Ranking Members Lofgren and Sorensen Celebrate Successful Launch of Europa Clipper
(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Today, the Europa Clipper spacecraft launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Kennedy Space Center. Europa Clipper will travel 1.8 billion miles to Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa. The spacecraft is slated to reach Jupiter in April 2030. “Constructing a highly capable spacecraft designed to withstand the harsh radiation environment of Jupiter and carry out the first in-depth study of Europa was no easy feat,” … Continue Reading
October 11, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren Congratulates Nobel Prize Recipients
(SAN JOSE, CA) - This week, the Nobel Prizes were announced. These awards honor their recipient's groundbreaking work in their respective fields. “Congratulations to this year’s Nobel Prize laureates,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “The Nobel Prize is an important reminder of how critical federal funding for research and development is to building a brighter future for all. The research that led to many of the awardees’ groundbreaking discoveries was powered by federal grants. … Continue Reading
October 10, 2024Lucas and Lofgren Call for Additional Changes Following Investigation into Handling of Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Antarctic Program
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee leaders Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) sent a letter to Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), recommending several changes to the NSF’s solicitation for the Antarctic Science and Engineering Support contract. These recommendations follow the committee’s extensive investigation into the widespread culture of sexual harassment and assault in the … Continue Reading
September 29, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren Commends Governor Newsom for Veto of Over-Restrictive California AI Bill
(SAN JOSE, CA) - Today, California Governor Newsom vetoed SB 1047, the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act. Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren, along with other Members of the California Delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives, have expressed their concern regarding the bill in letters throughout this summer. “I commend Governor Newsom for his decision to veto SB 1047,” said Ranking Member Lofgren. “As I have said in my letters on the matter, any AI … Continue Reading
September 25, 2024Science Committee Passes Four Bipartisan Bills
(Washington, D.C.) - Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed four bipartisan bills addressing our nation’s energy, research, and technology needs. “I’m pleased to pass another set of smart, responsible bills through the Committee today,” Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) said. “Our energy bills will help propel innovative work at the Department of Energy, including advancing artificial intelligence systems and developing small modular reactors. And our research and … Continue Reading
September 23, 2024Science Committee Leaders Commend House Passage of NASA Reauthorization
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee leaders praised the House passage of H.R. 8958, the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024. This bipartisan legislation reaffirms our commitment to leading global space and science endeavors and emphasizes the importance of commercial partnerships and international collaboration in advancing space exploration and scientific research. “NASA plays a pivotal role in driving our nation’s science and technology … Continue Reading
September 19, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren Honors Hidden Figures at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Yesterday, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) attended a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and all the women computers, mathematicians, and engineers at NASA and NACA during the Space Race. These medals were awarded as a result of the Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act, which was led in the House by former Science Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, and was enacted into law … Continue Reading
September 13, 2024Ranking Members Lofgren and Sorensen Statement on NASEM Report Assessing the Future of NASA
(WASHINGTON, DC) — Earlier this week, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Math’s (NASEM) Committee on NASA Mission Critical Workforce, Infrastructure, and Technology released their report entitled, NASA at a Crossroads: Maintaining Workforce, Infrastructure, and Technology Preeminence in the Coming Decades. The report was mandated by Congress through the CHIPS and Science Act and seeks to offer a “high-level review of NASA’s workforce, infrastructure, and technological … Continue Reading
September 11, 2024Science Committee Passes Nine Bills to Support the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed nine bipartisan bills to ensure U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). The bills encompass a range of initiatives, including increased support for AI research and development and the promotion of AI education and workforce training programs. “Artificial intelligence has never been more vital to our national competitiveness,” said Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK). “Today’s markup is a significant step … Continue Reading
September 06, 2024Science Committee Leaders Seek Answers Regarding the Cancellation of NASA’s VIPER Project
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), along with Space and Aeronautics Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX) and Ranking Member Eric Sorensen (D-IL), sent a letter to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson regarding the cancellation of the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) project. “We must fully assess the strategic and scientific implications of NASA’s decision not to launch VIPER, … Continue Reading
August 26, 2024Committee Leaders Lucas and Lofgren Statement on Optica Senior Leadership Change
(WASHINGTON, DC)—Last week, Optica made changes to its senior leadership following a board review of the Optica Foundation Challenge. The board’s decisions follow months of scrutiny by Science Committee leaders of Optica’s distribution of anonymized Huawei donations to recipients of prestigious research awards. “We are encouraged that Optica is now taking decisive steps on this matter,” said Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “Accepting and anonymizing funds … Continue Reading
August 24, 2024Ranking Members Lofgren and Sorensen Statement on NASA Decision to Return Starliner to Earth Uncrewed
(WASHINGTON, DC) --Today, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced the space agency’s decision to return the Boeing Starliner spacecraft to Earth uncrewed. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will remain on the International Space Station and are slated to return early next year on Crew Dragon. Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Eric Sorensen (D-IL) made the following statement: “NASA’s decision to return astronauts Butch Wilmore … Continue Reading
August 13, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren Sends Letters to Nine Technology Companies Requesting Access for Mis-and Disinformation Researchers
(San Jose, CA) - Today, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) sent letters to nine companies who operate search and social media platforms. The letters request that the companies provide data transparency tools to American researchers at least equivalent to those required of Very Large Online Platforms by the European Union. In her letter to Meta, Ranking Member Lofgren requested that the company maintain its data access tool - CrowdTangle - at least through the rest of the year, instead of … Continue Reading
August 09, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren Celebrates Two Years of CHIPS and Science
(San Jose, CA) - Today is the two-year anniversary of the enactment of the CHIPS and Science Act. “In the two years since President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law, the bill has made significant impacts in every corner of the nation,” said Ranking Member Lofgren (D-CA). “Thousands of good paying jobs, billions of dollars in public and private investment, regionally focused innovation hubs, and more are transforming communities and building opportunities across the country. … Continue Reading
July 31, 2024Committee Leaders Lofgren and Lucas Introduce AI Workforce Bill
(WASHINGTON, DC) -Yesterday, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) introduced the Workforce for AI Trust Act. The bill promotes a multidisciplinary workforce that can advance the development and training of trustworthy AI systems. It will do so by leveraging existing artificial intelligence, education, and workforce programs and activities at the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. “AI has tremendous potential to … Continue Reading
July 30, 2024Committee Leaders Lucas and Lofgren Continue Investigation into Optica’s Use of Undisclosed Funds from Huawei to Back U.S. Research
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Yesterday, Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) sent a follow-up letter to Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of Optica, requesting responses to unanswered questions and addressing new reporting that calls into question how Optica characterized its relationship with Huawei. In their letter, Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Lofgren said, “We do not believe Optica properly acknowledged the full extent of Huawei’s influence in its response to the Committee. … Continue Reading
July 25, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren's Statement on MAGA Republicans’ Irresponsible Appropriations Bills
(WASHINGTON, DC) — Yesterday, the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill passed the House of Representatives. The bill includes a massive $1.8 billion cut to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compared to the FY 2024 enacted level, and is $3.6 billion below the FY 2025 budget request. House Republicans also attempted to pass their Energy and Water appropriations bill this week, which includes funds for the Department of Energy (DOE). The bill significantly … Continue Reading
July 18, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren Celebrates Initial 30M for California ARCHES Hydrogen Hub
(SAN JOSE, CA) - Yesterday, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) announced an initial 30M award for the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). The ARCHES Hydrogen Hub in California is one of seven hydrogen hubs established by the Biden Administration’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program and made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The purpose of this program is to form a clean hydrogen network that will decarbonize … Continue Reading
July 09, 2024Science Committee Leaders Release Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize NASA
(WASHINGTON, DC) — Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), along with Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX) and Ranking Member Eric Sorensen (D-IL), released legislation to reauthorize NASA. The bill reaffirms our nation’s unwavering commitment to leading global space and science endeavors and ensures NASA maintains its position as the world’s premier space agency. Highlights of the NASA … Continue Reading
July 09, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren Celebrates the Enactment of the Fire Grants and Safety Act
(WASHINGTON, DC) — Today, President Biden signed S. 870, the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023 into law. This bipartisan bill was cosponsored by Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “I’m very proud to see President Biden sign the Fire Grants and Safety Act into law today,” said Ranking Member Lofgren. “Due to extreme heat and drought brought on by the climate crisis, wildfire season is now year-round—leaving our nation’s firefighters in great need of support from Congress. Sadly, we have an … Continue Reading