the lead institutions of eligible space grant consortia to 
     carry out the programs under section 40303(b)(1).
       ``(2) Request for proposals.--
       ``(A) In general.--On the expiration of existing 
     cooperative agreements between the Administration and the 
     space grant consortia, the Administrator shall issue a 
     request for proposals from space grant consortia for the 
     award of grants under this section.
       ``(B) Applications.--A lead institution of a space grant 
     consortium that seeks a grant under this section shall 
     submit, on behalf of such space grant consortium, an 
     application to the Administrator at such time, in such

[[Page S7678]]

     manner, and accompanied by such information as the 
     Administrator may require.
       ``(3) Grant awards.--The Administrator shall award 1 or 
     more 5-year grants, disbursed in annual installments, to the 
     lead institution of the eligible space grant consortium of--
       ``(A) each State;
       ``(B) the District of Columbia; and
       ``(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
       ``(4) Use of funds.--A grant awarded under this section 
     shall be used by an eligible space grant consortium to carry 
     out not fewer than 3 of the 6 programs under section 
     40303(b)(1).
       ``(c) Allocation of Funding.--
       ``(1) Program implementation.--
       ``(A) In general.--To carry out the objective described in 
     section 40303(b)(1), of the funds made available each fiscal 
     year for the national space grant college and fellowship 
     program, the Administrator shall allocate not less than 85 
     percent as follows:
       ``(i) The 52 eligible space grant consortia shall each 
     receive an equal share.
       ``(ii) The territories of Guam and the United States Virgin 
     Islands shall each receive funds equal to approximately \1/5\ 
     of the share for each eligible space grant consortia.
       ``(B) Matching requirement.--Each eligible space grant 
     consortium shall match the funds allocated under subparagraph 
     (A)(i) on a basis of not less than 1 non-Federal dollar for 
     every 1 Federal dollar, except that any program funded under 
     paragraph (3) or any program to carry out 1 or more 
     internships or fellowships shall not be subject to that 
     matching requirement.
       ``(2) Program administration.--
       ``(A) In general.--Of the funds made available each fiscal 
     year for the national space grant college and fellowship 
     program, the Administrator shall allocate not more than 10 
     percent for the administration of the program.
       ``(B) Costs covered.--The funds allocated under 
     subparagraph (A) shall cover all costs of the Administration 
     associated with the administration of the national space 
     grant college and fellowship program, including--
       ``(i) direct costs of the program, including costs relating 
     to support services and civil service salaries and benefits;
       ``(ii) indirect general and administrative costs of centers 
     and facilities of the Administration; and
       ``(iii) indirect general and administrative costs of the 
     Administration headquarters.
       ``(3) Special programs.--Of the funds made available each 
     fiscal year for the national space grant college and 
     fellowship program, the Administrator shall allocate not more 
     than 5 percent to the lead institutions of space grant 
     consortia established as of the date of the enactment of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
     Act of 2020 for grants to carry out innovative approaches and 
     programs to further science and education relating to the 
     missions of the Administration and STEM disciplines.
       ``(d) Terms and Conditions.--
       ``(1) Limitations.--Amounts made available through a grant 
     under this section may not be applied to--
       ``(A) the purchase of land;
       ``(B) the purchase, construction, preservation, or repair 
     of a building; or
       ``(C) the purchase or construction of a launch facility or 
     launch vehicle.
       ``(2) Leases.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), land, 
     buildings, launch facilities, and launch vehicles may be 
     leased under a grant on written approval by the 
     Administrator.
       ``(3) Records.--
       ``(A) In general.--Any person that receives or uses the 
     proceeds of a grant under this section shall keep such 
     records as the Administrator shall by regulation prescribe as 
     being necessary and appropriate to facilitate effective audit 
     and evaluation, including records that fully disclose the 
     amount and disposition by a recipient of such proceeds, the 
     total cost of the program or project in connection with which 
     such proceeds were used, and the amount, if any, of such cost 
     that was provided through other sources.
       ``(B) Maintenance of records.--Records under subparagraph 
     (A) shall be maintained for not less than 3 years after the 
     date of completion of such a program or project.
       ``(C) Access.--For the purpose of audit and evaluation, the 
     Administrator and the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall have access to any books, documents, papers, and 
     records of receipts relating to a grant under this section, 
     as determined by the Administrator or Comptroller General.''.
       (e) Program Streamlining.--Title 51, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking sections 40305 through 40308, 40310, and 
     40311; and
       (2) by redesignating section 40309 as section 40305.
       (f) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 403 of title 51, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking the items relating to sections 40304 
     through 40311 and inserting the following:

``40304. Grants.
``40305. Availability of other Federal personnel and data.''.

                TITLE VII--WORKFORCE AND INDUSTRIAL BASE

     SEC. 701. APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Definition of Covered Provisions.--In this section, the 
     term ``covered provisions'' means the provisions of title 5, 
     United States Code, other than--
       (1) section 2301 of that title;
       (2) section 2302 of that title;
       (3) chapter 71 of that title;
       (4) section 7204 of that title; and
       (5) chapter 73 of that title.
       (b) Establishment.--There is established a 3-year pilot 
     program under which, notwithstanding section 20113 of title 
     51, United States Code, the Administrator may, with respect 
     to not more than 3,000 designated personnel--
       (1) appoint and manage such designated personnel of the 
     Administration, without regard to the covered provisions; and
       (2) fix the compensation of such designated personnel of 
     the Administration, without regard to chapter 51 and 
     subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, 
     at a rate that does not exceed the per annum rate of salary 
     of the Vice President of the United States under section 104 
     of title 3, United States Code.
       (c) Administrator Responsibilities.--In carrying out the 
     pilot program established under subsection (b), the 
     Administrator shall ensure that the pilot program--
       (1) uses--
       (A) state-of-the-art recruitment techniques;
       (B) simplified classification methods with respect to 
     personnel of the Administration; and
       (C) broad banding; and
       (2) offers--
       (A) competitive compensation; and
       (B) the opportunity for career mobility.

     SEC. 702. ESTABLISHMENT OF MULTI-INSTITUTION CONSORTIA.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator, pursuant to section 
     2304(c)(3)(B) of title 10, United States Code, may--
       (1) establish one or more multi-institution consortia to 
     facilitate access to essential engineering, research, and 
     development capabilities in support of NASA missions;
       (2) use such a consortium to fund technical analyses and 
     other engineering support to address the acquisition, 
     technical, and operational needs of NASA centers; and
       (3) ensure such a consortium--
       (A) is held accountable for the technical quality of the 
     work product developed under this section; and
       (B) convenes disparate groups to facilitate public-private 
     partnerships.
       (b) Policies and Procedures.--The Administrator shall 
     develop and implement policies and procedures to govern, with 
     respect to the establishment of a consortium under subsection 
     (a)--
       (1) the selection of participants;
       (2) the award of cooperative agreements or other contracts;
       (3) the appropriate use of competitive awards and sole 
     source awards; and
       (4) technical capabilities required.
       (c) Eligibility.--The following entities shall be eligible 
     to participate in a consortium established under subsection 
     (a):
       (1) An institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1002)).
       (2) An operator of a federally funded research and 
     development center.
       (3) A nonprofit or not-for-profit research institution.
       (4) A consortium composed of--
       (A) an entity described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3); and
       (B) one or more for-profit entities.

     SEC. 703. EXPEDITED ACCESS TO TECHNICAL TALENT AND EXPERTISE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator may--
       (1) establish one or more multi-institution task order 
     contracts, consortia, cooperative agreements, or other 
     arrangements to facilitate expedited access to eligible 
     entities in support of NASA missions; and
       (2) use such a multi-institution task order contract, 
     consortium, cooperative agreement, or other arrangement to 
     fund technical analyses and other engineering support to 
     address the acquisition, technical, and operational needs of 
     NASA centers.
       (b) Consultation With Other NASA-affiliated Entities.--To 
     ensure access to technical expertise and reduce costs and 
     duplicative efforts, a multi-institution task order contract, 
     consortium, cooperative agreement, or any other arrangement 
     established under subsection (a)(1) shall, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, be carried out in consultation with other 
     NASA-affiliated entities, including federally funded research 
     and development centers, university-affiliated research 
     centers, and NASA laboratories and test centers.
       (c) Policies and Procedures.--The Administrator shall 
     develop and implement policies and procedures to govern, with 
     respect to the establishment of a multi-institution task 
     order contract, consortium, cooperative agreement, or any 
     other arrangement under subsection (a)(1)--
       (1) the selection of participants;
       (2) the award of task orders;
       (3) the maximum award size for a task;
       (4) the appropriate use of competitive awards and sole 
     source awards; and
       (5) technical capabilities required.
       (d) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``eligible entity'' means--
       (1) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1002));
       (2) an operator of a federally funded research and 
     development center;
       (3) a nonprofit or not-for-profit research institution; and
       (4) a consortium composed of--
       (A) an entity described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3); and
       (B) one or more for-profit entities.

[[Page S7679]]

  


     SEC. 704. REPORT ON INDUSTRIAL BASE FOR CIVIL SPACE MISSIONS 
                   AND OPERATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and from time to time thereafter, 
     the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
     of Congress a report on the United States industrial base for 
     NASA civil space missions and operations.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A comprehensive description of the current status of 
     the United States industrial base for NASA civil space 
     missions and operations.
       (2) A description and assessment of the weaknesses in the 
     supply chain, skills, manufacturing capacity, raw materials, 
     key components, and other areas of the United States 
     industrial base for NASA civil space missions and operations 
     that could adversely impact such missions and operations if 
     unavailable.
       (3) A description and assessment of various mechanisms to 
     address and mitigate the weaknesses described pursuant to 
     paragraph (2).
       (4) A comprehensive list of the collaborative efforts, 
     including future and proposed collaborative efforts, between 
     NASA and the Manufacturing USA institutes of the Department 
     of Commerce.
       (5) An assessment of--
       (A) the defense and aerospace manufacturing supply chains 
     relevant to NASA in each region of the United States; and
       (B) the feasibility and benefits of establishing a supply 
     chain center of excellence in a State in which NASA does not, 
     as of the date of the enactment of this Act, have a research 
     center or test facility.
       (6) Such other matters relating to the United States 
     industrial base for NASA civil space missions and operations 
     as the Administrator considers appropriate.

     SEC. 705. SEPARATIONS AND RETIREMENT INCENTIVES.

       Section 20113 of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(o) Provisions Related to Separation and Retirement 
     Incentives.--
       ``(1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term 
     `employee'--
       ``(A) means an employee of the Administration serving under 
     an appointment without time limitation; and
       ``(B) does not include--
       ``(i) a reemployed annuitant under subchapter III of 
     chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5 or any other retirement 
     system for employees of the Federal Government;
       ``(ii) an employee having a disability on the basis of 
     which such employee is or would be eligible for disability 
     retirement under any of the retirement systems referred to in 
     clause (i); or
       ``(iii) for purposes of eligibility for separation 
     incentives under this subsection, an employee who is in 
     receipt of a decision notice of involuntary separation for 
     misconduct or unacceptable performance.
       ``(2) Authority.--The Administrator may establish a program 
     under which employees may be eligible for early retirement, 
     offered separation incentive pay to separate from service 
     voluntarily, or both. This authority may be used to reduce 
     the number of personnel employed or to restructure the 
     workforce to meet mission objectives without reducing the 
     overall number of personnel. This authority is in addition 
     to, and notwithstanding, any other authorities established by 
     law or regulation for such programs.
       ``(3) Early retirement.--An employee who is at least 50 
     years of age and has completed 20 years of service, or has at 
     least 25 years of service, may, pursuant to regulations 
     promulgated under this subsection, apply and be retired from 
     the Administration and receive benefits in accordance with 
     subchapter III of chapter 83 or 84 of title 5 if the employee 
     has been employed continuously within the Administration for 
     more than 30 days before the date on which the determination 
     to conduct a reduction or restructuring within 1 or more 
     Administration centers is approved.
       ``(4) Separation pay.--
       ``(A) In general.--Separation pay shall be paid in a lump 
     sum or in installments and shall be equal to the lesser of--
       ``(i) an amount equal to the amount the employee would be 
     entitled to receive under section 5595(c) of title 5, if the 
     employee were entitled to payment under such section; or
       ``(ii) $40,000.
       ``(B) Limitations.--Separation pay shall not be a basis for 
     payment, and shall not be included in the computation, of any 
     other type of Government benefit. Separation pay shall not be 
     taken into account for the purpose of determining the amount 
     of any severance pay to which an individual may be entitled 
     under section 5595 of title 5, based on any other separation.
       ``(C) Installments.--Separation pay, if paid in 
     installments, shall cease to be paid upon the recipient's 
     acceptance of employment by the Federal Government, or 
     commencement of work under a personal services contract as 
     described in paragraph (5).
       ``(5) Limitations on reemployment.--
       ``(A) An employee who receives separation pay under such 
     program may not be reemployed by the Administration for a 12-
     month period beginning on the effective date of the 
     employee's separation, unless this prohibition is waived by 
     the Administrator on a case-by-case basis.
       ``(B) An employee who receives separation pay under this 
     section on the basis of a separation and accepts employment 
     with the Government of the United States, or who commences 
     work through a personal services contract with the United 
     States within 5 years after the date of the separation on 
     which payment of the separation pay is based, shall be 
     required to repay the entire amount of the separation pay to 
     the Administration. If the employment is with an Executive 
     agency (as defined by section 105 of title 5) other than the 
     Administration, the Administrator may, at the request of the 
     head of that agency, waive the repayment if the individual 
     involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified 
     applicant available for the position. If the employment is 
     within the Administration, the Administrator may waive the 
     repayment if the individual involved is the only qualified 
     applicant available for the position. If the employment is 
     with an entity in the legislative branch, the head of the 
     entity or the appointing official may waive the repayment if 
     the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the 
     only qualified applicant available for the position. If the 
     employment is with the judicial branch, the Director of the 
     Administrative Office of the United States Courts may waive 
     the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique 
     abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for 
     the position.
       ``(6) Regulations.--Under the program established under 
     paragraph (2), early retirement and separation pay may be 
     offered only pursuant to regulations established by the 
     Administrator, subject to such limitations or conditions as 
     the Administrator may require.
       ``(7) Use of existing funds.--The Administrator shall carry 
     out this subsection using amounts otherwise made available to 
     the Administrator and no additional funds are authorized to 
     be appropriated to carry out this subsection.''.

     SEC. 706. CONFIDENTIALITY OF MEDICAL QUALITY ASSURANCE 
                   RECORDS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 313 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 31303. Confidentiality of medical quality assurance 
       records

       ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection 
     (b)(1)--
       ``(1) a medical quality assurance record, or any part of a 
     medical quality assurance record, may not be subject to 
     discovery or admitted into evidence in a judicial or 
     administrative proceeding; and
       ``(2) an individual who reviews or creates a medical 
     quality assurance record for the Administration, or 
     participates in any proceeding that reviews or creates a 
     medical quality assurance record, may not testify in a 
     judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to--
       ``(A) the medical quality assurance record; or
       ``(B) any finding, recommendation, evaluation, opinion, or 
     action taken by such individual or in accordance with such 
     proceeding with respect to the medical quality assurance 
     record.
       ``(b) Disclosure of Records.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a 
     medical quality assurance record may be disclosed to--
       ``(A) a Federal agency or private entity, if the medical 
     quality assurance record is necessary for the Federal agency 
     or private entity to carry out--
       ``(i) licensing or accreditation functions relating to 
     Administration healthcare facilities; or
       ``(ii) monitoring of Administration healthcare facilities 
     required by law;
       ``(B) a Federal agency or healthcare provider, if the 
     medical quality assurance record is required by the Federal 
     agency or healthcare provider to enable Administration 
     participation in a healthcare program of the Federal agency 
     or healthcare provider;
       ``(C) a criminal or civil law enforcement agency, or an 
     instrumentality authorized by law to protect the public 
     health or safety, on written request by a qualified 
     representative of such agency or instrumentality submitted to 
     the Administrator that includes a description of the lawful 
     purpose for which the medical quality assurance record is 
     requested;
       ``(D) an officer, an employee, or a contractor of the 
     Administration who requires the medical quality assurance 
     record to carry out an official duty associated with 
     healthcare;
       ``(E) healthcare personnel, to the extent necessary to 
     address a medical emergency affecting the health or safety of 
     an individual; and
       ``(F) any committee, panel, or board convened by the 
     Administration to review the healthcare-related policies and 
     practices of the Administration.
       ``(2) Subsequent disclosure prohibited.--An individual or 
     entity to whom a medical quality assurance record has been 
     disclosed under paragraph (1) may not make a subsequent 
     disclosure of the medical quality assurance record.
       ``(c) Personally Identifiable Information.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     personally identifiable information contained in a medical 
     quality assurance record of a patient or an employee of the 
     Administration, or any other individual associated with the 
     Administration for purposes of a medical quality assurance 
     program, shall be removed before the disclosure of the 
     medical quality assurance record to an entity other than the 
     Administration.

[[Page S7680]]

       ``(2) Exception.-- Personally identifiable information 
     described in paragraph (1) may be released to an entity other 
     than the Administration if the Administrator makes a 
     determination that the release of such personally 
     identifiable information--
       ``(A) is in the best interests of the Administration; and
       ``(B) does not constitute an unwarranted invasion of 
     personal privacy.
       ``(d) Exclusion From FOIA.--A medical quality assurance 
     record may not be made available to any person under section 
     552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as 
     the `Freedom of Information Act'), and this section shall be 
     considered a statute described in subsection (b)(3)(B) of 
     such section 522.
       ``(e) Regulations.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this section, the Administrator shall 
     promulgate regulations to implement this section.
       ``(f) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed--
       ``(1) to withhold a medical quality assurance record from a 
     committee of the Senate or House of Representatives or a 
     joint committee of Congress if the medical quality assurance 
     record relates to a matter within the jurisdiction of such 
     committee or joint committee; or
       ``(2) to limit the use of a medical quality assurance 
     record within the Administration, including the use by a 
     contractor or consultant of the Administration.
       ``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Medical quality assurance record.--The term `medical 
     quality assurance record' means any proceeding, discussion, 
     record, finding, recommendation, evaluation, opinion, 
     minutes, report, or other document or action that results 
     from a quality assurance committee, quality assurance 
     program, or quality assurance program activity.
       ``(2) Quality assurance program.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `quality assurance program' 
     means a comprehensive program of the Administration--
       ``(i) to systematically review and improve the quality of 
     medical and behavioral health services provided by the 
     Administration to ensure the safety and security of 
     individuals receiving such health services; and
       ``(ii) to evaluate and improve the efficiency, 
     effectiveness, and use of staff and resources in the delivery 
     of such health services.
       ``(B) Inclusion.--The term `quality assurance program' 
     includes any activity carried out by or for the 
     Administration to assess the quality of medical care provided 
     by the Administration.''.
       (b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of 
     sections for chapter 313 of title 51, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

``31303. Confidentiality of medical quality assurance records.''.

                  TITLE VIII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     SEC. 801. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY.

       Section 20113 of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(o) Contracting Authority.--The Administration--
       ``(1) may enter into an agreement with a private, 
     commercial, or State government entity to provide the entity 
     with supplies, support, and services related to private, 
     commercial, or State government space activities carried out 
     at a property owned or operated by the Administration; and
       ``(2) upon the request of such an entity, may include such 
     supplies, support, and services in the requirements of the 
     Administration if--
       ``(A) the Administrator determines that the inclusion of 
     such supplies, support, or services in such requirements--
       ``(i) is in the best interest of the Federal Government;
       ``(ii) does not interfere with the requirements of the 
     Administration; and
       ``(iii) does not compete with the commercial space 
     activities of other such entities; and
       ``(B) the Administration has full reimbursable funding from 
     the entity that requested supplies, support, and services 
     prior to making any obligation for the delivery of such 
     supplies, support, or services under an Administration 
     procurement contract or any other agreement.''.

     SEC. 802. AUTHORITY FOR TRANSACTION PROTOTYPE PROJECTS AND 
                   FOLLOW-ON PRODUCTION CONTRACTS.

       Section 20113 of title 51, United States Code, as amended 
     by section 801, is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(p) Transaction Prototype Projects and Follow-on 
     Production Contracts.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administration may enter into a 
     transaction (other than a contract, cooperative agreement, or 
     grant) to carry out a prototype project that is directly 
     relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of the 
     Administration.
       ``(2) Subsequent award of follow-on production contract.--A 
     transaction entered into under this subsection for a 
     prototype project may provide for the subsequent award of a 
     follow-on production contract to participants in the 
     transaction.
       ``(3) Inclusion.--A transaction under this subsection 
     includes a project awarded to an individual participant and 
     to all individual projects awarded to a consortium of United 
     States industry and academic institutions.
       ``(4) Determination.--The authority of this section may be 
     exercised for a transaction for a prototype project and any 
     follow-on production contract, upon a determination by the 
     head of the contracting activity, in accordance with 
     Administration policies, that--
       ``(A) circumstances justify use of a transaction to provide 
     an innovative business arrangement that would not be feasible 
     or appropriate under a contract; and
       ``(B) the use of the authority of this section is essential 
     to promoting the success of the prototype project.
       ``(5) Competitive procedure.--
       ``(A) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
     Administrator shall use competitive procedures with respect 
     to entering into a transaction to carry out a prototype 
     project.
       ``(B) Exception.--Notwithstanding section 2304 of title 10, 
     United States Code, a follow-on production contract may be 
     awarded to the participants in the prototype transaction 
     without the use of competitive procedures, if--
       ``(i) competitive procedures were used for the selection of 
     parties for participation in the prototype transaction; and
       ``(ii) the participants in the transaction successfully 
     completed the prototype project provided for in the 
     transaction.
       ``(6) Cost share.--A transaction to carry out a prototype 
     project and a follow-on production contract may require that 
     part of the total cost of the transaction or contract be paid 
     by the participant or contractor from a source other than the 
     Federal Government.
       ``(7) Procurement ethics.--A transaction under this 
     authority shall be considered an agency procurement for 
     purposes of chapter 21 of title 41, United States Code, with 
     regard to procurement ethics.''.

     SEC. 803. PROTECTION OF DATA AND INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC 
                   DISCLOSURE.

       (a) Certain Technical Data.--Section 20131 of title 51, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d);
       (2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``subsection (b)'' 
     and inserting ``subsection (b) or (c)'';
       (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Special Handling of Certain Technical Data.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may provide 
     appropriate protections against the public dissemination of 
     certain technical data, including exemption from subchapter 
     II of chapter 5 of title 5.
       ``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Certain technical data.--The term `certain technical 
     data' means technical data that may not be exported lawfully 
     outside the United States without approval, authorization, or 
     license under--
       ``(i) the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (Public Law 
     115-232; 132 Stat. 2208); or
       ``(ii) the International Security Assistance and Arms 
     Export Control Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-329; 90 Stat. 729).
       ``(B) Technical data.--The term `technical data' means any 
     blueprint, drawing, photograph, plan, instruction, computer 
     software, or documentation, or any other technical 
     information.'';
       (4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by inserting ``, 
     including any data,'' after ``information''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Exclusion From FOIA.--This section shall be 
     considered a statute described in subsection (b)(3)(B) of 
     section 552 of title 5 (commonly referred to as the `Freedom 
     of Information Act').''.
       (b) Certain Voluntarily Provided Safety-related 
     Information.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall provide 
     appropriate safeguards against the public dissemination of 
     safety-related information collected as part of a mishap 
     investigation carried out under the NASA safety reporting 
     system or in conjunction with an organizational safety 
     assessment, if the Administrator makes a written 
     determination, including a justification of the 
     determination, that--
       (A)(i) disclosure of the information would inhibit 
     individuals from voluntarily providing safety-related 
     information; and
       (ii) the ability of NASA to collect such information 
     improves the safety of NASA programs and research relating to 
     aeronautics and space; or
       (B) withholding such information from public disclosure 
     improves the safety of such NASA programs and research.
       (2) Other federal agencies.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, if the Administrator provides to the head 
     of another Federal agency safety-related information with 
     respect to which the Administrator has made a determination 
     under paragraph (1), the head of the Federal agency shall 
     withhold the information from public disclosure.
       (3) Public availability.--A determination or part of a 
     determination under paragraph (1) shall be made available to 
     the public on request, as required under section 552 of title 
     5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ``Freedom 
     of Information Act'').
       (4) Exclusion from foia.--This subsection shall be 
     considered a statute described in subsection (b)(3)(B) of 
     section 552 of title 5, United States Code.

     SEC. 804. PHYSICAL SECURITY MODERNIZATION.

       Chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, is amended--

[[Page S7681]]

       (1) in section 20133(2), by striking ``property'' and all 
     that follows through ``to the United States,'' and inserting 
     ``Administration personnel or of property owned or leased by, 
     or under the control of, the United States''; and
       (2) in section 20134, in the second sentence--
       (A) by inserting ``Administration personnel or any'' after 
     ``protecting''; and
       (B) by striking ``, at facilities owned or contracted to 
     the Administration''.

     SEC. 805. LEASE OF NON-EXCESS PROPERTY.

       Section 20145 of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (b)(1)(B), by striking ``entered into for 
     the purpose of developing renewable energy production 
     facilities''; and
       (2) in subsection (g), in the first sentence, by striking 
     ``December 31, 2021'' and inserting ``December 31, 2025''.

     SEC. 806. CYBERSECURITY.

       (a) In General.--Section 20301 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Cybersecurity.--The Administrator shall update and 
     improve the cybersecurity of NASA space assets and supporting 
     infrastructure.''.
       (b) Security Operations Center.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall maintain a 
     Security Operations Center, to identify and respond to 
     cybersecurity threats to NASA information technology systems, 
     including institutional systems and mission systems.
       (2) Inspector general recommendations.--The Administrator 
     shall implement, to the maximum extent practicable, each of 
     the recommendations contained in the report of the Inspector 
     General of NASA entitled ``Audit of NASA's Security 
     Operations Center'', issued on May 23, 2018.
       (c) Cyber Threat Hunt.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator, in coordination with 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security and the heads of other 
     relevant Federal agencies, may implement a cyber threat hunt 
     capability to proactively search NASA information systems for 
     advanced cyber threats that otherwise evade existing security 
     tools.
       (2) Threat-hunting process.--In carrying out paragraph (1), 
     the Administrator shall develop and document a threat-hunting 
     process, including the roles and responsibilities of 
     individuals conducting a cyber threat hunt.
       (d) GAO Priority Recommendations.--The Administrator shall 
     implement, to the maximum extent practicable, the 
     recommendations for NASA contained in the report of the 
     Comptroller General of the United States entitled 
     ``Information Security: Agencies Need to Improve Controls 
     over Selected High-Impact Systems'', issued May 18, 2016, 
     including--
       (1) re-evaluating security control assessments; and
       (2) specifying metrics for the continuous monitoring 
     strategy of the Administration.

     SEC. 807. LIMITATION ON COOPERATION WITH THE PEOPLE'S 
                   REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

       (a) In General.--Except as provided by subsection (b), the 
     Administrator, the Director of the OSTP, and the Chair of the 
     National Space Council, shall not--
       (1) develop, design, plan, promulgate, implement, or 
     execute a bilateral policy, program, order, or contract of 
     any kind to participate, collaborate, or coordinate 
     bilaterally in any manner with--
       (A) the Government of the People's Republic of China; or
       (B) any company--
       (i) owned by the Government of the People's Republic of 
     China; or
       (ii) incorporated under the laws of the People's Republic 
     of China; and
       (2) host official visitors from the People's Republic of 
     China at a facility belonging to or used by NASA.
       (b) Waiver.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator, the Director, or the 
     Chair may waive the limitation under subsection (a) with 
     respect to an activity described in that subsection only if 
     the Administrator, the Director, or the Chair, as applicable, 
     makes a determination that the activity--
       (A) does not pose a risk of a transfer of technology, data, 
     or other information with national security or economic 
     security implications to an entity described in paragraph (1) 
     of such subsection; and
       (B) does not involve knowing interactions with officials 
     who have been determined by the United States to have direct 
     involvement with violations of human rights.
       (2) Certification to congress.--Not later than 30 days 
     after the date on which a waiver is granted under paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator, the Director, or the Chair, as 
     applicable, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology and the Committee on Appropriations of 
     the House of Representatives a written certification that the 
     activity complies with the requirements in subparagraphs (A) 
     and (B) of that paragraph.
       (c) GAO Review.--
       (1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a review of NASA contracts that may 
     subject the Administration to unacceptable transfers of 
     intellectual property or technology to any entity--
       (A) owned or controlled (in whole or in part) by, or 
     otherwise affiliated with, the Government of the People's 
     Republic of China; or
       (B) organized under, or otherwise subject to, the laws of 
     the People's Republic of China.
       (2) Elements.--The review required under paragraph (1) 
     shall assess--
       (A) whether the Administrator is aware--
       (i) of any NASA contractor that benefits from significant 
     financial assistance from--

       (I) the Government of the People's Republic of China;
       (II) any entity controlled by the Government of the 
     People's Republic of China; or
       (III) any other governmental entity of the People's 
     Republic of China; and

       (ii) that the Government of the People's Republic of China, 
     or an entity controlled by the Government of the People's 
     Republic of China, may be--

       (I) leveraging United States companies that share ownership 
     with NASA contractors; or
       (II) obtaining intellectual property or technology 
     illicitly or by other unacceptable means; and

       (B) the steps the Administrator is taking to ensure that--
       (i) NASA contractors are not being leveraged (directly or 
     indirectly) by the Government of the People's Republic of 
     China or by an entity controlled by the Government of the 
     People's Republic of China;
       (ii) the intellectual property and technology of NASA 
     contractors are adequately protected; and
       (iii) NASA flight-critical components are not sourced from 
     the People's Republic of China through any entity benefiting 
     from Chinese investments, loans, or other assistance.
       (3) Recommendations.--The Comptroller General shall provide 
     to the Administrator recommendations for future NASA 
     contracting based on the results of the review.
       (4) Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which 
     the Comptroller General completes the review, the 
     Administrator shall--
       (A) develop a plan to implement the recommendations of the 
     Comptroller General; and
       (B) submit the plan to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress.

     SEC. 808. CONSIDERATION OF ISSUES RELATED TO CONTRACTING WITH 
                   ENTITIES RECEIVING ASSISTANCE FROM OR 
                   AFFILIATED WITH THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

       (a) In General.--With respect to a matter in response to a 
     request for proposal or a broad area announcement by the 
     Administrator, or award of any contract, agreement, or other 
     transaction with the Administrator, a commercial or 
     noncommercial entity shall certify that it is not majority 
     owned or controlled (as defined in section 800.208 of title 
     31, Code of Federal Regulations), or minority owned greater 
     than 25 percent, by--
       (1) any governmental organization of the People's Republic 
     of China; or
       (2) any other entity that is--
       (A) known to be owned or controlled by any governmental 
     organization of the People's Republic of China; or
       (B) organized under, or otherwise subject to, the laws of 
     the People's Republic of China.
       (b) False Statements.--
       (1) In general.--A false statement contained in a 
     certification under subsection (a) constitutes a false or 
     fraudulent claim for purposes of chapter 47 of title 18, 
     United States Code.
       (2) Action under federal acquisition regulation.--Any party 
     convicted for making a false statement with respect to a 
     certification under subsection (a) shall be subject to 
     debarment from contracting with the Administrator for a 
     period of not less than 1 year, as determined by the 
     Administrator, in addition to other appropriate action in 
     accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation maintained 
     under section 1303(a)(1) of title 41, United States Code.
       (c) Annual Report.--The Administrator shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress an annual report detailing 
     any violation of this section.

     SEC. 809. SMALL SATELLITE LAUNCH SERVICES PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue to 
     procure dedicated launch services, including from small and 
     venture class launch providers, for small satellites, 
     including CubeSats, for the purpose of conducting science and 
     technology missions that further the goals of NASA.
       (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall engage with the 
     academic community to maximize awareness and use of dedicated 
     small satellite launch opportunities.
       (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     prevent the Administrator from continuing to use a secondary 
     payload of procured launch services for CubeSats.

     SEC. 810. 21ST CENTURY SPACE LAUNCH INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall carry out a 
     program to modernize multi-user launch infrastructure at NASA 
     facilities--
       (1) to enhance safety; and
       (2) to advance Government and commercial space 
     transportation and exploration.
       (b) Projects.--Projects funded under the program under 
     subsection (a) may include--
       (1) infrastructure relating to commodities;
       (2) standard interfaces to meet customer needs for multiple 
     payload processing and launch vehicle processing;

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       (3) enhancements to range capacity and flexibility; and
       (4) such other projects as the Administrator considers 
     appropriate to meet the goals described in subsection (a).
       (c) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
       (1) identify and prioritize investments in projects that 
     can be used by multiple users and launch vehicles, including 
     non-NASA users and launch vehicles; and
       (2) limit investments to projects that would not otherwise 
     be funded by a NASA program, such as an institutional or 
     programmatic infrastructure program.
       (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     preclude a NASA program, including the Space Launch System 
     and Orion, from using the launch infrastructure modernized 
     under this section.

     SEC. 811. MISSIONS OF NATIONAL NEED.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the Sense of Congress that--
       (1) while certain space missions, such as asteroid 
     detection or space debris mitigation or removal missions, may 
     not provide the highest-value science, as determined by the 
     National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine 
     decadal surveys, such missions provide tremendous value to 
     the United States and the world; and
       (2) the current organizational and funding structure of 
     NASA has not prioritized the funding of missions of national 
     need.
       (b) Study.--
       (1) In general.--The Director of the OSTP shall conduct a 
     study on the manner in which NASA funds missions of national 
     need.
       (2) Matters to be included.--The study conducted under 
     paragraph (1) shall include the following:
       (A) An identification and assessment of the types of 
     missions or technology development programs that constitute 
     missions of national need.
       (B) An assessment of the manner in which such missions are 
     currently funded and managed by NASA.
       (C) An analysis of the options for funding missions of 
     national need, including--
       (i) structural changes required to allow NASA to fund such 
     missions; and
       (ii) an assessment of the capacity of other Federal 
     agencies to make funds available for such missions.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the OSTP 
     shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report on the results of the study conducted under subsection 
     (b), including recommendations for funding missions of 
     national need.

     SEC. 812. DRINKING WATER WELL REPLACEMENT FOR CHINCOTEAGUE, 
                   VIRGINIA.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the 5-
     year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator may enter into 1 or more agreements 
     with the town of Chincoteague, Virginia, to reimburse the 
     town for costs that are directly associated with--
       (1) the removal of drinking water wells located on property 
     administered by the Administration; and
       (2) the relocation of such wells to property under the 
     administrative control, through lease, ownership, or 
     easement, of the town.

     SEC. 813. PASSENGER CARRIER USE.

       Section 1344(a)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or'' after the 
     comma at the end; and
       (3) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) necessary for post-flight transportation of United 
     States Government astronauts, and other astronauts subject to 
     reimbursable arrangements, returning from space for the 
     performance of medical research, monitoring, diagnosis, or 
     treatment, or other official duties, prior to receiving post-
     flight medical clearance to operate a motor vehicle,''.

     SEC. 814. USE OF COMMERCIAL NEAR-SPACE BALLOONS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the use of an array of capabilities, including the use of 
     commercially available near-space balloon assets, is in the 
     best interest of the United States.
       (b) Use of Commercial Near-space Balloons.--The 
     Administrator shall use commercially available balloon assets 
     operating at near-space altitudes, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, as part of a diverse set of capabilities to 
     effectively and efficiently meet the goals of the 
     Administration.

     SEC. 815. PRESIDENT'S SPACE ADVISORY BOARD.

       Section 121 of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1991 (Public 
     Law 101-611; 51 U.S.C. 20111 note) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``users' advisory 
     group'' and inserting ``president's space advisory board''; 
     and
       (2) by striking ``Users' Advisory Group'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``President's Space Advisory Board.''

     SEC. 816. INITIATIVE ON TECHNOLOGIES FOR NOISE AND EMISSIONS 
                   REDUCTIONS.

       (a) Initiative Required.--Section 40112 of title 51, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (b) through (f) as 
     subsections (c) through (g), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
     subsection (b):
       ``(b) Technologies for Noise and Emissions Reduction.--
       ``(1) Initiative required.--The Administrator shall 
     establish an initiative to build upon and accelerate previous 
     or ongoing work to develop and demonstrate new technologies, 
     including systems architecture, components, or integration of 
     systems and airframe structures, in electric aircraft 
     propulsion concepts that are capable of substantially 
     reducing both emissions and noise from aircraft.
       ``(2) Approach.--In carrying out the initiative, the 
     Administrator shall do the following:
       ``(A) Continue and expand work of the Administration on 
     research, development, and demonstration of electric aircraft 
     concepts, and the integration of such concepts.
       ``(B) To the extent practicable, work with multiple 
     partners, including small businesses and new entrants, on 
     research and development activities related to transport 
     category aircraft.
       ``(C) Provide guidance to the Federal Aviation 
     Administration on technologies developed and tested pursuant 
     to the initiative.''.
       (b) Reports.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter as a part of 
     the Administration's budget submission, the Administrator 
     shall submit a report to the appropriate committee of 
     Congress on the progress of the work under the initiative 
     required by subsection (b) of section 40112 of title 51, 
     United States Code (as amended by subsection (a) of this 
     section), including an updated, anticipated timeframe for 
     aircraft entering into service that produce 50 percent less 
     noise and emissions than the highest performing aircraft in 
     service as of December 31, 2019.

     SEC. 817. REMEDIATION OF SITES CONTAMINATED WITH 
                   TRICHLOROETHYLENE.

       (a) Identification of Sites.--Not later than 180 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
     shall identify sites of the Administration contaminated with 
     trichloroethylene.
       (b) Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that 
     includes--
       (1) the recommendations of the Administrator for 
     remediating the sites identified under subsection (a) during 
     the 5-year period beginning on the date of the report; and
       (2) an estimate of the financial resources necessary to 
     implement those recommendations.

     SEC. 818. REPORT ON MERITS AND OPTIONS FOR ESTABLISHING AN 
                   INSTITUTE RELATING TO SPACE RESOURCES.

       (a) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the merits 
     of, and options for, establishing an institute relating to 
     space resources to advance the objectives of NASA in 
     maintaining United States preeminence in space described in 
     paragraph (3).
       (2) Matters to be included.--The report required by 
     paragraph (1) shall include an assessment by the 
     Administrator as to whether--
       (A) a virtual or physical institute relating to space 
     resources is most cost effective and appropriate; and
       (B) partnering with institutions of higher education and 
     the aerospace industry, and the extractive industry as 
     appropriate, would be effective in increasing information 
     available to such an institute with respect to advancing the 
     objectives described in paragraph (3).
       (3) Objectives.--The objectives described in this paragraph 
     are the following:
       (A) Identifying, developing, and distributing space 
     resources, including by encouraging the development of 
     foundational science and technology.
       (B) Reducing the technological risks associated with 
     identifying, developing, and distributing space resources.
       (C) Developing options for using space resources--
       (i) to support current and future space architectures, 
     programs, and missions; and
       (ii) to enable architectures, programs, and missions that 
     would not otherwise be possible.
       (4) Definitions.--In this section:
       (A) Extractive industry.--The term ``extractive industry'' 
     means a company or individual involved in the process of 
     extracting (including mining, quarrying, drilling, and 
     dredging) space resources.
       (B) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
       (C) Space resource.--
       (i) In general.--The term ``space resource'' means an 
     abiotic resource in situ in outer space.
       (ii) Inclusions.--The term ``space resource'' includes a 
     raw material, a natural material, and an energy source.

     SEC. 819. REPORT ON ESTABLISHING CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR 
                   SPACE WEATHER TECHNOLOGY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report assessing the 
     potential benefits of establishing

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     a NASA center of excellence for space weather technology.
       (b) Geographic Considerations.--In the report required by 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider the benefits 
     of establishing the center of excellence described in that 
     subsection in a geographic area--
       (1) in close proximity to--
       (A) significant government-funded space weather research 
     activities; and
       (B) institutions of higher education; and
       (2) where NASA may have been previously underrepresented.

     SEC. 820. REVIEW ON PREFERENCE FOR DOMESTIC SUPPLIERS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the Sense of Congress that 
     the Administration should, to the maximum extent practicable 
     and with due consideration of foreign policy goals and 
     obligations under Federal law--
       (1) use domestic suppliers of goods and services; and
       (2) ensure compliance with the Federal acquisition 
     regulations, including subcontract flow-down provisions.
       (b) Review.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall undertake 
     a comprehensive review of the domestic supplier preferences 
     of the Administration and the obligations of the 
     Administration under the Federal acquisition regulations to 
     ensure compliance, particularly with respect to Federal 
     acquisition regulations provisions that apply to foreign-
     based subcontractors.
       (2) Elements.--The review under paragraph (1) shall 
     include--
       (A) an assessment as to whether the Administration has 
     provided funding for infrastructure of a foreign-owned 
     company or State-sponsored entity in recent years; and
       (B) a review of any impact such funding has had on domestic 
     service providers.
       (c) Report.--The Administrator shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of 
     the review.

     SEC. 821. REPORT ON UTILIZATION OF COMMERCIAL SPACEPORTS 
                   LICENSED BY FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     benefits of increased utilization of commercial spaceports 
     licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration for NASA 
     civil space missions and operations.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A description and assessment of current utilization of 
     commercial spaceports licensed by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration for NASA civil space missions and operations.
       (2) A description and assessment of the benefits of 
     increased utilization of such spaceports for such missions 
     and operations.
       (3) A description and assessment of the steps necessary to 
     achieve increased utilization of such spaceports for such 
     missions and operations.

     SEC. 822. ACTIVE ORBITAL DEBRIS MITIGATION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) orbital debris, particularly in low-Earth orbit, poses 
     a hazard to NASA missions, particularly human spaceflight; 
     and
       (2) progress has been made on the development of guidelines 
     for long-term space sustainability through the United Nations 
     Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
       (b) Requirements.--The Administrator should--
       (1) ensure the policies and standard practices of NASA meet 
     or exceed international guidelines for spaceflight safety; 
     and
       (2) support the development of orbital debris mitigation 
     technologies through continued research and development of 
     concepts.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on 
     the status of implementing subsection (b).

     SEC. 823. STUDY ON COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) enhancing the ability of researchers to conduct and 
     interact with experiments while in flight would make huge 
     advancements in the overall profitability of conducting 
     research on suborbit and low-Earth orbit payloads; and
       (2) current NASA communications do not allow for real-time 
     data collection, observation, or transmission of information.
       (b) Study.--The Administrator shall conduct a study on the 
     feasibility, impact, and cost of using commercial 
     communications programs services for suborbital flight 
     programs and low-Earth orbit research.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     Congress and make publicly available a report that describes 
     the results of the study conducted under subsection (b).

  Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.

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