Lofgren Statement on Reporting that NSF Will Halt Illegal Scheme to Dismantle Ocean Monitoring System After Democratic Action
(Washington, DC) - Today, the New York Times reported that the National Science Foundation (NSF) intends to announce they will stop their plan to illegally dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). This comes after Congressional Democrats rallied against the administration’s expensive scheme to remove monitoring equipment from the ocean floor. It’s been reported that some research buoys have already been pulled off the Pacific Northwest coast. “This is welcome news—NSF leadership is … Continue Reading
June 15, 2026Science, Natural Resources Committee Democrats Demand Trump Administration Cease Illegal and Expensive Scheme to Dismantle NSF Ocean Observation System
Unfortunately for the President, NSF’s ability to tear itself apart at his whim is limited by the law. (Washington, DC) - Today, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) of the Committee on Natural Resources led a letter with their Democratic Committee colleagues demanding that National Science Foundation (NSF) Acting Director Brian Stone immediately stop the administration’s illegal plan to dismantle NSF’s … Continue Reading
June 04, 2026Democratic Members Slam NSF for Covert Blacklisting of Universities
(Washington, DC) — Today, Science Committee Democratic Members sent a letter to National Science Foundation Acting Director Brian Stone demanding answers on NSF secretly blocking research grants to top universities. On May 27, 2026, it was reported in Nature that NSF had been blocking awards to Duke University, Harvard University, Princeton University, and Yale University since April 9, 2026. The Science Committee learned of this politicization of the grant awarding process from media reports … Continue Reading
May 29, 2026Ranking Member Lofgren Slams Trump Administration for Plan to Politicize Research Funding Process, Undermine Expert Review
(Washington, DC) — On Thursday, the White House released a proposal that would give political appointees at federal science agencies the role of approving all scientific research awards. Funding approval has historically been determined by apolitical expert scientists to ensure awards are merit-based and without bias. “With this proposed regulation, American leadership in science is dealt a fatal blow,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren. “The Trump Administration has spent a year and a half … Continue Reading
May 21, 2026Ranking Member Lofgren Calls Out Trump Admin for Illegal Use of CHIPS and Science Funds
(Washington, DC) — Today, the Department of Commerce announced letters of intent totaling $2 billion in awards to nine U.S. companies for quantum technology. A single company will receive $1 billion. The funds were appropriated through the CHIPS and Science Act and were not intended for quantum technology. “This announcement is illegal and troubling on so many levels,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “The administration is, once again, directly defying very clear direction from … Continue Reading
May 12, 2026House Democrats Condemn Termination of National Science Board Members
(Washington, DC) — Today, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) led thirty-one Democratic Members in sending a letter to President Donald Trump regarding his legally dubious April 24, 2026, termination of all 22 Members of the National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises Congress and the President on the activities of the National Science Foundation (NSF), and it has served this function since the creation of NSF in 1950. In their letter, the … Continue Reading
May 08, 2026Ranking Member Lofgren Appalled by White House Decision to Name Brian Hughes De Facto Head of Kennedy Space Center
(Washington, DC) - Today, Brian Hughes was named as the de facto Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center by the White House. Hughes, who led Trump’s 2024 presidential election campaign in Florida, has deep ties to the White House but no background or expertise in space launch systems. He served as NASA’s Chief of Staff from May to December of 2025. During his tenure, he illegally implemented Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 Presidential Budget Request … Continue Reading
April 25, 2026Ranking Member Lofgren Reacts to Latest Trump Scheme to Undermine Science
(Washington, DC) - Science Committee Democratic staff have learned from multiple sources that President Trump has fired the entirety of the National Science Board (NSB). The purpose of the NSB is to advise Congress and the President on the activities of the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSB was established in the National Science Foundation Act of 1950. “This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation,” said Ranking Member Lofgren. … Continue Reading
April 17, 2026Science Committee Democratic Staff Report Reveals Details on NASA’s Illegal Implementation of Trump’s FY2026 Budget Request Without Congressional Approval
(Washington, DC) - Today, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) released a Minority Staff Report detailing how the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) illegally implemented President Trump’s FY2026 budget request without Congressional approval. Upon release of the President’s budget request, under pressure from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NASA immediately began shutting down and defunding programs targeted in the budget proposal, with no direction from Congress. “A … Continue Reading
April 10, 2026Ranking Member Lofgren Celebrates Successful Artemis II Return
(Washington, DC) — Today, the Artemis II Orion crew capsule, Integrity, carrying NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after its ten-day journey around the moon. The astronauts were safely recovered from the Orion capsule and will be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. “Today’s successful completion of the Artemis II mission and safe return of our … Continue Reading
April 03, 2026Ranking Member Lofgren Blasts Trump Budget Request
(Washington, DC) - Today, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released the President’s budget request for fiscal year 2027. The budget request proposes massive cuts to science and innovation programs under the jurisdiction of the Science Committee. “This budget request should be ignored,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “The only thing this twisted collection of so-called policies would do is fuel Trump’s war. It will stymie American science and innovation and hand … Continue Reading
April 01, 2026Ranking Member Lofgren Congratulates NASA and Partners after Successful Artemis II Launch
(Washington, DC) — Today, NASA’s Space Launch System and the Orion crew capsule carrying NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen successfully launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center to embark on its ten day journey. The Artemis II mission will take the astronauts to low Earth orbit to test out key systems before journeying toward and around moon for the first time in over 50 years. “Congratulations to NASA and its … Continue Reading
March 20, 2026Ranking Member Lofgren Raises Alarm Over Terms of Commerce Department Equity Stake in USA Rare Earth, Condemns Lutnick Conflict of Interest
(Washington, DC) - Yesterday, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) sent a letter to Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Howard Lutnick condemning the Department’s proposed equity stake deal with USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USAR). The terms of the agreement raise serious concerns about the influence DOC will wield over USAR under the deal. These concerns are amplified by the involvement of Cantor Fitzgerald, a financial services firm controlled by Secretary Lutnick’s sons, in a parallel transaction … Continue Reading
March 18, 2026Ranking Member Lofgren Applauds Committee Passage of NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed H.R. 7813, NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, during a full committee markup. This important legislation will direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to modernize and expand a nationwide Weather Radio network, provide emergency alerts, and remain resilient during emergencies. “When every second counts, it is essential for the U.S. to have a reliable Weather Radio network,” said … Continue Reading
March 17, 2026House Committees on Science, Space, and Technology and Small Business Celebrate Passage of SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Bill on the House Floor
(Washington, DC) - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, under suspension, favorably out of the chamber. The bill will now head to the President’s desk. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Technology Transfer (STTR) programs expired on September 30, 2025, following the Senate’s failure to pass the House’s clean, one-year extension. Legislation extending the SBIR/STTR programs was introduced by Small … Continue Reading
February 27, 2026Ranking Member Lofgren Appalled by Trump Administration’s Attacks on Anthropic
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Trump administration ordered federal agencies to stop using technology from the artificial intelligence company Anthropic immediately. Anthropic’s Claude AI model has been heavily integrated into the Pentagon’s operations. When the Trump administration demanded unrestricted access to Anthropic’s technologies, the AI company refused to comply out of fear that its services would be used for mass domestic surveillance and the development of lethal weapons that … Continue Reading
February 25, 2026SST Committee Leaders Urge FCC to Narrow "Space Modernization" Proposal
(Washington, DC) - Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) raising concerns about the agency’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled "Space Modernization for the 21st Century," and urging the Commission to withdraw or substantially narrow the proposal to remain within its statutory authority. In the letter to FCC Chairman Carr, the bipartisan leaders express … Continue Reading
February 24, 2026Chairman Babin, Ranking Member Lofgren Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan SST Committee Bills
(Washington, DC) - Yesterday, three bipartisan bills from the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee passed the House. These important pieces of legislation will strengthen America’s leadership in emerging scientific fields, enhance wildfire response through cutting-edge technologies, and advance innovation in forecasting and emergency operations. "Yesterday's House passage of the ACERO Act, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act, and the ASCEND Act reflects our … Continue Reading
February 20, 2026Science Democrats Concerned Over Reports of Problematic NIST Policy for Foreign Researchers
(Washington, DC) - Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-MD) sent a letter to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acting Under Secretary Craig Burkhardt demanding answers regarding rumors that NIST has begun taking steps to implement a policy that would limit the ability of foreign-born researchers to conduct their work at NIST. An article was published on February 12, 2026, describing an alleged new three-year limit on international graduate … Continue Reading
February 20, 2026Ranking Member Lofgren Statement on Program Investigation Team Report for Starliner Crewed Flight Test
(Washington, DC) - Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) made the following statement on the NASA Program Investigation Team report for the Starliner crewed flight test: “While I am still reviewing the Program Investigation Team report released today on the Starliner crewed flight test, I am deeply concerned about the breach of NASA’s safety culture. The fact that the risks could have led to catastrophe and the loss of our dedicated NASA astronauts is alarming. It is imperative that NASA and … Continue Reading