Ranking Member Lofgren Applauds Announcement of Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation Board Members
(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Yesterday, the Department of Energy announced the inaugural board of directors for the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI). “FESI has the potential to be a transformational resource as we work to achieve our clean energy future,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “I was a steadfast advocate through the appropriation process this past year for providing the necessary funds to launch this foundation, and I’m delighted to see the board of directors … Continue Reading
May 09, 2024Committee Leaders Call for Continued Diligence by NASA After GAO Outlines Cybersecurity Risks
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Last week, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) cybersecurity requirements in its spacecraft development contracts. The report, which is the first in a set of GAO reviews on NASA cybersecurity issues being carried out in response to a 2021 request by Science Committee leaders, highlights potential actions that NASA could take to shore up its cybersecurity posture. In the report GAO states, … Continue Reading
May 08, 2024House Passes Two Bipartisan Science Committee Bills to Support Firefighters and Structure Safety
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, the United States House of Representatives passed two Science Committee bills: H.R. 4143, the National Construction Safety Team Enhancement Act of 2024 and S. 870, the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023. “Both of these bipartisan bills will help to improve the lives and safety of Americans across the nation,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “Last year, coastal flooding in California left communities across the state vulnerable. In my district, the Pajaro … Continue Reading
May 02, 2024Lucas and Lofgren Praise Appointment of New Commerce IG
(WASHINGTON, DC) - House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) praised the appointment of a new acting Inspector General (IG) at the Department of Commerce yesterday. The appointment followed a letter from the committee leaders requesting the immediate replacement of the current acting IG. “Yesterday, President Biden notified the Congress about the appointment of Jill Baisinger, of the Department of Interior OIG, to serve … Continue Reading
April 30, 2024House Passes Six Bipartisan Science Committee Bills
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed six bipartisan Science Committee bills, covering a range of issues from energy and environment to research and technology. “The bills passed on the House Floor represent our committee’s continuous commitment to advancing and strengthening our country’s research and science enterprise,” said Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK). “From improving our weather forecasting and modeling to developing cleaner energy production methods, these … Continue Reading
April 11, 2024Ranking Members Lofgren and Ross Applaud New EPA PFAS Rule
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a first of its kind drinking water standard to remove per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that are known to cause adverse health impacts, including cancer. The new rule establishes enforceable levels for several PFAS chemicals known to occur in drinking water. Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Deborah … Continue Reading
April 10, 2024Ranking Members Lofgren and Sorensen Applaud NASA’s New Space Sustainability Strategy
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Yesterday, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released the first part of its integrated Space Sustainability Strategy to address a rapidly changing space environment and ensure its preservation for future generations. The strategy will help establish new methods of reaching sustainability goals while incentivizing best practices across the global space community. Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Ranking Member … Continue Reading
April 05, 2024Ranking Members Lofgren and Ross Applaud Biden-Harris Administration 20B Investment to Advance Climate Solutions Across the Nation
(WASHINGTON, DC) —Yesterday, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the grant recipients of 20 billion dollars in funding for community-focused climate solutions. The funding falls under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which was created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The GGRF is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program that funds clean energy and climate projects in communities across the nation, specifically in historically underserved communities. Ranking Member Zoe … Continue Reading
March 22, 2024Science Committee Members Bonamici, Salinas, and Sykes Celebrate CHIPS & Science Funding for Oregon and Ohio
(WASHINGTON, DC) — Earlier this week, President Biden announced that Intel will receive $8.5 billion in funding from the CHIPS and Science Act to expand operations in Arizona, Ohio, New Mexico, and Oregon. “Investments from the CHIPS and Science Act in Oregon’s Silicon Forest will help our region remain one of the world’s most important semiconductor and technology ecosystems," said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1). "I’m thrilled that Intel will expand Oregon’s world-class research and … Continue Reading
March 21, 2024Science Committee Leaders Support Proposed FCC Rule to Protect Spectrum Interference
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Yesterday, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expressing support for the proposed limits on unwanted emissions into the 23.6-24.0 GHz band. The committee has been a longstanding advocate of protecting the 23.6-24 GHz band which supports the integrity of global weather forecasting, satellite-based climate measurements, and ground-based … Continue Reading
March 19, 2024Ranking Members Lofgren & Sorensen Statement on the Passing of General Tom Stafford
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Yesterday, General Thomas Stafford passed away at the age of 93. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and studying at the Air Force’s Experimental Flight Test Pilot School, General Stafford was selected as part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) second class of astronauts in 1962. General Stafford completed four spaceflights, including commanding Apollo 10, a test run that preceded the Apollo 11 Moon landing, and commanding the first … Continue Reading
March 15, 2024Ranking Member Sorensen Introduces Bill to Foster Interagency Collaboration at NASA
(WASHINGTON, DC)— Today, Ranking Member Eric Sorensen (D-IL) of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics introduced a bill titled, “NASA Streamlining Partnerships for Research and Education for Engineering and Science Act.” Mr. Sorensen’s bill aims to foster interagency collaboration between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and other federal agencies. The bill will allow NASA to receive and merge funds for the awarding of grants or cooperative agreements through … Continue Reading
March 07, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren Reacts to SOTU, Echoes Biden on Importance of Clean Energy Future
(WASHINGTON, DC) — This evening, President Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. “This evening, President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to keep America moving forward in our greatest endeavors,” said Ranking Member Lofgren (D-CA). “As Extreme MAGA Republicans continue to try and pull us backwards, President Biden and House Democrats are working to build a brighter future for all Americans. That bright future includes working to strengthen our … Continue Reading
February 20, 2024Three Democratic Science Committee Members Tapped for Bipartisan AI Taskforce
(WASHINGTON, DC) — Today, Democratic and Republican Leadership of the House of Representatives announced a bipartisan artificial intelligence taskforce. The bipartisan taskforce will work to address the legitimate risks of AI while fostering innovation and ensuring the U.S. can remain a leader in this technology. The Science Committee is consistently at the forefront of the technologies of the future. Of the twelve Democratic Members of the House named to the taskforce, three are Democratic … Continue Reading
February 07, 2024Ranking Members Lofgren, Foushee, and Stevens React to Republican Judiciary Committee Targeting and Intimidating Federal Scientists
(WASHINGTON, DC) - On February 6, 2024, the Committee on the Judiciary and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government issued an interim staff report accusing the National Science Foundation (NSF) of supporting online censorship. The report targets researchers funded by NSF and advances Chairman Jordan’s year-long intimidation of scientists shedding light on media literacy in our increasingly online society. The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has … Continue Reading
February 02, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren Reflects on Visit to Two Fusion Companies in Everett, Washington
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Last week, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) visited Zap and Helion in Everett, Washington. Zap is one of the initial awardees of the Department of Energy’s new milestone-based public-private partnership program, which was advanced and authorized by the Committee as part of the Energy Act of 2020. Helion is one of the largest private fusion companies in the world. “Fusion energy holds great promise in addressing the climate crisis and decarbonizing the planet to sustain … Continue Reading
January 30, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren Applauds NSF Announcement of Ten Regional Innovation Engines
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Yesterday, the National Science Foundation announced the establishment of ten NSF Regional Innovation Engines across 18 states. These NSF Engines were selected for awards after a rigorous grant application and selection process. The NSF Regional Engines Program was authorized as a part of the landmark CHIPS and Science Act, which was led by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. “The NSF Regional Engines will expand and advance our R&D capabilities across the … Continue Reading
January 29, 2024Lofgren and Lucas Question Lack of Action by White House OSTP on Sexual Harassment Policies and Guidance
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, House Science Space and Technology Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) sent a letter to Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) sharing concerns that the office is not meeting critical deadlines to reduce sexual harassment in the federally funded scientific enterprise. Over the past several years, the Science Committee has worked in a bipartisan manner to examine and … Continue Reading
January 25, 2024Ranking Members Lofgren and Sorensen’s Statement on NASA’s Day of Remembrance
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today is NASA’s Day of Remembrance. Each January, NASA honors the NASA astronauts and employees who have tragically lost their lives while advancing the cause of exploration and discovery. “Today we pause to remember the brave crew members of Apollo 1, space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, and all NASA employees who have tragically made the ultimate sacrifice while working to advance our nation’s space program,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “We are forever … Continue Reading
January 24, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren Applauds New NSF NAIRR Program
(WASHINGTON, DC)—Today, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a pilot program for the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR). The program will support AI research and education by providing expanded access to computational resources, high-quality data, educational tools, and user support. “One of the major barriers to developing an AI-capable workforce and ensuring U.S. leadership in AI research is a lack of access to computing and training data for all but large companies and the … Continue Reading