[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 16678-16687]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION TRANSITION AUTHORIZATION 
                              ACT OF 2016

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 696, S. 3346.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. 3346) to authorize the 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 Transition Authorization 
     Act of 2016''.
       (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. Fiscal year 2017.

            TITLE II--SUSTAINING NATIONAL SPACE COMMITMENTS

Sec. 201. Sense of Congress on sustaining national space commitments.
Sec. 202. Findings.

    TITLE III--MAXIMIZING UTILIZATION OF THE ISS AND LOW-EARTH ORBIT

Sec. 301. Operation of the ISS.

[[Page 16679]]

Sec. 302. Transportation to ISS.
Sec. 303. ISS transition plan.
Sec. 304. Indemnification; NASA launch services and reentry services.

            TITLE IV--ADVANCING HUMAN DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION

           Subtitle A--Human Exploration Goals and Objectives

Sec. 411. Human exploration long-term goals.
Sec. 412. Goals and objectives.
Sec. 413. Vision for space exploration.
Sec. 414. Exploration plan and programs.
Sec. 415. Stepping stone approach to exploration.

         Subtitle B--Assuring Core Capabilities for Exploration

Sec. 421. Space Launch System and Orion.

                      Subtitle C--Journey to Mars

Sec. 431. Space technology infusion.
Sec. 432. Findings on human space exploration.
Sec. 433. Strategic framework for human spaceflight and exploration.
Sec. 434. Advanced space suit capability.
Sec. 435. Asteroid robotic redirect mission.

     Subtitle D--Scott Kelly Human Spaceflight and Exploration Act

Sec. 441. Short title.
Sec. 442. Findings; sense of Congress.
Sec. 443. Medical monitoring and research relating to human space 
              flight.

                    TITLE V--ADVANCING SPACE SCIENCE

Sec. 501. Maintaining a balanced space science portfolio.
Sec. 502. Planetary science.
Sec. 503. James Webb Space Telescope.
Sec. 504. Sense of Congress on Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope.
Sec. 505. Sense of Congress on Mars 2020 rover.
Sec. 506. Europa.

                    TITLE VI--MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY

      Subtitle A--Agency Information Technology and Cybersecurity

Sec. 611. Information technology governance.
Sec. 612. Information technology strategic plan.
Sec. 613. Cybersecurity.
Sec. 614. Oversight implementation progress.
Sec. 615. Software oversight.
Sec. 616. Security management of foreign national access.
Sec. 617. Cybersecurity of web applications.

 Subtitle B--Collaboration Among Mission Directorates and Other Matters

Sec. 621. Collaboration among mission directorates.
Sec. 622. NASA launch capabilities collaboration.
Sec. 623. Commercial space launch cooperation.
Sec. 624. Detection and avoidance of counterfeit parts.
Sec. 625. Education and outreach.
Sec. 626. Leveraging commercial satellite servicing capabilities across 
              mission directorates.
Sec. 627. Flight opportunities.
Sec. 628. Sense of Congress on small class launch missions.

     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.--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) Cis-lunar space.--The term ``cis-lunar space'' means 
     the region of space from the Earth 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, to include cis-lunar space.
       (6) Government astronaut.--The term ``government 
     astronaut'' has the meaning given the term in section 50902 
     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 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 under section 303 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18323).
       (11) Space launch system.--The term ``Space Launch System'' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18302).

                TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

     SEC. 101. FISCAL YEAR 2017.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to NASA for fiscal 
     year 2017, $19,508,000,000, as follows:
       (1) For Exploration, $4,532,000,000.
       (2) For Space Operations, $4,950,700,000.
       (3) For Science, $5,395,000,000.
       (4) For Aeronautics, $601,000,000.
       (5) For Space Technology, $686,500,000.
       (6) For Education, $108,000,000.
       (7) For Safety, Security, and Mission Services, 
     $2,796,700,000.
       (8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and 
     Restoration, $400,000,000.
       (9) For Inspector General, $38,100,000.

            TITLE II--SUSTAINING NATIONAL SPACE COMMITMENTS

     SEC. 201. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SUSTAINING NATIONAL SPACE 
                   COMMITMENTS.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the United States, in collaboration with its 
     international, academic, and industry partners, should 
     sustain and build upon our national space commitments and 
     investments across Administrations with a continuity of 
     purpose to advance recent achievements of space exploration 
     and space science to extend humanity's reach into deep space, 
     including cis-lunar space, the Moon, the surface and moons of 
     Mars, and beyond;
       (2) NASA leaders can best leverage investments in the 
     United States space program by continuing to develop a 
     balanced portfolio for space exploration and space science, 
     including continued development of the Space Launch System, 
     Orion, Commercial Crew Program, Commercial Resupply Services 
     Program, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the ongoing 
     operations of the ISS;
       (3) a national, government-led space program that builds on 
     current science and exploration programs, advances human 
     knowledge and capabilities, and opens the frontier beyond 
     Earth for ourselves, our international partners, commercial 
     enterprise, and science is of critical importance to our 
     national destiny and to a future guided by United States 
     values and freedoms;
       (4) continuity of purpose and effective execution of core 
     NASA programs are essential for efficient use of resources in 
     pursuit of timely and tangible accomplishments;
       (5) NASA could improve its efficiency and effectiveness by 
     working with industry to streamline existing programs and 
     requirements, procurement practices, institutional footprint, 
     and bureaucracy while preserving effective program oversight, 
     accountability, and safety;
       (6) United States government astronauts changed the 
     trajectory of human history toward the promise of the stars, 
     and it is imperative that the United States maintain and 
     enhance its leadership in space exploration and continue to 
     expand freedom and opportunities in space for all Americans 
     that are consistent with the Constitution of the United 
     States; and
       (7) NASA is and should remain a multimission agency with a 
     balanced and robust set of core missions in science, space 
     technology, aeronautics, human space flight and exploration, 
     and education.

     SEC. 202. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Challenges of the past, such as the cancellation of 
     major programs, have disrupted completion of major space 
     systems thereby--
       (A) impeding planning and pursuit of national objectives in 
     human space exploration;
       (B) placing the Nation's investment in space exploration at 
     risk; and
       (C) degrading the aerospace industrial base.
       (2) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18301 et seq.) reflects 
     a broad, bipartisan agreement on the path forward for NASA's 
     core missions in science, space technology, aeronautics, 
     human space flight and exploration, and education, which 
     serves as the foundation for the policy updates by this Act.
       (3) Sustaining the investment and maximizing utilization of 
     the ISS and ISS National Laboratory with our international 
     and industry partners is--
       (A) consistent with the goals and objectives of the United 
     States space program; and
       (B) imperative to continuing United States global 
     leadership in human space exploration, science, research, 
     technology development, and education opportunities that 
     contribute to development of the next generation of American 
     scientists, engineers, and leaders, and to creating the 
     opportunity for economic development of low-Earth orbit.
       (4) NASA has made measurable progress in development and 
     testing of the Space Launch System and Orion exploration 
     systems with the near-term objectives of the initial 
     integrated test flight and launch in 2018, a human mission in 
     2021, and continued missions with an annual cadence in cis-
     lunar space and eventually to the surface of Mars.
       (5) The Commercial Crew Program is on schedule to 
     reestablish the capability to launch United States government 
     astronauts from United States soil into low-Earth orbit by 
     the end of 2018.
       (6) The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, in its 2015 Annual 
     Report, urged continuity of purpose noting concerns over the 
     potential for cost overruns and schedule slips that could 
     accompany significant changes to core NASA programs.

    TITLE III--MAXIMIZING UTILIZATION OF THE ISS AND LOW-EARTH ORBIT

     SEC. 301. OPERATION OF THE ISS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) after 15 years of continuous human presence in low-
     Earth orbit, the ISS continues to overcome challenges and 
     operate safely;
       (2) expansion of partnerships, scientific research, 
     commercial applications, and exploration testbed capabilities 
     of the ISS is essential to ensuring the greatest return on 
     investments made by the United States and its international 
     space partners in the development, assembly, and operations 
     of that unique facility;

[[Page 16680]]

       (3) a stable and successful Commercial Resupply Services 
     Program and Commercial Crew Program are critical to ensuring 
     timely provisioning of the ISS and to reestablishing the 
     capability to launch United States government astronauts from 
     United States soil into low-Earth orbit;
       (4) sustaining United States leadership and progress in 
     human space exploration is enabled in part by continuing 
     utilization of the ISS--
       (A) to facilitate the commercialization and economic 
     development of low-Earth orbit;
       (B) to serve as a testbed for technologies, and to conduct 
     scientific research and development; and
       (C) as an orbital facility enabling research upon--
       (i) the health, well-being, and performance of humans in 
     space; and
       (ii) the development of in-space systems enabling human 
     space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit;
       (5) the Administrator should continue to support the 
     development of the Commercial Crew Program as planned to end 
     reliance upon Russian transport of United States government 
     astronauts to the ISS which has not been possible since the 
     retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011; and
       (6) the ISS should continue to provide a platform for 
     fundamental, microgravity, discovery-based space life and 
     physical sciences research that is critical for enabling 
     space exploration, protecting humans in space, increasing 
     pathways for commercial space development that depend on 
     advances in basic research, and contribute to advancing 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research.
       (b) Continuation of the ISS.--Congress reaffirms the policy 
     set forth in section 501 of the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18351) that it shall be the policy of the United States, in 
     consultation with its international partners in the ISS 
     program, to support full and complete utilization of the ISS 
     through at least 2024.

     SEC. 302. TRANSPORTATION TO ISS.

       (a) Sense of Congress on Commercial Crew Program and 
     Commercial Resupply Services Program.--It is the sense of 
     Congress that--
       (1) NASA should build upon the success of the Commercial 
     Orbital Transportation Services and Commercial Resupply 
     Services programs that have allowed private sector companies 
     to partner with NASA to deliver cargo and scientific 
     experiments to the ISS since 2012;
       (2) once certified to meet NASA's safety and reliability 
     requirements and fully operational to meet ISS crew transfer 
     needs, the Commercial Crew Program transportation systems 
     should serve as the primary means of transporting United 
     States government astronauts and international partner 
     astronauts from United States soil to and from the ISS;
       (3) Commercial Crew Program transportation systems should 
     have the capability of serving as ISS emergency crew rescue 
     vehicles;
       (4) the 21st Century Launch Complex Program has enabled 
     significant modernization and infrastructure improvements at 
     launch sites across the United States to support NASA's 
     Commercial Resupply Services Program and other civil and 
     commercial space flight missions; and
       (5) the 21st Century Launch Complex Program should be 
     continued in a manner that leverages State and private 
     investments to achieve the goals of the program.
       (b) United States Policy.--It is the policy of the United 
     States that, to foster the competitive development, 
     operation, improvement and commercial availability of space 
     transportation services, services for Federal Government 
     access to and return from the ISS, whenever practicable, 
     shall be procured via fair and open competition for well-
     defined, milestone-based, Federal Acquisition Regulation-
     based contracts under section 201(a) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18311(a)).
       (c) Commercial Cargo Program.--Section 401 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18341) is amended by striking ``Commercial 
     Orbital Transportation Services'' and inserting ``Commercial 
     Resupply Services''.
       (d) Crew Safety.--The Administrator shall protect the 
     safety of United States crews by ensuring commercial crew 
     systems meet all applicable human rating requirements in 
     accordance with section 403(b)(1) of the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18342(b)(1)).

     SEC. 303. ISS TRANSITION PLAN.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that NASA has been both the 
     primary supplier and consumer of human space flight 
     capabilities and services of the ISS and in low-Earth orbit.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that an 
     orderly transition is needed for United States human space 
     flight activities in low-Earth orbit from the current regime, 
     that relies heavily on NASA sponsorship, to a regime where 
     NASA is one of many customers of a low-Earth orbit commercial 
     human space flight enterprise.
       (c) Reports.--Section 50111 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) ISS Transition Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator, in coordination with 
     the ISS management entity, ISS partners, the scientific user 
     community, and the commercial space sector, shall develop a 
     plan to transition in a step-wise approach from the current 
     regime that relies heavily on NASA sponsorship to a regime 
     where NASA is one of many customers of a low-Earth orbit 
     commercial human space flight enterprise.
       ``(2) Reports.--Not later than December 1, 2017, and 
     triennially thereafter until 2023, the Administrator shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
     that includes--
       ``(A) an identification of low-Earth orbit capabilities 
     necessary to meet the Administration's deep space human space 
     flight exploration objectives and mission requirements beyond 
     the period of operation and utilization of the ISS described 
     in section 503 of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18353), 
     if any;
       ``(B) steps NASA is taking and will take, including 
     demonstrations that could be conducted on the ISS, to 
     stimulate and facilitate commercial demand and supply of 
     products and services in low-Earth orbit;
       ``(C) an assessment of current and projected commercial 
     activities in low-Earth orbit, including on the ISS, and 
     their potential for meeting the capabilities identified in 
     subparagraph (A);
       ``(D) an identification of barriers preventing the 
     commercialization of low-Earth orbit, including issues 
     relating to policy, regulations, commercial intellectual 
     property, data, and confidentiality, that could inhibit the 
     use of the ISS as a commercial incubator;
       ``(E) an evaluation of the feasible and preferred service 
     life of the ISS beyond the period described in section 503 of 
     the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18353), through at least 
     2028, as a unique scientific, commercial, and exploration-
     related facility, including--
       ``(i) a general discussion of international partner 
     capabilities and prospects for extending the partnership, to 
     include the potential for participation by additional 
     countries, for the purposes of the human development and 
     exploration of deep space;
       ``(ii) a review of essential systems, equipment upgrades, 
     or potential maintenance that would be necessary to extend 
     ISS operations and utilization;
       ``(iii) an evaluation of the cost and schedule requirements 
     associated with the development and delivery of essential 
     systems, equipment upgrades, or potential maintenance 
     identified under clause (ii);
       ``(iv) an identification of possible international, 
     academic, or industry partner contributions, cost-share, and 
     program transitions to provide the upgrades identified under 
     clause (ii);
       ``(v) impacts on the goals and objectives of the ISS 
     National Laboratory and the management entity responsible for 
     operation of the ISS National Laboratory;
       ``(vi) impacts on services provided by the Commercial 
     Resupply Services Program and Commercial Crew Program to the 
     ISS;
       ``(vii) impacts on the use of the ISS as a testbed to 
     transition functions of the ISS to the commercial space 
     sector and enhance economic development of low-Earth orbit, 
     including the evolution of self-sustaining commercial 
     activities;
       ``(viii) an assessment on the technical limiting factors of 
     the ISS lifetime, including a list of critical components and 
     their expected lifetime and availability;
       ``(ix) an evaluation of the potential for expanding the use 
     of ISS facilities to accommodate the needs of researchers and 
     other users, including changes to policies, regulations, and 
     laws that would stimulate greater private and public 
     involvement on the ISS; and
       ``(x) such other information as may be necessary to fully 
     describe the justification for and feasibility of extending 
     the service life of the ISS, including the potential 
     scientific or technological benefits to the Federal 
     Government, public, or to academic or commercial entities;
       ``(F) an evaluation of the functions, roles, and 
     responsibilities for management and operation of the ISS and 
     a determination of--
       ``(i) those functions, roles, and responsibilities the 
     Federal Government should retain during the lifecycle of the 
     ISS;
       ``(ii) those functions, roles, and responsibilities that 
     could be transferred to the commercial space sector;
       ``(iii) the metrics that would indicate the commercial 
     space sector's readiness and ability to assume the functions, 
     roles, and responsibilities described in clause (ii); and
       ``(iv) any necessary changes to any agreements or other 
     documents and the law to enable the activities described in 
     subparagraphs (B) and (C); and
       ``(G) a description of the progress on meeting human 
     exploration research objectives on ISS and prospects for 
     accomplishing future exploration and other research 
     objectives on future commercially supplied low-Earth orbit 
     platforms or migration of those objectives to cis-lunar 
     space.
       ``(3) Demonstrations.--Demonstrations identified under 
     paragraph (2) may--
       ``(A) test the capabilities described in paragraph (2)(A); 
     and
       ``(B) demonstrate or test capabilities, including 
     commercial modules or deep space habitats, Environmental 
     Control and Life Support Systems, orbital satellite assembly, 
     exploration space suits, a node that enables a wide variety 
     of activity, including multiple commercial modules and 
     airlocks, additional docking or berthing ports for commercial 
     crew and cargo, opportunities for the commercial space sector 
     to cost share for transportation and other services on the 
     ISS, and other commercial activities.''.

     SEC. 304. INDEMNIFICATION; NASA LAUNCH SERVICES AND REENTRY 
                   SERVICES.

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

[[Page 16681]]



     ``Sec. 20148. Indemnification; NASA launch services and 
       reentry services

       ``(a) In General.--Under such regulations in conformity 
     with this section as the Administrator shall prescribe taking 
     into account the availability, cost, and terms of liability 
     insurance, any contract between the Administration and a 
     provider may provide that the United States will indemnify 
     the provider against successful claims (including reasonable 
     expenses of litigation or settlement) by third parties for 
     death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property 
     resulting from launch services and reentry services carried 
     out under the contract that the contract defines as unusually 
     hazardous or nuclear in nature, but only to the extent the 
     total amount of successful claims related to the activities 
     under the contract--
       ``(1) is more than the amount of insurance or demonstration 
     of financial responsibility described in subsection (c)(3); 
     and
       ``(2) is not more than the amount specified in section 
     50915(a)(1)(B).
       ``(b) Terms of Indemnification.--A contract made under 
     subsection (a) that provides indemnification shall provide 
     for--
       ``(1) notice to the United States of any claim or suit 
     against the provider for death, bodily injury, or loss of or 
     damage to property; and
       ``(2) control of or assistance in the defense by the United 
     States, at its election, of that claim or suit and approval 
     of any settlement.
       ``(c) Liability Insurance of the Provider.--
       ``(1) In general.--The provider under subsection (a) shall 
     obtain liability insurance or demonstrate financial 
     responsibility in amounts to compensate for the maximum 
     probable loss from claims by--
       ``(A) a third party for death, bodily injury, or property 
     damage or loss resulting from a launch service or reentry 
     service carried out under the contract; and
       ``(B) the United States Government for damage or loss to 
     Government property resulting from a launch service or 
     reentry service carried out under the contract.
       ``(2) Maximum probable losses.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall determine the 
     maximum probable losses under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of 
     paragraph (1) not later than 90 days after the date that the 
     provider requests such a determination and submits all 
     information the Administrator requires.
       ``(B) Revisions.--The Administrator may revise a 
     determination under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph if the 
     Administrator determines the revision is warranted based on 
     new information.
       ``(3) Amount of insurance.--For the total claims related to 
     one launch or reentry, a provider shall not be required to 
     obtain insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility of 
     more than--
       ``(A)(i) $500,000,000 under paragraph (1)(A); or
       ``(ii) $100,000,000 under paragraph (1)(B); or
       ``(B) the maximum liability insurance available on the 
     world market at reasonable cost.
       ``(4) Coverage.--An insurance policy or demonstration of 
     financial responsibility under this subsection shall protect 
     the following, to the extent of their potential liability for 
     involvement in launch services or reentry services:
       ``(A) The Government.
       ``(B) Personnel of the Government.
       ``(C) Related entities of the Government.
       ``(D) Related entities of the provider.
       ``(E) Government astronauts.
       ``(d) No Indemnification Without Cross-waiver.--
     Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Administrator may not 
     indemnify a provider under this section unless there is a 
     cross-waiver between the Administration and the provider as 
     described in subsection (e).
       ``(e) Cross-Waivers.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator, on behalf of the 
     United States and its departments, agencies, and 
     instrumentalities, shall reciprocally waive claims with a 
     provider under which each party to the waiver agrees to be 
     responsible, and agrees to ensure that its related entities 
     are responsible, for damage or loss to its property, or for 
     losses resulting from any injury or death sustained by its 
     employees or agents, as a result of activities arising out of 
     the performance of the contract.
       ``(2) Limitation.--The waiver made by the Government under 
     paragraph (1) shall apply only to the extent that the claims 
     are more than the amount of insurance or demonstration of 
     financial responsibility required under subsection (c)(1)(B).
       ``(f) Willful Misconduct.--Indemnification under subsection 
     (a) may exclude claims resulting from the willful misconduct 
     of the provider or its related entities.
       ``(g) Certification of Just and Reasonable Amount.--No 
     payment may be made under subsection (a) unless the 
     Administrator or the Administrator's designee certifies that 
     the amount is just and reasonable.
       ``(h) Payments.--
       ``(1) In general.--Upon the approval by the Administrator, 
     payments under subsection (a) may be made from funds 
     appropriated for such payments.
       ``(2) Limitation.--The Administrator shall not approve 
     payments under paragraph (1), except to the extent provided 
     in an appropriation law or to the extent additional 
     legislative authority is enacted providing for such payments.
       ``(3) Additional appropriations.--If the Administrator 
     requests additional appropriations to make payments under 
     this subsection, then the request for those appropriations 
     shall be made in accordance with the procedures established 
     under section 50915.
       ``(i) Rules of Construction.--
       ``(1) In general.--The authority to indemnify under this 
     section shall not create any rights in third persons that 
     would not otherwise exist by law.
       ``(2) Other authority.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed as prohibiting the Administrator from indemnifying 
     a provider or any other NASA contractor under other law, 
     including under Public Law 85-804 (50 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.).
       ``(3) Anti-deficiency act.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of this section--
       ``(A) all obligations under this section are subject to the 
     availability of funds; and
       ``(B) nothing in this section may be construed to require 
     obligation or payment of funds in violation of sections 1341, 
     1342, 1349 through 1351, and 1511 through 1519 of title 31, 
     United States Code (commonly referred to as the `Anti-
     Deficiency Act').
       ``(j) Relationship to Other Laws.--The Administrator may 
     not provide indemnification under this section for an 
     activity that requires a license or permit under chapter 509.
       ``(k) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Government astronaut.--The term `government 
     astronaut' has the meaning given the term in section 50902.
       ``(2) Launch services.--The term `launch services' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 50902.
       ``(3) Provider.--The term `provider' means a person that 
     provides domestic launch services or domestic reentry 
     services to the Government.
       ``(4) Reentry services.--The term `reentry services' has 
     the meaning given the term in section 50902.
       ``(5) Related entity.--The term `related entity' means a 
     contractor or subcontractor.
       ``(6) Third party.--The term `third party' means a person 
     except--
       ``(A) the United States Government;
       ``(B) related entities of the Government involved in launch 
     services or reentry services;
       ``(C) a provider;
       ``(D) related entities of the provider involved in launch 
     services or reentry services; or
       ``(E) a government astronaut.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for 
     subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
     section 20147 the following:

``20148. Indemnification; NASA launch services and reentry services.''.

            TITLE IV--ADVANCING HUMAN DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION

           Subtitle A--Human Exploration Goals and Objectives

     SEC. 411. HUMAN EXPLORATION LONG-TERM GOALS.

       Section 202(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(a)) 
     is amended to read as follows:
       ``(a) Long-term Goals.--The long-term goals of the human 
     space flight and exploration efforts of NASA shall be--
       ``(1) to expand permanent human presence beyond low-Earth 
     orbit and to do so, where practical, in a manner involving 
     international, academic, and industry partners; and
       ``(2) the peaceful settlement of a location in space or on 
     another celestial body and a thriving space economy in the 
     21st century.''.

     SEC. 412. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.

       Section 202(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(b)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) to achieve human exploration of Mars, including the 
     establishment of a capability to extend human presence, 
     including potential human habitation, on the surface of 
     Mars.''.

     SEC. 413. VISION FOR SPACE EXPLORATION.

       Section 20302 of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``in cis-lunar space 
     or'' after ``sustained human presence''; and
       (2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
       ``(b) Future Exploration of Mars.--The Administrator shall 
     manage human space flight programs, including the Space 
     Launch System and Orion, to enable humans to explore Mars and 
     other destinations by defining a series of sustainable steps 
     and conducting mission planning, research, and technology 
     development on a timetable that is technically and fiscally 
     possible, consistent with section 70504.''.

     SEC. 414. EXPLORATION PLAN AND PROGRAMS.

       Section 70502(2) of title 51, United States Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) implement an exploration research and technology 
     development program to enable human and robotic operations 
     consistent with section 20302(b) of this title;''.

     SEC. 415. STEPPING STONE APPROACH TO EXPLORATION.

       Section 70504 of title 51, United States Code, is amended 
     to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 70504. Stepping stone approach to exploration

       ``(a) In General.--In order to maximize the cost-
     effectiveness of the long-term exploration and utilization 
     activities of the United States, the Administrator shall take 
     all necessary steps, including engaging international, 
     academic,

[[Page 16682]]

     and industry partners, to ensure that activities in the 
     Administration's human exploration program balance how those 
     activities might also help meet the requirements of future 
     exploration and utilization activities leading to human 
     habitation on the surface of Mars.
       ``(b) 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 delays.''.

         Subtitle B--Assuring Core Capabilities for Exploration

     SEC. 421. SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM AND ORION.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) NASA has made steady progress in developing and testing 
     the Space Launch System and Orion exploration systems with 
     the successful Exploration Flight Test of Orion in December 
     of 2014, the final qualification test firing of the 5-segment 
     Space Launch System boosters in June 2016, and a full thrust, 
     full duration test firing of the RS-25 Space Launch System 
     core stage engine in August 2016.
       (2) Through the 21st Century Launch Complex program and 
     Exploration Ground Systems programs, NASA has made 
     significant progress in transforming exploration ground 
     systems infrastructure to meet NASA's mission requirements 
     for the Space Launch System and Orion and to modernize NASA's 
     launch complexes to the benefit of the civil, defense, and 
     commercial space sectors.
       (b) Sense of Congress on Space Launch System, Orion, and 
     Exploration Ground Systems.--It is the sense of Congress 
     that--
       (1) as the United States works to send humans on a series 
     of missions on or near Mars in the 2030s, the United States 
     national space program should continue to make progress on 
     its commitment by fully developing the Space Launch System, 
     Orion, and related Exploration Ground Systems;
       (2) using the Space Launch System and Orion for a wide 
     range of contemplated missions will facilitate the national 
     defense, science, and exploration objectives of the United 
     States; and
       (3) the United States should have continuity of purpose for 
     Space Launch System and Orion in deep space exploration 
     missions, using them beginning with the uncrewed mission, EM-
     1, planned for 2018, followed by the crewed mission, EM-2, in 
     cis-lunar space planned for 2021, and for subsequent missions 
     beginning with EM-3 extending into cis-lunar space and 
     eventually to Mars.
       (c) In General.--
       (1) Exploration missions.--The Administrator shall continue 
     development of--
       (A) an uncrewed exploration mission to demonstrate the 
     capability of both the Space Launch System and Orion as an 
     integrated system by 2018;
       (B) a crewed exploration mission to demonstrate the Space 
     Launch System, including the Core Stage and Exploration Upper 
     Stages, and the crewed Orion mission by 2021;
       (C) subsequent missions beginning with EM-3 using the Space 
     Launch System and Orion to extend into cis-lunar space and 
     eventually to Mars; and
       (D) a deep space habitat as the next element in a deep 
     space exploration architecture along with the Space Launch 
     System and Orion.
       (2) Other uses.--The Administrator shall assess the utility 
     of the Space Launch System for use by the science community 
     and for other Federal Government launch needs, including 
     consideration of overall cost and schedule savings from 
     reduced transit times and increased science returns enabled 
     by the unique capabilities of the Space Launch System.

                      Subtitle C--Journey to Mars

     SEC. 431. SPACE TECHNOLOGY INFUSION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     advancing propulsion technology would improve the efficiency 
     of trips to Mars and could shorten travel time to Mars, 
     reduce astronaut health risks, and reduce radiation exposure, 
     consumables, and mass of materials required for the journey.
       (b) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States that the 
     Administrator shall develop technologies to support the 
     Administration's core missions, as described in section 2(3) 
     of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18301(3)), and support 
     sustained investments in early stage innovation, fundamental 
     research, and technologies to expand the boundaries of the 
     national aerospace enterprise.
       (c) Propulsion Technologies.--A goal of propulsion 
     technologies developed under subsection (b) shall be to 
     significantly reduce human travel time to Mars.

     SEC. 432. FINDINGS ON HUMAN SPACE EXPLORATION.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) In accordance with section 204 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (124 Stat. 2813), the National Academies of Sciences, 
     Engineering, and Medicine, through its Committee on Human 
     Spaceflight, conducted a review of the goals, core 
     capabilities, and direction of human space flight, and 
     published the findings and recommendations in a 2014 report 
     entitled, ``Pathways to Exploration: Rationales and 
     Approaches for a U.S. Program of Human Space Exploration''.
       (2) The Committee on Human Spaceflight included leaders 
     from the aerospace, scientific, security, and policy 
     communities.
       (3) With input from the public, the Committee on Human 
     Spaceflight concluded that many practical and aspirational 
     rationales for human space flight together constitute a 
     compelling case for continued national investment and pursuit 
     of human space exploration toward the horizon goal of Mars.
       (4) According to the Committee on Human Spaceflight, the 
     rationales include economic benefits, national security, 
     national prestige, inspiring students and other citizens, 
     scientific discovery, human survival, and a sense of shared 
     destiny.
       (5) The Committee on Human Spaceflight affirmed that Mars 
     is the appropriate long-term goal for the human space flight 
     program.
       (6) The Committee on Human Spaceflight recommended that 
     NASA define a series of sustainable steps and conduct mission 
     planning and technology development as needed to achieve the 
     long-term goal of placing humans on the surface of Mars.
       (7) Expanding human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and 
     advancing toward human missions to Mars requires early 
     planning and timely decisions to be made in the near-term on 
     the necessary courses of action for commitments to achieve 
     short-term and long-term goals and objectives.
       (8) In addition to the 2014 report described in paragraph 
     (1), there are several independently developed reports or 
     concepts that describe potential Mars architectures or 
     concepts and identify Mars as the long-term goal for human 
     space exploration, including NASA's ``The Global Exploration 
     Roadmap'' of 2013, ``NASA's Journey to Mars-Pioneering Next 
     Steps in Space Exploration'' of 2015, NASA Jet Propulsion 
     Laboratory's ``Minimal Architecture for Human Journeys to 
     Mars'' of 2015, and Explore Mars' ``The Humans to Mars Report 
     2016''.

     SEC. 433. STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT AND 
                   EXPLORATION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) expanding human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and 
     advancing toward human missions to Mars in the 2030s requires 
     early planning and timely decisions to be made in the near-
     term on the necessary courses of action for commitments to 
     achieve short-term and long-term goals and objectives;
       (2) for strong and sustained United States leadership, a 
     need exists to advance a strategic framework, addressing 
     exploration objectives in collaboration with international, 
     academic, and industry partners;
       (3) an approach that incrementally advances toward a long-
     term goal is one in which nearer-term developments and 
     implementation would influence future development and 
     implementation; and
       (4) a strategic framework should begin with low-Earth 
     orbit, then address progress beyond low-Earth orbit to cis-
     lunar space in greater detail, and then address future 
     missions ultimately aimed at human arrival and activities on 
     or near Mars.
       (b) Strategic Framework.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall develop a 
     strategic framework, including a critical decision plan, to 
     expand human presence beyond low-Earth orbit, including to 
     cis-lunar space, the moons of Mars, the surface of Mars, and 
     beyond.
       (2) Scope.--The strategic framework shall include--
       (A) an integrated set of exploration, science, and other 
     goals and objectives of a United States human space 
     exploration program with the long-term goal of human missions 
     near to or on the surface of Mars in the 2030s;
       (B) opportunities for international, academic, and industry 
     partnerships for exploration-related systems, services, 
     research, and technology if those opportunities provide cost-
     savings, accelerate program schedules, or otherwise benefit 
     the exploration objectives developed under subparagraph (A);
       (C) precursor missions in cis-lunar space and other 
     missions or activities necessary to meet the exploration 
     objectives developed under subparagraph (A), including 
     anticipated timelines and missions for the Space Launch 
     System and Orion;
       (D) capabilities and technologies, including the Space 
     Launch System, Orion, a deep space habitat, and other 
     capabilities, that enable the exploration objectives 
     developed under subparagraph (A);
       (E) a description of how cis-lunar elements, objectives, 
     and activities advance the human exploration of Mars;
       (F) an assessment of potential human health and other 
     risks, including radiation exposure; and
       (G) mitigation plans, whenever possible, to address the 
     risks identified in subparagraph (F).
       (3) Considerations.--In developing the strategic framework, 
     the Administrator shall consider--
       (A) using key exploration capabilities, namely the Space 
     Launch System and Orion;
       (B) using existing commercially available technologies and 
     capabilities or those technologies and capabilities being 
     developed by industry for commercial purposes;
       (C) an organizational approach to ensure collaboration and 
     coordination among NASA's Mission Directorates under section 
     621, when appropriate, including to collect and return to 
     Earth a sample from the Martian surface;
       (D) building upon the initial uncrewed mission, EM-1, and 
     first crewed mission, EM-2, of the Space Launch System and 
     Orion to establish a sustainable cadence of missions 
     extending

[[Page 16683]]

     human exploration missions into cis-lunar space, including 
     anticipated timelines and milestones;
       (E) developing the precursor missions and activities that 
     will demonstrate, test, and develop key technologies and 
     capabilities essential for achieving human missions to Mars, 
     including long-duration human operations beyond low-Earth 
     orbit, space suits, solar electric propulsion, deep space 
     habitats, environmental control life support systems, Mars 
     lander and ascent vehicle, entry, descent, landing, ascent, 
     Mars surface systems, and in-situ resource utilization;
       (F) demonstrating and testing 1 or more habitat modules in 
     cis-lunar space to prepare for Mars missions;
       (G) using public-private, firm fixed-price partnerships, 
     where practicable;
       (H) collaborating with international, academic, and 
     industry partners, when appropriate;
       (I) risks to human health and sensitive onboard 
     technologies, including radiation exposure;
       (J) evaluating the risks identified through research 
     outcomes under the NASA Human Research Program's Behavioral 
     Health Element; and
       (K) the recommendations and ideas of several independently 
     developed reports or concepts that describe potential Mars 
     architectures or concepts and identify Mars as the long-term 
     goal for human space exploration, including the reports 
     described under section 432(8).
       (4) Critical decision plan on human space exploration.--As 
     part of the strategic framework, the Administrator shall 
     include a critical decision plan--
       (A) identifying and defining key decisions guiding human 
     space exploration priorities and plans that need to be made 
     before June 30, 2020, including decisions that may guide 
     human space exploration capability development, precursor 
     missions, long-term missions, and activities;
       (B) defining decisions needed to maximize efficiencies and 
     resources for reaching the near, intermediate, and long-term 
     goals and objectives of human space exploration; and
       (C) identifying and defining timelines and milestones for a 
     sustainable cadence of missions beginning with EM-3 for the 
     Space Launch System and Orion to extend human exploration 
     from cis-lunar space to the surface of Mars.
       (5) Reports.--The Administrator shall submit an initial 
     strategic framework, including a critical decision plan, to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress before December 1, 
     2017, and an updated strategic framework biennially 
     thereafter.

     SEC. 434. ADVANCED SPACE SUIT CAPABILITY.

       Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress a detailed plan for achieving an 
     advanced space suit capability that aligns with the crew 
     needs for exploration enabled by the Space Launch System and 
     Orion, including an evaluation of the merit of delivering the 
     planned suit system for use on the ISS.

     SEC. 435. ASTEROID ROBOTIC REDIRECT MISSION.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) NASA initially estimated that the Asteroid Robotic 
     Redirect Mission would launch in December 2020 and cost no 
     more than $1,250,000,000, excluding launch and operations.
       (2) On July 15, 2016, NASA conducted its Key Decision 
     Point-B review of the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission or 
     approval for Phase B in mission formulation.
       (3) During the Key Decision Point-B review, NASA estimated 
     that costs have grown to $1,400,000,000 excluding launch and 
     operations for a launch in December 2021 and the agency must 
     evaluate whether to accept the increase or reduce the 
     Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission's scope to stay within the 
     cost cap set by the Administrator.
       (4) In April 2015, the NASA Advisory Council--
       (A) issued a finding that--
       (i) high-performance solar electric propulsion will likely 
     be an important part of an architecture to send humans to 
     Mars; and
       (ii) maneuvering a large test mass is not necessary to 
     provide a valid in-space test of a new solar electric 
     propulsion stage;
       (B) determined that a solar electric propulsion mission 
     will contribute more directly to the goal of sending humans 
     to Mars if the mission is focused entirely on development and 
     validation of the solar electric propulsion stage; and
       (C) determined that other possible motivations for 
     acquiring and maneuvering a boulder, such as asteroid science 
     and planetary defense, do not have value commensurate with 
     their probable cost.
       (5) The Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission is competing for 
     resources with other critical exploration development 
     programs, including the Space Launch System, Orion, 
     commercial crew, and a habitation module.
       (6) In 2014, the NASA Advisory Council recommended that 
     NASA conduct an independent cost and technical assessment of 
     the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission.
       (7) NASA completed the assessment under paragraph (6) and 
     reviewed it as part of the agency's Key Decision Point-B 
     review.
       (8) In 2015, the NASA Advisory Council recommended that 
     NASA preserve the following key objectives if the program 
     needed to be descoped:
       (A) Development of high power solar electric propulsion.
       (B) Ability to maneuver in a low gravity environment in 
     deep space.
       (9) In January 2015 and July 2015, the NASA Advisory 
     Council expressed its concern to NASA about the potential for 
     growing costs for the program and highlighted that choices 
     would need to be made about the program's content.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the technological and scientific goals of the Asteroid 
     Robotic Redirect Mission may not be commensurate with the 
     cost; and
       (2) alternative missions may provide a more cost effective 
     and scientifically beneficial means to demonstrate the 
     technologies needed for a human mission to Mars that would 
     otherwise be demonstrated by the Asteroid Robotic Redirect 
     Mission.
       (c) Evaluation and Report.--Not later than 180 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
       (1) conduct an evaluation of--
       (A) alternative approaches to the Asteroid Robotic Redirect 
     Mission for demonstrating the technologies and capabilities 
     needed for a human mission to Mars that would otherwise be 
     demonstrated by the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission;
       (B) the scientific and technical benefits of the 
     alternatives approaches identified in subparagraph (A) 
     compared to the Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission to future 
     human exploration;
       (C) the commercial benefits of the alternative approaches 
     identified in subparagraph (A), including the impact on the 
     development of domestic solar electric propulsion technology 
     to bolster United States competitiveness in the global 
     marketplace; and
       (D) a comparison of the estimated costs of the alternative 
     approaches identified in subparagraph (A); and
       (2) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report on the evaluation under paragraph (1), including any 
     recommendations.

     Subtitle D--Scott Kelly Human Spaceflight and Exploration Act

     SEC. 441. SHORT TITLE.

       This subtitle may be cited as the ``Scott Kelly Human 
     Spaceflight and Exploration Act''.

     SEC. 442. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Human space exploration can pose significant challenges 
     and is full of substantial risk, which has ultimately claimed 
     the lives of 24 National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     astronauts serving in the line of duty.
       (2) As United States government astronauts participate in 
     long-duration and exploration spaceflight missions they may 
     experience increased health risks, such as vision impairment, 
     bone demineralization, and behavioral health and performance 
     risks, and may be exposed to galactic cosmic radiation. 
     Exposure to high levels of radiation and microgravity can 
     result in acute and long-term health consequences that can 
     increase the risk of cancer and tissue degeneration and have 
     potential effects on the musculoskeletal system, central 
     nervous system, cardiovascular system, immune function, and 
     vision.
       (3) To advance the goal of long-duration and exploration 
     spaceflight missions, United States government astronaut 
     Scott Kelly participated in a 1-year twins study in space 
     while his identical twin brother, former United States 
     government astronaut Mark Kelly, acted as a human control 
     specimen on Earth, providing an understanding of the 
     physical, behavioral, microbiological, and molecular reaction 
     of the human body to an extended period of time in space.
       (4) Since the Administration currently provides medical 
     monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment for United States 
     government astronauts during their active employment, given 
     the unknown long-term health consequences of long-duration 
     space exploration, the Administration has requested statutory 
     authority from Congress to provide medical monitoring, 
     diagnosis, and treatment to former United States government 
     astronauts for psychological and medical conditions 
     associated with human space flight.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the United States should continue to seek the unknown 
     and lead the world in space exploration and scientific 
     discovery as the Administration prepares for long-duration 
     and exploration spaceflight in deep space and an eventual 
     mission to Mars;
       (2) data relating to the health of astronauts will become 
     increasingly valuable to improving our understanding of many 
     diseases humans face on Earth;
       (3) the Administration should provide the type of 
     monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment described in subsection 
     (a) only for conditions the Administration considers unique 
     to the training or exposure to the spaceflight environment of 
     United States government astronauts and should not require 
     any former United States Government astronauts to participate 
     in the Administration's monitoring;
       (4) such monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment should not 
     replace a former United States government astronaut's private 
     health insurance;
       (5) expanded data acquired from such monitoring, diagnosis, 
     and treatment should be used to tailor treatment, inform the 
     requirements for new spaceflight medical hardware, and 
     develop controls in order to prevent disease occurrence in 
     the astronaut corps;
       (6) the Administration's existing radiation exposure 
     standards, which have been used for missions pertaining to 
     the Space Shuttle and the ISS, would limit missions to 
     durations of 150 to 250 days and would pose significant 
     challenges to long-duration or exploration spaceflight or a 
     multiyear mission to Mars; and

[[Page 16684]]

       (7) the 340-day space mission of Scott Kelly aboard the 
     ISS--
       (A) was pivotal for the goal of the United States for 
     humans to explore deep space and Mars as the mission 
     generated new insight into how the human body adjusts to 
     weightlessness, isolation, radiation, and the stress of long-
     duration space flight; and
       (B) will help support the physical and mental well-being of 
     astronauts during longer space exploration missions in the 
     future.

     SEC. 443. MEDICAL MONITORING AND RESEARCH RELATING TO HUMAN 
                   SPACE FLIGHT.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, 
     United States Code, as amended by section 304 of this Act, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 20149. Medical monitoring and research relating to 
       human space flight

       ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the Administrator may provide for the medical 
     monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of a United States 
     government astronaut, or a former United States government 
     astronaut or payload specialist, for conditions that the 
     Administrator considers associated with human space flight, 
     including scientific and medical tests for psychological and 
     medical conditions.
       ``(b) Exclusions.--The Administrator may not--
       ``(1) provide for medical monitoring, diagnosis, or 
     treatment of a United States government astronaut, or a 
     former United States government astronaut or payload 
     specialist, under subsection (a) for any psychological or 
     medical condition that is not associated with human space 
     flight; or
       ``(2) require a former United States government astronaut 
     or payload specialist to participate in the monitoring 
     authorized under subsection (a).
       ``(c) Privacy.--Consistent with applicable provisions of 
     law relating to privacy, the Administrator shall protect the 
     privacy of all medical records generated under subsection (a) 
     and accessible to the Administration.
       ``(d) Regulations.--The Administrator shall promulgate such 
     regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for chapter 
     201 of title 51, United States Code, as amended by section 
     304 of this Act, is further amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 20148 the following:

``20149. Medical monitoring and research relating to human space 
              flight.''.

                    TITLE V--ADVANCING SPACE SCIENCE

     SEC. 501. MAINTAINING A BALANCED SPACE SCIENCE PORTFOLIO.

       (a) Science Portfolio.--Section 803 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (Public Law 111-267; 124 Stat. 2832) is amended to read 
     as follows:

     ``SEC. 803. OVERALL SCIENCE PORTFOLIO.

       ``Congress restates its sense 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 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
     Medicine's decadal surveys.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The item relating to section 803 
     in the table of contents in section 1(b) of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (Public Law 111-267; 124 Stat. 2806) is amended by 
     striking ``Overall science portfolio-sense of the Congress'' 
     and inserting ``Overall science portfolio''.

     SEC. 502. PLANETARY SCIENCE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) Administration support for planetary science is 
     critical to enabling greater understanding of the solar 
     system and the origin of the Earth;
       (2) the United States leads the world in planetary science 
     and can augment its success in that area with appropriate 
     international, academic, and industry partnerships;
       (3) a mix of small, medium, and large planetary science 
     missions is required to sustain a steady cadence of planetary 
     exploration; and
       (4) robotic planetary exploration is a key component of 
     preparing for future human exploration.
       (b) Mission Priorities.--
       (1) In general.--In accordance with the priorities 
     established in the most recent decadal survey for planetary 
     science, the Administrator shall ensure, to the greatest 
     extent practicable, the completion of a balanced set of 
     Discovery, New Frontiers, and flagship missions.
       (2) Mission priority adjustments.--Consistent with the set 
     of missions described in paragraph (1), and while maintaining 
     the continuity of scientific data and steady development of 
     capabilities and technologies, the Administrator may seek, if 
     necessary, adjustments to mission priorities, schedule, and 
     scope in light of changing budget projections.

     SEC. 503. JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the James Webb Space Telescope should significantly 
     advance our understanding of star and planet formation, 
     improve our knowledge of the early universe, and support 
     United States leadership in astrophysics; and
       (2) consistent with annual Government Accountability Office 
     reviews of the James Webb Space Telescope program, the 
     Administrator should continue robust surveillance of the 
     performance of the James Webb Space Telescope project and 
     continue to improve the reliability of cost estimates and 
     contractor performance data and other major spaceflight 
     projects in order to enhance NASA's ability to successfully 
     deliver the James Webb Space Telescope on-time and within 
     budget.

     SEC. 504. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY 
                   TELESCOPE.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (commonly 
     known as ``WFIRST'') mission has the potential to enable 
     scientific discoveries that will transform our understanding 
     of the universe; and
       (2) the Administrator, to the extent practicable, should 
     make progress on the technologies and capabilities needed to 
     position the Administration to meet the objectives, as 
     outlined in the 2010 National Academies' Astronomy and 
     Astrophysics Decadal Survey, in a way that maximizes the 
     scientific productivity of meeting those objectives for the 
     resources invested.

     SEC. 505. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON MARS 2020 ROVER.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Mars 2020 mission, to develop a Mars rover and to 
     enable the return of samples to Earth, should remain a 
     priority for NASA; and
       (2) the Mars 2020 mission--
       (A) should significantly increase our understanding of 
     Mars;
       (B) should help determine whether life previously existed 
     on that planet; and
       (C) should provide opportunities to gather knowledge and 
     demonstrate technologies that address the challenges of 
     future human expeditions to Mars.

     SEC. 506. EUROPA.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Studies of Europa, Jupiter's moon, indicate that Europa 
     may provide a habitable environment, as it contains key 
     ingredients known to support life on Earth, including liquid 
     water, heat, chemistry, and time.
       (2) In 2012, using the Hubble Space Telescope, NASA 
     scientists observed water vapor around the south polar region 
     of Europa, which provides potential evidence of water plumes 
     in that region.
       (3) For decades, the Europa mission has consistently ranked 
     as a high priority mission for the scientific community.
       (4) The Europa mission was ranked as the top priority 
     mission in the previous Planetary Science Decadal Survey and 
     ranked as the second-highest priority in the current 
     Planetary Science Decadal Survey.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Europa mission could provide another avenue in 
     which to capitalize on our Nation's current investment in the 
     Space Launch System that would significantly reduce the 
     transit time for such a deep space mission; and
       (2) a scientific, robotic exploration mission to Europa, as 
     prioritized in both Planetary Science Decadal Surveys, should 
     be supported.

                    TITLE VI--MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY

      Subtitle A--Agency Information Technology and Cybersecurity

     SEC. 611. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GOVERNANCE.

       The Administrator, in consultation with the chief 
     information officer of NASA, shall--
       (1) ensure the NASA Chief Information Officer has a 
     significant role in the management, governance, and oversight 
     processes related to information technology operations and 
     investments and information security programs for the 
     protection of NASA systems;
       (2) establish the NASA Chief Information Officer as a 
     direct report to the Administrator;
       (3) ensure the NASA Chief Information Officer has the 
     appropriate resources and insight to oversee NASA information 
     technology and information security operations and 
     investments;
       (4) provide an information technology program management 
     framework to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of 
     information technology investments, including relying on 
     metrics for identifying and reducing potential duplication, 
     waste, and cost;
       (5) establish a monetary threshold for all agency 
     information technology investments and related contracts, 
     including non-highly and highly specialized and specialized 
     information technology, regardless of the procurement 
     instrument, over which the NASA Chief Information Officer 
     shall have final approval;
       (6) improve the operational linkage between the NASA Chief 
     Information Officer and each NASA mission directorate, 
     center, and mission support office to ensure both agency and 
     mission needs are considered in agency-wide information 
     technology and information security management and oversight;
       (7) review the portfolio of information technology 
     investments and spending, including information technology-
     related investments included as part of activities within 
     NASA mission directorates that may not be considered 
     information technology, to ensure investments are recognized 
     and reported appropriately based on guidance from the Office 
     of Management and Budget;
       (8) consider appropriate revisions to the charters of 
     information technology boards and councils that inform 
     information technology investment and operation decisions; 
     and
       (9) consider whether the NASA Chief Information Officer 
     should have a seat on any boards or councils described in 
     paragraph (8).

[[Page 16685]]



     SEC. 612. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIC PLAN.

       (a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), the NASA Chief 
     Information Officer, in consultation with the chief 
     information officer of each Administration center, shall 
     develop an information technology strategic plan to guide 
     NASA information technology management and strategic 
     objectives.
       (b) Requirements.--In developing the strategic plan, the 
     NASA Chief Information Officer shall ensure that the 
     strategic plan is consistent with--
       (1) the deadline under section 306(a) of title 5, United 
     States Code; and
       (2) the requirements under section 3506 of title 44, United 
     States Code.
       (c) Contents.--The strategic plan shall include--
       (1) near and long-term goals and objectives for leveraging 
     information technology;
       (2) a plan for how the NASA Chief Information Officer will 
     submit to Congress of a list of information technology 
     projects, including completion dates and risk level in 
     accordance with guidance from the Office of Management and 
     Budget;
       (3) an implementation overview for an agency-wide 
     centralized approach to information technology investments 
     and operations, including reducing barriers to cross-center 
     collaboration;
       (4) coordination by the NASA Chief Information Officer with 
     centers and mission directorates to ensure that information 
     technology policies are effectively and efficiently 
     implemented across the agency;
       (5) a plan to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of 
     information technology investments, including a description 
     of how unnecessarily duplicative, wasteful, legacy, or 
     outdated information technology across NASA will be 
     identified and eliminated, and a schedule for the 
     identification and elimination of such information 
     technology;
       (6) a plan for improving the information security of agency 
     information and agency information systems, including 
     improving security control assessments and role-based 
     security training of employees; and
       (7) submission by the NASA Chief Information Officer to 
     Congress of information regarding high risk projects and 
     cybersecurity risks.
       (d) Congressional Oversight.--The NASA Chief Information 
     Officer shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress the strategic plan under subsection (a) and any 
     updates thereto.

     SEC. 613. CYBERSECURITY.

       (a) Finding.--The security of NASA information and 
     information systems is vital to the success of the mission of 
     the agency.
       (b) Information Security Plan.--Section 1207 of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
     Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18445) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (a) through (c) as 
     subsections (b) through (d), respectively;
       (2) by inserting before subsection (b), as redesignated, 
     the following:
       ``(a) Agency-Wide Information Security Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2016, the 
     Administrator shall implement the information security plan 
     developed under paragraph (2) and take such further actions 
     as the Administrator considers necessary to improve the 
     information security system in accordance with this section.
       ``(2) Information security plan.--Subject to paragraphs 
     (3), (4), and (5), the chief information officer of NASA, 
     shall develop an agency-wide information security plan to 
     enhance information security for NASA information and 
     information infrastructure.
       ``(3) Requirements.--In developing the plan under paragraph 
     (2), the chief information officer shall ensure that the 
     plan--
       ``(A) is consistent with policies, standards, guidelines, 
     and directives on information security under subchapter II of 
     chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code;
       ``(B) is consistent with the standards and guidelines under 
     section 11331 of title 40, United States Code; and
       ``(C) meets applicable National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology information security standards and guidelines.
       ``(4) Approval.--The chief information officer shall submit 
     the plan to the Administrator for approval prior to its 
     implementation.
       ``(5) Contents.--The plan shall include--
       ``(A) an overview of the requirements of the information 
     security system;
       ``(B) an agency-wide risk management framework for 
     information security;
       ``(C) a description of the information security system 
     management controls and common controls that are necessary to 
     ensure compliance with information security-related 
     requirements;
       ``(D) an identification and assignment of roles, 
     responsibilities, and management commitment for information 
     security at the agency;
       ``(E) coordination among organizational entities, including 
     between each center, facility, mission directorate, and 
     mission support office, and among agency entities responsible 
     for different aspects of information security;
       ``(F) heightened consideration of the need to protect the 
     information security of mission-critical systems and 
     activities and high-impact and moderate-impact information 
     systems; and
       ``(G) a schedule of frequent reviews and updates, as 
     necessary, of the plan.''; and
       (3) in subsection (b), as redesignated--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a semicolon;
       (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) an update on the agency's efforts to apply additional 
     information security protections to secure high-impact and 
     moderate-impact information systems and mission-critical 
     systems and activities, including those systems that control 
     spacecraft and maintain critical data sources.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section 3545'' and 
     inserting ``section 3555''.

     SEC. 614. OVERSIGHT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS.

       Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, and periodically thereafter until the information 
     security plan under section 1207 of the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 
     18445), as amended, is developed and implemented agency-wide, 
     the Administrator shall provide to the appropriate committees 
     of Congress an update on the progress made toward 
     implementation of or response to--
       (1) the information security plan under that section; and
       (2) the information security-related recommendations made 
     by the NASA Inspector General and the Comptroller General in 
     the 5 years preceding the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 615. SOFTWARE OVERSIGHT.

       The Administrator shall--
       (1) develop a strategic plan to transition NASA from legacy 
     software by adopting a service-based acquisition model in 
     line with industry best practices;
       (2) develop and implement an agency-wide software license 
     management policy to improve centralization, lifecycle 
     management, and procurement education, including education on 
     contract negotiations, relevant laws and regulations, and 
     agency-wide contract terms and conditions; and
       (3) direct an agency-wide inventory of NASA's total 
     software licenses and spending, including costs, benefits, 
     usage, and trending data.

     SEC. 616. SECURITY MANAGEMENT OF FOREIGN NATIONAL ACCESS.

       The Administrator shall notify the appropriate committees 
     of Congress when the agency has implemented the information 
     technology security recommendations from the National Academy 
     of Public Administration on foreign national access 
     management, based on reports from January 2014 and March 
     2016.

     SEC. 617. CYBERSECURITY OF WEB APPLICATIONS.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the NASA Chief Information Officer shall--
       (1) develop a plan, including such actions and milestones 
     as are necessary, to fully remediate security vulnerabilities 
     of NASA web applications within a timely fashion after 
     discovery; and
       (2) implement the recommendation from the NASA Inspector 
     General in the audit report dated July 10, 2014, (IG-14-023) 
     to remove from the Internet or secure with a web application 
     firewall all NASA web applications in development or testing 
     mode.

 Subtitle B--Collaboration Among Mission Directorates and Other Matters

     SEC. 621. COLLABORATION AMONG MISSION DIRECTORATES.

       The Administrator shall encourage an interdisciplinary 
     approach among all NASA mission directorates and divisions, 
     whenever appropriate, for projects or missions--
       (1) to improve coordination, and encourage collaboration 
     and early planning on scope;
       (2) to determine areas of overlap or alignment;
       (3) to find ways to leverage across divisional perspectives 
     to maximize outcomes; and
       (4) to be more efficient with resources and funds.

     SEC. 622. NASA LAUNCH CAPABILITIES COLLABORATION.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) The Launch Services Program is responsible for the 
     acquisition, management, and technical oversight of 
     commercial launch services for NASA's science and robotic 
     missions.
       (2) The Commercial Crew Program is responsible for the 
     acquisition, management, and technical oversight of 
     commercial crew transportation systems.
       (3) The Launch Services Program and Commercial Crew Program 
     have worked together to gain exceptional technical insight 
     into the contracted launch service providers that are common 
     to both programs.
       (4) The Launch Services Program has a long history of 
     oversight of 12 different launch vehicles and over 80 
     launches.
       (5) Co-location of the Launch Services Program and 
     Commercial Crew Program has enabled the Commercial Crew 
     Program to efficiently obtain the launch vehicle technical 
     expertise of and provide engineering and analytical support 
     to the Commercial Crew Program.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Launch Services Program and Commercial Crew Program 
     each benefit from communication and coordination of launch 
     manifests, technical information, and common launch vehicle 
     insight between the programs; and
       (2) such communication and coordination is enabled by the 
     co-location of the programs.
       (c) In General.--The Administrator shall pursue a strategy 
     for acquisition of crewed

[[Page 16686]]

     transportation services and non-crewed launch services that 
     continues to enhance communication, collaboration, and 
     coordination between the Launch Services Program and the 
     Commercial Crew Program.

     SEC. 623. COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH COOPERATION.

       (a) Finding.--Congress recognized the benefit of commercial 
     space launch cooperation between the Federal Government and 
     the private sector when it granted the Secretary of Defense 
     authority to foster cooperation between the Department of 
     Defense and certain covered entities relating to space 
     transportation infrastructure under section 2276 of title 10, 
     United States Code.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Administrator should take into account the unique 
     needs and obligations that multi-user, public State 
     spaceports may have with the State government as well as 
     current and prospective contractual arrangements with 
     commercial and government customers when developing and 
     carrying out agreements under section 50507 of title 51, 
     United States Code, with State spaceports operating on NASA 
     facilities; and
       (2) the authority granted under section 50507 of title 51, 
     United States Code, is not intended to supersede or conflict 
     with the congressional intent and purposes codified in 
     chapter 509 of that title, the responsibilities of the 
     Secretary of Transportation under section 50913 of that 
     title, or with the intent of section 50504 of that title.
       (c) In General.--Chapter 505 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 50507. Commercial launch cooperation

       ``(a) Authority for Agreements Relating to Space 
     Transportation Infrastructure.--The Administrator--
       ``(1) may enter into an agreement with a covered entity to 
     provide the covered entity with support and services related 
     to the space transportation infrastructure of the 
     Administration--
       ``(A) to maximize the use of the space transportation 
     infrastructure of the Administration by the private sector in 
     the United States;
       ``(B) to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the 
     space transportation infrastructure of the Administration;
       ``(C) to reduce the cost of services provided by the 
     Administration related to space transportation infrastructure 
     at launch support facilities and space recovery support 
     facilities; and
       ``(D) to encourage commercial space activities by enabling 
     investment by covered entities in the space transportation 
     infrastructure of the Administration; and
       ``(2) at the request of the covered entity, may include 
     that support and services in the contracted space launch and 
     reentry range support requirements of the Administration if--
       ``(A) the Administrator determines that including that 
     support and services in the requirements--
       ``(i) is in the best interest of the Federal Government;
       ``(ii) does not interfere with the requirements of the 
     Administration;
       ``(iii) does not compete with the commercial space 
     activities of other covered entities; and
       ``(iv) does not result in the Administration retaining 
     ownership of assets which are no longer needed to meet a 
     programmatic mission of the Administration; and
       ``(B) any commercial requirement included in the agreement 
     has full non-Federal funding before the execution of the 
     agreement.
       ``(b) Contributions.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may enter into an 
     agreement with a covered entity on a cooperative and 
     voluntary basis to accept funds, services, and equipment to 
     carry out the purposes in subsection (a)(1).
       ``(2) Use of contributions.--Any funds, services, or 
     equipment accepted by the Administrator under this 
     subsection--
       ``(A) may be used only for the objectives specified in this 
     section in accordance with terms of use set forth in the 
     agreement entered into under this subsection; and
       ``(B) shall be managed by the Administrator in accordance 
     with procedures prescribed under subsection (d).
       ``(3) Requirements with respect to agreements.--An 
     agreement entered into with a covered entity under this 
     subsection shall--
       ``(A) address the terms of use, ownership, and disposition 
     of the funds, services, or equipment contributed under the 
     agreement;
       ``(B) include a provision that the covered entity will not 
     recover the costs of its contribution through any other 
     agreement with the United States; and
       ``(C) include a provision that the contribution of a 
     covered entity will not preclude access to or use by another 
     covered entity.
       ``(c) Annual Report.--Not later than January 31 of each 
     year, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress a report on the process used to 
     establish agreements under subsections (a) and (b), including 
     noticing announcements of opportunities and criteria for 
     selecting a covered entity, and the funds, services, and 
     equipment accepted and used by the Administrator under this 
     section during the preceding fiscal year.
       ``(d) Procedures.--The Administrator shall prescribe 
     procedures to carry out this section consistent with sections 
     50504 and 50913.
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Covered entity.--In this section, the term `covered 
     entity' means--
       ``(A) a non-Federal entity that--
       ``(i) is organized under the laws of the United States or 
     of any jurisdiction within the United States; and
       ``(ii) is engaged in commercial space activities; or
       ``(B) an entity that controls, is controlled by, or is 
     under common control with, a non-Federal entity described in 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(2) Launch support facilities.--The term `launch support 
     facilities' has the meaning given the term in section 50501.
       ``(3) Space recovery support facilities.--The term `space 
     recovery support facilities' has the meaning given the term 
     in section 50501.
       ``(4) Space transportation infrastructure.--The term `space 
     transportation infrastructure' has the meaning given that 
     term in section 50501.''.
       (d) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for chapter 
     505 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding 
     after the item relating to section 50506 the following:

``50507. Commercial space launch cooperation.''.

     SEC. 624. DETECTION AND AVOIDANCE OF COUNTERFEIT PARTS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) A 2012 investigation by the Committee on Armed Services 
     of the Senate of counterfeit electronic parts in the 
     Department of Defense supply chain from 2009 through 2010 
     uncovered 1,800 cases and over 1,000,000 counterfeit parts 
     and exposed the threat such counterfeit parts pose to service 
     members and national security.
       (2) Since 2010, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States has identified in 3 separate reports the risks and 
     challenges associated with counterfeit parts and counterfeit 
     prevention at both the Department of Defense and NASA, 
     including inconsistent definitions of counterfeit parts, 
     poorly targeted quality control practices, and potential 
     barriers to improvements to these practices.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the presence of counterfeit electronic parts in the NASA 
     supply chain poses a danger to United States government 
     astronauts, crew, and other personnel and a risk to the 
     agency overall.
       (c) Regulations.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall revise the 
     NASA Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to 
     improve the detection and avoidance of counterfeit electronic 
     parts in the supply chain.
       (2) Contractor responsibilities.--In revising the 
     regulations under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
       (A) require each covered contractor--
       (i) to detect and avoid the use or inclusion of any 
     counterfeit parts in electronic parts or products that 
     contain electronic parts;
       (ii) to take such corrective actions as the Administrator 
     considers necessary to remedy the use or inclusion described 
     in clause (i); and
       (iii) including a subcontractor, to notify the applicable 
     NASA contracting officer not later than 30 calendar days 
     after the date the covered contractor becomes aware, or has 
     reason to suspect, that any end item, component, part or 
     material contained in supplies purchased by NASA, or 
     purchased by a covered contractor or subcontractor for 
     delivery to, or on behalf of, NASA, contains a counterfeit 
     electronic part or suspect counterfeit electronic part; and
       (B) prohibit the cost of counterfeit electronic parts, 
     suspect counterfeit electronic parts, and any corrective 
     action described under subparagraph (A)(ii) from being 
     included as allowable costs under agency contracts, unless--
       (i)(I) the covered contractor has an operational system to 
     detect and avoid counterfeit electronic parts and suspect 
     counterfeit electronic parts that has been reviewed and 
     approved by NASA or the Department of Defense; and

       (II) the covered contractor has provided the notice under 
     subparagraph (A)(iii); or

       (ii) the counterfeit electronic parts or suspect 
     counterfeit electronic parts were provided to the covered 
     contractor as Government property in accordance with part 45 
     of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
       (3) Suppliers of electronic parts.--In revising the 
     regulations under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
       (A) require NASA and covered contractors, including 
     subcontractors, at all tiers--
       (i) to obtain electronic parts that are in production or 
     currently available in stock from--

       (I) the original manufacturers of the parts or their 
     authorized dealers; or
       (II) suppliers who obtain such parts exclusively from the 
     original manufacturers of the parts or their authorized 
     dealers; and

       (ii) to obtain electronic parts that are not in production 
     or currently available in stock from suppliers that meet 
     qualification requirements established under subparagraph 
     (C);
       (B) establish documented requirements consistent with 
     published industry standards or Government contract 
     requirements for--
       (i) notification of the agency; and
       (ii) inspection, testing, and authentication of electronic 
     parts that NASA or a covered contractor, including a 
     subcontractor, obtains from any source other than a source 
     described in subparagraph (A);
       (C) establish qualification requirements, consistent with 
     the requirements of section 2319 of title 10, United States 
     Code, pursuant to which NASA may identify suppliers that have 
     appropriate policies and procedures in place to detect and 
     avoid counterfeit electronic parts and suspect counterfeit 
     electronic parts; and
       (D) authorize a covered contractor, including a 
     subcontractor, to identify and use additional suppliers 
     beyond those identified under subparagraph (C) if--

[[Page 16687]]

       (i) the standards and processes for identifying such 
     suppliers comply with established industry standards;
       (ii) the covered contractor assumes responsibility for the 
     authenticity of parts provided by such suppliers under 
     paragraph (2); and
       (iii) the selection of such suppliers is subject to review 
     and audit by NASA.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Covered contractor.--The term ``covered contractor'' 
     means a contractor that supplies an electronic part, or a 
     product that contains an electronic part, to NASA.
       (2) Electronic part.--The term ``electronic part'' means a 
     discrete electronic component, including a microcircuit, 
     transistor, capacitor, resistor, or diode, that is intended 
     for use in a safety or mission critical application.

     SEC. 625. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) United States competitiveness in the 21st century 
     requires engaging the science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics (referred to in this section as ``STEM'') talent 
     in all States;
       (2) the Administration is uniquely positioned to educate 
     and inspire students and the broader public on STEM subjects 
     and careers;
       (3) the Administration's Education and Communication 
     Offices, Mission Directorates, and Centers have been 
     effective in delivering educational content because of the 
     strong engagement of Administration scientists and engineers 
     in the Administration's education and outreach activities; 
     and
       (4) the Administration's education and outreach programs, 
     including the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive 
     Research (EPSCoR) and the Space Grant College and Fellowship 
     Program, reflect the Administration's successful commitment 
     to growing and diversifying the national science and 
     engineering workforce.
       (b) Continuation of Education and Outreach Activities and 
     Programs.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall continue 
     engagement with the public and education opportunities for 
     students via all the Administration's mission directorates to 
     the maximum extent practicable.
       (2) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     Administration's near-term outreach plans for advancing space 
     law education.

     SEC. 626. LEVERAGING COMMERCIAL SATELLITE SERVICING 
                   CAPABILITIES ACROSS MISSION DIRECTORATES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Refueling and relocating aging satellites to extend 
     their operational lifetimes is a capacity that NASA will 
     substantially benefit from and is important for lowering the 
     costs of ongoing scientific, national security, and 
     commercial satellite operations.
       (2) The technologies involved in satellite servicing, such 
     as dexterous robotic arms, propellant transfer systems, and 
     solar electric propulsion, are all critical capabilities to 
     support a human exploration mission to Mars.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) satellite servicing is a vital capability that will 
     bolster the capacity and affordability of NASA's ongoing 
     scientific and human exploration operations while 
     simultaneously enhancing the ability of domestic companies to 
     compete in the global marketplace; and
       (2) future NASA satellites and spacecraft across mission 
     directorates should be constructed in a manner that allows 
     for servicing in order to maximize operational longevity and 
     affordability.
       (c) Leveraging of Capabilities.--The Administrator shall 
     identify orbital assets in both the Science Mission 
     Directorate and the Human Exploration and Operations Mission 
     Directorate that could benefit from satellite servicing-
     related technologies, and shall work across all NASA mission 
     directorates to evaluate opportunities for the private sector 
     to perform such services or advance technical capabilities by 
     leveraging the technologies and techniques developed by NASA 
     programs and other industry programs.

     SEC. 627. FLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES.

       (a) Development of Payloads.--
       (1) In general.--In order to conduct necessary research, 
     the Administrator shall continue and, as the Administrator 
     considers appropriate, expand the development of technology 
     payloads for--
       (A) scientific research; and
       (B) investigating new or improved capabilities.
       (2) Funds.--For the purpose of carrying out paragraph (1), 
     the Administrator shall make funds available for--
       (A) flight testing;
       (B) payload development; and
       (C) hardware related to subparagraphs (A) and (B).
       (b) Reaffirmation of Policy.--Congress reaffirms that the 
     Administrator should provide flight opportunities for 
     payloads to microgravity environments and suborbital 
     altitudes as authorized by section 907 of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 18405).

     SEC. 628. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SMALL CLASS LAUNCH MISSIONS.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) Venture Class Launch Services contracts awarded under 
     the Launch Services Program will expand opportunities for 
     future dedicated launches of CubeSats and other small 
     satellites and small orbital science missions; and
       (2) principal investigator-led small orbital science 
     missions, including CubeSat class, Small Explorer (SMEX) 
     class, and Venture class, offer valuable opportunities to 
     advance science at low cost, train the next generation of 
     scientists and engineers, and enable participants to acquire 
     skills in systems engineering and systems integration that 
     are critical to maintaining the Nation's leadership in space 
     and to enhancing United States innovation and competitiveness 
     abroad.

  Mr. PORTMAN. I ask unanimous consent that the committee-reported 
substitute amendment be withdrawn; the Cruz-Nelson substitute amendment 
be agreed to; the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and 
passed; and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon 
the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The committee-reported amendment in the nature of a substitute was 
withdrawn.
  The amendment (No. 5180) in the nature of a substitute was agreed to.
  (The amendment is printed in today's Record under ``Text of 
Amendments.'')
  The bill (S. 3346), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a 
third reading, was read the third time, and passed.

                          ____________________