George Whitesides (D-CA)
Advanced Nuclear Fission and Fusion Propulsion Systems Act
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Advanced Nuclear Fission and Fusion Propulsion Systems Act. It directs the Secretary of the Air Force, acting through the Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, to establish a pilot program for in-space technology demonstrations. The demonstrations will focus on advanced nuclear fission propulsion systems and advanced nuclear fusion propulsion systems. The purpose is to reduce technical risk and inform future development requirements relating to nuclear propulsion for national security missions in space. If the program is carried out, the Secretary must conduct in-space demonstrations not later than three years after the enactment of the Act. The Secretary must also submit certain plans and reports to the congressional defense committees.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +6
Does this put more into space exploration?
The bill directs the establishment of a pilot program for in-space technology demonstrations regarding advanced nuclear fission and fusion propulsion systems.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The legislation supports advanced technological research and risk reduction activities for space propulsion systems.
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill directs the Secretary of the Air Force to establish a specific federal pilot program and submit reports to congressional committees.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) allow for the establishment of a pilot program to conduct in-space technology demonstrations and risk reduction activities regarding advanced nuclear fission and fusion propulsion systems, which may help reduce technical risk and inform future development requirements for national security missions in space, including operations beyond geosynchronous orbit and in cislunar orbit.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any explicit details regarding potential negative impacts, consequences, or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more into space exploration? — The bill directs the establishment of a pilot program for in-space technology demonstrations regarding advanced nuclear fission and fusion propulsion systems. Does this put more money into scientific research? — The legislation supports advanced technological research and risk reduction activities for space propulsion systems.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the submission of detailed plans and reports regarding the pilot program to congressional defense committees. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill directs the Secretary of the Air Force to establish a specific federal pilot program and submit reports to congressional committees.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill enhances military and national security space capabilities, which generally aligns with the broader defense sector supporting veterans.
- 10/5/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.