Brian Babin (R-TX)
NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 37 - 0.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The "NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026" serves to reauthorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration by establishing specific funding levels for exploration, science, aeronautics, and space technology. The legislation outlines plans for the Artemis program, the continued operation and eventual deorbit of the International Space Station, and various research initiatives. It also addresses lunar exploration, human-rated landing capabilities, and advancements in space suits. Furthermore, the bill provides for STEM education, commercial low-Earth orbit development, and various scientific and aeronautical research goals. The legislation also establishes new requirements including a GAO review of fire and emergency services, a Public-Private Talent Program, and a NASA-wide mentoring program. Finally, the act restricts Federal funds from being used for certain bilateral activities or hosting official visitors from the People's Republic of China.
Yes· 3 of 15
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill provides significant authorization for various science, aeronautics, and space technology research programs through fund transfers and specific agency support.
- Scored +5
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The bill's emphasis on STEM outreach, education, and workforce development provides opportunities for young people.
- Scored +5
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill supports commercial space providers and various public-private partnerships.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill restricts bilateral collaboration and hosting of officials from the People's Republic of China.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development: The exploration of outer space, including the lunar surface, is noted to provide economic opportunity and expand the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce (Section 202(a)(1)).
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Scientific Advancement through Lunar Exploration: Understanding lunar polar volatiles, such as water ice, could advance science related to the origin and evolution of volatiles in the inner solar system (Section 202(a)(2)).
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Support for Agricultural Producers: The dissemination of NASA Earth science data, including information on water, soil, and vegetation, is intended to support American agricultural producers in managing resources and increasing crop yields (Section 607(b)).
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Wildfire Management and Safety: The "FireSense" project aims to improve aerial responses to wildfires through advanced science and technology, which can help in the management, detection, and mitigation of these fires (Section 620(b)).
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Educational Opportunities: The bill supports the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program to provide opportunities for students and help develop a skilled technical workforce (Section 701 and Section 702).
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Commercial Growth: The establishment of various programs, such as the Commercial Lunar Payload Services and Commercial Low-Earth Orbit development, aims to foster a robust space economy and support commercial providers (Section 611 and Section 321).
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Career Development and Diversity: The establishment of a NASA-wide mentoring program is intended to create a robust pipeline for the civil servant workforce and help employees, including those from historically underrepresented populations in STEM, prepare for leadership roles (Section 812).
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Skill Sharing and Training: The Public-Private Talent Program can be used to assist in the training of employees and provide access to private sector expertise, such as cybersecurity (Section 810).
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Contractual Flexibility: NASA can adjust contract performance, delivery schedules, or reschedule work when facilities are inaccessible, allowing for equitable adjustments (Section 808).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Risks to Astronaut Safety: Current spacesuit technologies (EMUs) have been reported to have maintenance issues that threaten astronaut lives (Section 205(a)(4)).
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Potential Financial Risks in Science Missions: The bill notes that mission cost growth beyond early estimates has the potential to affect the balance of the Science portfolio and delay future mission solicitations (Section 602(a)(4)).
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Space Safety Concerns: The research into orbital debris is highlighted as a critical activity to mitigate hazards to the safety of humans living and working in space (Section 323(a)).
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Public Safety and Space Operations: The aging International Space Station eventually requires a controlled deorbit to protect public safety and avoid interference with other space operators (Section 314(a)(1)).
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Financial Liability for Employees: Under the Public-Private Talent Program, if a NASA employee fails to carry out their written agreement after a temporary assignment, they may be held liable for all expenses of that assignment (Section 810).
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Workforce Restrictions: The Public-Private Talent Program includes restrictions that prevent the use of such assignments to circumvent civil servant workforce size limitations or to use contractor personnel to perform the duties of civil servants (Section 810).
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Funding Restrictions on International Collaboration: Federal funds are restricted from being used for bilateral programs or hosting official visitors from the People's Republic of China, which may impact specific scientific or policy activities unless security certifications are met (Section 813).
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 supports commercial space providers and various public-private partnerships. Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill directs NASA to disseminate Earth science data to support American agricultural producers. Would students be better off under this? — The bill expands opportunities for students in STEM through space grant programs and hands-on learning. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill's emphasis on STEM outreach, education, and workforce development provides opportunities for young people. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill includes outreach to students in vocational or career and technical education programs.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill promotes skilled technical workforce outreach and space exploration which provides economic opportunity and workforce expansion. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill includes provisions for SBIR phase II flexibility and encourages partnerships between NASA and the private sector.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill provides significant authorization for various science, aeronautics, and space technology research programs through fund transfers and specific agency support. Does this make college cost less? — The bill funds the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program and space grant consortia for students.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill funds research into orbital debris mitigation, wildfire management, and the responsible use of space resources. Does this invest in rural communities? — NASA's Earth science data supports agricultural producers which can assist rural economies.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill mandates a mentoring program to support employees from populations historically underrepresented in STEM. Does this make housing cost less? — The bill's focus on Earth observation data could assist in managing land resources used for housing.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates several reports to Congress to ensure oversight of NASA programs, fund transfers, and talent programs.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The Public-Private Talent Program provides access to private sector expertise, specifically including cybersecurity. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill restricts bilateral collaboration and hosting of officials from the People's Republic of China.
- 2/4/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 37 - 0.
- 1/30/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
5 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Valerie FousheeDemocrat · North Carolina
Mike HaridopolosRepublican · Florida
Zoe LofgrenDemocrat · California