Ranking 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
June 28, 2024ICYMI: McClellan Introduces First-Ever Federal Legislation to Establish Celestial Time Standardization
Bill Will Support American Leadership in Space Exploration (WASHINGTON, DC). - This week, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) introduced H.R. 8837, the Celestial Time Standardization Act, the first piece of federal legislation directing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a time standard for the Moon and other celestial bodies. United States leadership of a sustained presence on the Moon and in deep space is essential for advancing science, … Continue Reading
June 18, 2024Committee Leaders Lofgren and Lucas Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reinforce U.S. Microchip Manufacturing Edge
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK)—along with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), introduced the Chip Equipment Quality, Usefulness, and Integrity Protection Act of 2024 (Chip EQUIP Act), bipartisan and bicameral legislation to prevent companies that receive CHIPS and Science Act funding from purchasing specialized manufacturing tools or equipment made by entities … Continue Reading
June 13, 2024Ranking Member Foushee's Opening Statement at Hearing on State-Level Locomotive Regulation
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight is holding a hearing titled, Environmentalism Off the Rails: How CARB will Cripple the National Rail Network. Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Valerie Foushee's (D-NC) opening statement as prepared for the record is below: Thank you Chairman Obernolte, and thank you to our witnesses for appearing before the Subcommittee today. Since joining … Continue Reading
June 13, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren's Opening Statement at Hearing on State-Level Locomotive Regulation
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight is holding a hearing titled, Environmentalism Off the Rails: How CARB will Cripple the National Rail Network. Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren's (D-CA) opening statement as prepared for the record is below: Good afternoon, and thank you to Chairman Obernolte for this opportunity to discuss how our shared home state of California is working to protect the health of our … Continue Reading
June 07, 2024Lucas and Salinas Introduce Bill to Advance Geothermal Energy
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Representative Andrea Salinas (D-OR) introduced legislation to advance supercritical geothermal energy. Supercritical geothermal, sometimes referred to as superhot rock energy, is a category of enhanced geothermal systems that requires deep drilling technologies to access dry rocks at temperatures around 400°C or greater. Water or other liquids are then injected at depths of 4 kilometers … Continue Reading
June 06, 2024Ranking Member Lofgren Applauds Biden-Harris Administration Efforts to Bolster Fusion Energy in the US
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, the Department of Energy (DOE) made several announcements for cutting-edge programs that will advance fusion energy efforts in the United States. First, DOE released its Fusion Energy Strategy 2024, which bolsters the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to advance the commercialization of fusion energy in the United States by closing research gaps and capitalizing on external partnerships. Next, DOE announced $180 million in funding for Fusion Innovative Research … Continue Reading
June 06, 2024Lucas and Salinas Introduce Legislation to Advance Agricultural Research
(WASHINGTON, DC) - This week, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Representative Andrea Salinas (D-OR) introduced a bipartisan bill to strengthen a longstanding interagency research partnership between the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). H.R. 8613, the NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act, authorizes the NSF and USDA to carry out cross-cutting and collaborative research and development to enhance … Continue Reading