Valerie Foushee (D-NC)
To require a report on merits and options for establishing an institute relating to space resources, and for other purposes.
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
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 requires the Administrator of NASA and the Secretary of Commerce to submit a joint report to specific House and Senate committees. The report must examine the merits and options for establishing an institute focused on space resources. The goal is to maintain United States preeminence in space by identifying, developing, and distributing these resources. The report should also look at ways to reduce technological and business risks. Additionally, the officials must assess whether a virtual or physical institute would be more cost-effective.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +3
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill aims to reduce business risks and support new space-based business architectures.
- Scored +3
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill aims to develop industrial capabilities and space resource architectures which could foster new industries and jobs.
- Scored +3
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill directs a study into developing foundational science and technology related to space resources.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Maintaining United States preeminence in space: The bill aims to advance the objectives of NASA and the Department of Commerce to keep the U.S. leading in space (Section 1(a)).
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Advancing space resource development: The report seeks ways to identify, develop, and distribute space resources through foundational science, industrial capability, and technology (Section 1(a)(1)).
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Reducing risks: The proposed institute's objectives include reducing technological and business risks linked to space resources (Section 1(a)(2)).
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Supporting space missions: The bill looks at using space resources to support current and future space architectures, programs, business, and missions (Section 1(a)(4)(A)).
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Expanding resource availability: The objectives include developing ways to supplement the supply of resources available on Earth (Section 1(a)(4)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Cost effectiveness concerns: The bill requires an assessment of whether a virtual or physical institute is most cost-effective, implying there are costs associated with establishing such an institute (Section 1(b)(1)).
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill aims to reduce business risks and support new space-based business architectures. Would students be better off under this? — The bill explores potential partnerships with institutions of higher education.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to develop industrial capabilities and space resource architectures which could foster new industries and jobs. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill seeks to reduce business risks associated with the development of space resources.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill directs a study into developing foundational science and technology related to space resources.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The report seeks to maximize the responsible use of space resources.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — Maintaining U.S. preeminence in space can indirectly support national stability.
- 12/11/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 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.
Daniel WebsterRepublican · Florida