Full Committee Markup of H.R. 2984, H.R. 2600, H.R. 2313, H.R. 2613, H.R. 1223, & H.R.____

Committee on Science

2025-04-29

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Source: Congress.gov

Summary

This meeting of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology marked the first markup session of the year for the 119th Congress, advancing six important, bipartisan bills. The legislation discussed aims to promote innovation, modernize industries, and strengthen America's economic and global competitiveness across various scientific and technological sectors, including space, energy, and biotechnology[ 00:22:36-00:22:54 ]

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Themes

Space Exploration and Astronaut Support

Three bills focused on enhancing space-related endeavors. The ASTRO Act (H.R. 2984) seeks to improve astronaut safety and post-mission recovery by eliminating procedural obstacles for medical transportation after space travel, which is necessary due to physical impairments experienced by astronauts[ 00:23:22-00:23:37 ]

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. The ASCEND Act (H.R. 2600) formally authorizes NASA's commercial satellite data acquisition program, leveraging cost-effective data from the commercial space sector for Earth observation applications like wildfire management, agricultural monitoring, and disaster preparedness[ 00:23:56-00:24:24 ]

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. The Celestial Time Standardization Act (H.R. 2313) establishes a unified time standard for space operators, crucial for coordinating missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, thereby reinforcing U.S. leadership in space exploration[ 00:24:34-00:25:02 ]

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[ 00:41:29-00:41:34 ]

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Modernizing Energy Infrastructure

The Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act (H.R. 2613) addresses the challenges of America's aging pipeline network, with many pipes over 60 years old and susceptible to leaks[ 00:25:18-00:25:28 ]

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. This bill strengthens public-private partnerships and federal R&D to improve pipeline safety, reliability, and longevity, including developing capabilities for new energy sources like hydrogen and carbon dioxide. It aims to reduce environmental impacts, such as methane leaks, and prevent accidents by focusing on advanced leak detection and mitigation tools[ 00:51:33-00:52:11 ]

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Research System Security and Biotechnology Standards

Two bills were presented to enhance security in research systems and promote advancements in biotechnology. The ANCHOR Act (H.R. 1223) ensures that the U.S. academic research fleet, which conducts vital oceanographic research, is equipped with modern and reliable cyber infrastructure and communication systems to protect sensitive data from cyber threats. The Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act (H.R. 3029) empowers the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a public-private consortium for developing technical standards and best practices for screening synthetic nucleic acids. This initiative aims to mitigate biosecurity risks in the rapidly growing biotechnology sector while fostering innovation and ensuring the safe use of advanced technologies, including those aided by AI[ 01:01:19-01:01:21 ]

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Tone of the Meeting

The tone of the meeting was largely positive and collaborative, characterized by a strong emphasis on bipartisan cooperation to advance meaningful legislation[ 00:25:42-00:25:44 ]

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. Members expressed enthusiasm and support for all six bills, highlighting their importance for scientific advancement, economic competitiveness, and national security. Despite the general consensus, there were underlying concerns raised by the Ranking Member and other speakers regarding potential budget cuts and staffing reductions at federal science agencies like NSF and NIST, which they worried could hinder the implementation of these critical bipartisan initiatives[ 00:37:24-00:37:59 ]

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Participants

Transcript

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Okay, you guys ready?  Good morning.  The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will come to order.  Without objection, the chair is authorized to declare recesses of the committee at any time.  Pursuant to Committee Rule 2F and House Rule 11, recorded votes may be postponed.   Today we meet to consider HR 2984, the ASTRO Act, HR 2600, the ASCEND Act, HR 2313, the Celestial Time Standardization Act, HR 2613, the Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act, HR 1223, the ANCR Act, and HR 3029, the Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act.   I now recognize myself for an opening statement.  Good morning.  Thank everyone for joining us for this markup at the 119th Congress, the very first one of the year.  We've kicked off the year with a strong start, holding a series of hearings focused on many pressing issues across our science and technology sectors.   Today, we build on that momentum by advancing six important bills that will promote innovation, drive industrial modernization, and strengthen America's economic and global competitiveness.  First, we will consider three space-related bills that aim to enhance our scientific research, increase astronaut safety, and support continued U.S.  leadership in space exploration.   H.R.  2984, the Astro Act, is a bill that I'm proud to sponsor.  It originated from discussions that I had with our nation's astronauts following their return from their brave missions.
After spending extended time in space, astronauts often experience medical impairments upon returning home, making it challenging to operate motor vehicles.   However, they are required to participate in critical medical studies to inform future exploration efforts which involve traveling to and from the Johnson Space Center until they're medically cleared.  The ASTRO Act is sensible legislation that eliminates procedural obstacles, ensures astronauts have reliable, hassle-free transportation for medical evaluations until they are fully cleared.   This bill will aid in their recovery, protect their health, and uphold the integrity of NASA's human space flight operations.  I am honored to advocate for improved astronaut safety and remain committed to cutting unnecessary red tape in our space sector.   Next, we will consider HR 2600, the Ascend Act, sponsored by representatives Hurd and Bonamici.  NASA's commercial satellite data acquisition program expanded the agency's observational capabilities in recent years,   by leveraging high-quality, cost-effective data from the commercial space sector.  The Ascend Act formally authorizes this vital initiative, ensuring its long-term effectiveness in leveraging commercial data and meeting NASA's operational requirements.  Representative McClellan, a former member of the SST Committee, leads our final space bill, H.R.  2313, the Celestial Time Standardization Act.   As we pursue ambitious missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, establishing a coordinated celestial time standard is essential to ensuring their success.  This bill creates a unified time standard for space operators, allowing the United States and its international partners to effectively coordinate position, navigation, timing, communication, and research across the space domain.
By leading the development of these standards, the U.S.  will reinforce its leadership in space exploration and strengthen its global competitiveness.  Shifting gears to the energy sector, our next bill addresses the needs of our nation's aging infrastructure.   The U.S.  pipeline network spans nearly 2.8 million miles across the country and averages more than 60 years in age.

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