Congress has passed the first NASA authorization bill in five years. The bill, part of the 1,054-page CHIPS and Science Act 2022, passed on Thursday, July 28, formally extends NASA’s authorization to operate the ISS from 2024 to 2030, and supports the Artemis campaign which includes lunar exploration and eventually human missions to Mars.
However, the bill does not spell out the exact amount of funds set to be given to NASA to make it all happen. The last time Congress passed funding for NASA was back in 2017. As part of the NASA Transition Authorization Act then, the space agency received USD 19.5 billion in funding.
“I am incredibly pleased Congress has passed the NASA Authorization Act of 2022 – the first authorization for our agency in five years. This act shows continued bipartisan support of NASA’s many missions, including our Moon to Mars approach, as well extension of U.S. participation in the International Space Station to 2030,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement As a senator, Nelson had earlier worked on several NASA authorization bill.
“With strong support from the Biden-Harris Administration as well as this authorization, NASA will continue to advance scientific discoveries, enable sustainable aviation, address climate change, and much more,” Nelson added, as he also recognized several Senators and Representative of both parties.
President Joe Biden has already said he supports the bill and is expected to sign it by the end of the week.
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What is the CHIPS and Science Act
The CHIPS and Science Act, H.R. 434, provides for USD 280 billion aimed primarily at semiconductor manufacturing and scientific research through the National Science Foundation to help the United States compete with China. Interestingly, none of this USD 280 billion is directed towards NASA.
The bill passed by a vote of 243-187-1, with 219 Democrats (all but one) and 24 Republicans voting in favor, and 187 Republicans voting against.
The move was welcomes by industry associations as well. “Continued American leadership in space is also essential to our competitive edge. It is encouraging to see Congress prioritize the enhancement of NASA technology, infrastructure, and workforce in this legislation, while also authorizing key programs including Artemis, ISS extension, sustainable aviation x-plane demonstrators, space nuclear systems, and a wide range of science missions. AIA is committed to continuing to work with Legislators on the full breadth of NASA’s authorizations,” the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning, said in a statement.
“Today’s action by the Senate on the CHIPS Act comes at a critical time for American competitiveness, and we urge the House to take up the legislation without delay. Strategic investments to address the global semiconductor chip shortage, support American jobs, and strengthen our global leadership in chip technology are important steps forward for our country,” he added.
“While this legislation is an important step forward, the fact that it does not include the reversal of a detrimental research and development (R&D) amortization tax law change is a lost opportunity. At a time when China is doubling down on R&D incentives and inflation is putting pressure on businesses and our economy, lawmakers must find a way to encourage private investment in innovation before the end of the year,” he said.
