Space Subcommittee to Explore Impact of Outer Space Treaty on its 50th Anniversary

This hearing will examine U.S. government obligations under the Outer Space Treaty on its 50th anniversary, specifically compliance with Article VI of the Treaty that requires governments to authorize and continually supervise the activities of non-government entities. This hearing will also explore the Treaty’s potential impacts on expansion of our nation’s commerce and settlement in space.

American Innovation and Competitiveness Act Signed into Law

U.S. Sen. John Thune, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Rep. Lamar Smith, chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, issued statements on the enactment of S. 3084, the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act.

One Last 2016 Senate Commerce Bill Heads to White House

The bill encourages scientific entrepreneurship, maximizes research opportunities, reduces administrative burdens for researchers, and promotes oversight of taxpayer-funded research. It also enhances diversity in STEM fields, private-sector innovation, and manufacturing.

Commerce Announces First Artificial Intelligence Hearing

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness, will convene a hearing on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. on “The Dawn of Artificial Intelligence.” The hearing will conduct a broad overview of the state of artificial intelligence, including policy implications and effects on commerce.

Commerce Committee Senators Introduce The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2016

U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) announced the introduction of S. 3346, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Transition Authorization Act of 2016. The legislation provides stability for NASA to sustain and build upon existing national space investments designed to advance space exploration and science with an overall authorization level of $19.508 billion for fiscal year 2017.