SST Committee Passes the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, Strengthening America's Space Leadership

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee passed H.R. 7273, the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, during a full committee markup. This important legislation, led by Chairman Brian Babin and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren, strengthens America's leadership in space by providing clear direction for NASA and supporting critical programs and initiatives that will keep our nation at the forefront of exploration and discovery well into the future.

"Today's passage of the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 out of Committee marks a major step toward securing America's leadership in space for generations to come," Chairman Brian Babin said. "This bipartisan bill-a top priority of mine and one that is especially close to my heart-strengthens our human exploration efforts, supports a growing commercial space economy, and invests in the technologies that will carry us from the Moon to Mars. I'm hopeful the full House will act quickly so we can send this legislation to the Senate and ultimately to the President's desk. The next great chapter of American exploration is within reach, and this bill helps ensure we lead the way."

"Today the Science Committee recommitted NASA to fulfill its multiple missions in exploration, earth and space science, aeronautics, innovation, education, and inspiration," said Ranking Member Lofgren. "Much like the space enterprise itself, through collaboration, hard work, and a good measure of patience on both sides, we have once again, achieved good legislative results. Our nation's investment in civil space has, and will continue to contribute significantly to innovation and economic prosperity here on earth."

Highlights of H.R. 7273:

• Strengthens human exploration by supporting Artemis missions and continued development of the Space Launch System and Orion to return astronauts to the Moon and prepare for missions to Mars.
• Grows the commercial space economy by enabling NASA's transition to commercial low-Earth orbit platforms that support American industry and innovation.
• Invests in breakthrough space and aeronautics technologies, including advanced propulsion, deep-space communications, hypersonics, and next-generation flight systems.
• Supports a balanced science and workforce portfolio by advancing discovery missions and expanding education programs that prepare the next generation of explorers.

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