House Committee on Science Space & Tech - Republicans

Full Committee Hearing - Unleashing the Golden Age of Science: Examining the Priorities of the FY2027 Research and Technology Enterprise

Wed, 203 Jul 2026 10:15:00 EST

Opening Statement of Chairman Babin at Unleashing the Golden Age of Science: Examining the Priorities of the FY2027 Research and Technology Enterprise

Wed, 203 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Good morning, and welcome to today’s hearing on “Unleashing the Golden Age of Science: Examining the Priorities of the FY2027 Research and Technology Enterprise.”

Director Kratsios, welcome back. The last time you sat before this Committee, we discussed how Congress could build on President Trump’s AI Action Plan, the role of American innovation, and the national security challenges posed by foreign competitors. Six months later, I am glad to say that both the Administration and this Committee have taken meaningful action.

Last year, President Trump asked you to usher in a Golden Age of American Innovation. This is the standard by which this budget should be judged. A Golden Age is not measured by how much government spends, but by whether taxpayer dollars are focused on the right priorities and produce results that strengthen America’s leadership in science and technology.

Today’s hearing is about priorities. After years in which Washington too often measured success by dollars obligated rather than by results achieved, this Administration has begun to refocus the federal research enterprise on excellence, accountability, and outcomes.

I expect today’s discussion will include funding levels, indirect cost policies, Uniform Guidance, and the President’s Budget Request. Those are important discussions, but funding alone is not a measurement of success. The real question is whether taxpayer dollars are being invested wisely and deliver results for the American people.

This budget directs taxpayer dollars toward the technologies that will decide the next century—artificial intelligence, quantum, advanced manufacturing, nuclear, and biotechnology—while ensuring the science this government funds meets the highest scientific standards.
The President’s Executive Order on Restoring Gold Standard Science reinforces that commitment by requiring federally funded research to be reproducible, transparent, and honest about uncertainty. Agencies will submit their first annual reports under that Executive Order this September, and this Committee will be reading them.

Scientific leadership also requires protecting the research we fund. Congress has strengthened research security on a bipartisan basis, and American taxpayers should never subsidize the transfer of cutting-edge research to our foreign adversaries.

America enters this competition from a position of strength. According to Stanford’s AI 2026 Index, private investment in American AI companies reached nearly $286 billion last year—more than twenty-three times China’s and more than the rest of the world combined.

But we should be clear-eyed about the competition. The Chinese Communist Party has made artificial intelligence a national priority and is spending accordingly. Chinese frontier models now trail America’s by only a few points on leading benchmarks, and Beijing continues targeting our universities and National Laboratories to obtain cutting-edge research.

That is exactly why this budget matters.

The Administration has laid out a strategy to preserve American leadership in critical technologies. Executive Order 14409 hardens our systems against AI-enabled cyberattacks by partnering with American industry rather than regulating it into the ground.

National Security Presidential Memorandum 11 is helping ensure our warfighters have access to reliable and trustworthy AI capabilities, while the Genesis Mission is leveraging our National Laboratories and supercomputing infrastructure to accelerate scientific discovery.

This Committee has done its part. Across several markups this Congress, we have reported out the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, the NASA Reauthorization Act, the Weather Act Reauthorization Act, and other bipartisan measures to strengthen the American science and technology enterprise.

Last month, we also approved ten bipartisan AI bills, including my AI-Ready Federal Data Guidelines Act, which implements a recommendation in the AI Action Plan to make scientific data AI-ready. We also approved the AI Security and Innovation Act, authorizing the Center for AI Standards and Innovation at NIST to bolster AI evaluation capabilities essential to both national security and American leadership.

Director Kratsios, we look forward to hearing about how this budget advances the Administration’s priorities, strengthens OSTP, NSF, and NIST, implements Gold Standard Science, protects the federal research enterprise, and ensures the United States remains the world’s leader in science and technology.

I appreciate your being here today, and I welcome your testimony.

With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Full Committee Markup of H.R. 3168, H.R. 8437, H.R. 9326, and H.R. 8981

Tue, 202 Jul 2026 10:00:00 EST

Opening Statement:

Chairman Brian Babin

Full Committee Markup of:

H.R. 3168, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 - favorably reported to the House by voice vote

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 reauthorizes NEHRP through FY 2031 and modernizes federal efforts to improve earthquake monitoring, early warning capabilities, hazard mapping, and seismic resilience. It also strengthens coordination among federal agencies and with state, local, and Tribal partners.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 3168, offered by Rep. Babin (R-TX) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill.
Amendment #049 to the ANS to H.R. 3168, offered by Rep. Webster (R-FL) - passed by voice vote
Coordinate with the Administrators of the FAA and NASA to study the feasibility of using earthquake monitor data to detect sonic booms caused by meteorites or uncontrolled space debris reentering Earth's atmosphere.
Amendment #116 to the ANS to H.R. 3168, offered by Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) - passed by voice vote
Directs NIST to conduct a national risk assessment of earthquake resilience gaps and progress with interagency, state, local, and Tribal partners.
Amendment #117 to the ANS to H.R. 3168, offered by Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) - passed by voice vote
Directs FEMA to evaluate the reliability and timeliness of earthquake early warning communications and provide recommendations.

H.R. 8437, Geo POWER Act - favorably reported to the House by voice vote

The Geo POWER Act establishes a milestone-based demonstration program to accelerate next-generation geothermal energy projects in new regions across the United States. The bill uses innovative financing to reduce project risk, attract private investment, and expand reliable domestic geothermal electricity generation.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 8437, offered by Rep. Begich (R-AK) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill.
Amendment #114 to the ANS to H.R. 8437, offered by Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) - passed by voice vote
Directs DOE to report on technical and financial milestones of selected projects and describe the innovative financing mechanisms used under the Program.
Amendment #115 to the ANS to H.R. 8437, offered by Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) - passed by voice vote
Includes geothermal projects sited where DOE has previously invested in EGS data collection and infrastructure in Program priority criteria.

H.R. 9326, USA Act - favorably reported to the House by voice vote

The USA Act strengthens American leadership in setting international technical standards for artificial intelligence and other critical and emerging technologies. It promotes a private sector-led approach, improves federal coordination, and helps ensure U.S. companies—not foreign competitors—shape the rules governing the technologies of the future.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 9326, offered by Rep. Webster (R-FL) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill.
Amendment #087 to the ANS to H.R. 9326, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) - passed by voice vote
To increase the participation of U.S. stakeholders in the standards development process.
Amendment #086 to the ANS to H.R. 9326, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) - passed by voice vote
To safeguard sensitive information against improper release
Amendment #113 to the ANS to H.R. 9326, offered by Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) - passed by voice vote
Includes an assessment and recommendations to address barriers for small- and medium-sized business, universities, and nonprofits to participate in AI standards development in briefing elements.
Amendment #112 to the ANS to H.R. 9326, offered by Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) - passed by voice vote
Includes consideration of entities that support improved access to participation in standards development meetings in NIST grant decisions.

H.R. 8981, Standards and Calibration for American Leadership in Engineering Biology Act - passed by voice vote

The Standards and Calibration for American Leadership in Engineering Biology (SCALE Biology) Act establishes a biometrology program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to advance measurement science, technical standards, and research for engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biotechnology. The bill aims to strengthen U.S. leadership in the bioeconomy by improving the reliability of biological data, supporting innovation and industrial competitiveness, and promoting the safe, secure, and responsible development of biotechnology.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 8981, offered by Rep. McClain Delaney (D-MD) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill.
Amendment #104 to the ANS to H.R. 8981, offered by Rep. McClain Delaney (D-MD) - withdrawn
This amendment would authorize funding for the biometrology program established by the bill.

Chairman Babin Applauds Committee Passage of Bipartisan Legislation

Tue, 202 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin released the following statement after the Committee passed four bipartisan bills to strengthen America's research enterprise, improve public safety, support domestic energy development, and reinforce U.S. leadership in critical and emerging technologies. The Committee approved H.R. 3168, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025; H.R. 8437, the Geo POWER Act; H.R. 9326, the Utilize Standards for All Act; and H.R. 8981, the SCALE Biology Act.

“America's leadership depends on our ability to anticipate tomorrow's challenges while investing in tomorrow's opportunities,” said Chairman Babin. “These bipartisan bills strengthen public safety, support American energy, promote U.S. leadership in global standards, and advance the research that will shape the future. I thank my colleagues for working together to move this legislation forward.”

Highlights of H.R. 3168:

Strengthens earthquake early warning and expands detection capabilities.
Modernizes hazard reduction through updated building standards and hazard mapping.
Expands earthquake research and improves federal coordination with state, local, and tribal partners.

Highlights of H.R. 8437:

Accelerates next-generation geothermal energy development through demonstration projects.
Supports innovative technologies and expands access to new geothermal resources.
Promotes data sharing and investment in emerging geothermal solutions.

Highlights of H.R. 9326:

Advances U.S. leadership in global AI standards efforts.
Connects federal agencies and industry to strengthen standards engagement.
Increases opportunities for U.S. participation in international standards development.

Highlights of H.R. 8981:

Advances biotechnology innovation through improved measurement science and standards.
Strengthens collaboration between NIST, industry, and research partners.
Supports safe and secure growth of the U.S. bioeconomy.

Chairman Babin, Ranking Member Lofgren Urge FCC to Postpone Vote on "Space Modernization" Rules

Tue, 202 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr urging the Commission to postpone consideration of its Report and Order (R&O) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) related to its "Space Modernization for the 21st Century" proposal.

In the letter, the bipartisan leaders urge the Commission to "postpone its consideration" of the proposal and "confine its regulations to the authority Congress has granted the FCC regarding radiofrequency communications licensing for private space systems."

The Chairman and Ranking Member also note that they did not receive a response to their February 2026 letter and write that "the concerns we identified in our February letter remain" as the Commission moves forward with the R&O and FNPRM.

The Members further write that Committee letters are intended "to establish dialogue, exchange information, and revisit our respective roles and authorities."

The letter concludes, "In the absence of responsive action, constructive dialogue, and a meaningful exchange of information on this matter, we must consider all appropriate legislative and oversight tools available to us."

To read the full letter, please click here.

To view previous letters the Committee has sent on this topic, please click the links below:

2020 Letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai

2022 Letter to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel

2026 Letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr

Opening Statement of Chairman Babin at Full Committee Markup of H.R. 3168, H.R. 8437, H.R. 9326, and H.R. 8981

Tue, 202 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Good morning. Today’s markup highlights the breadth of this Committee’s work. The four bipartisan bills before us strengthen our research enterprise, improve public safety, support domestic energy development, and reinforce American leadership in critical and emerging technologies. From the science that protects our communities from natural disasters to the energy resources that will power the next generation and the technologies shaping our economic future, these measures demonstrate what can be achieved when Congress works alongside innovators, researchers, and stakeholders to put America first.

We often think of American leadership in terms of the technologies making headlines, such as artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. But true leadership is built on more than breakthrough technologies.

It also depends on quieter, foundational work: showing up at the table when international standards are written, maintaining the scientific programs that protect our communities from catastrophe, and investing in the energy resources that will power our economy for decades to come.

The first bill is H.R. 3168, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025, which strengthens our nation’s earthquake preparedness. Earthquakes are one of the most destructive natural disasters facing our nation. According to a USGS-FEMA report, earthquakes caused nearly $15 billion in damages in 2023. This bill reauthorizes a program that has protected American lives for nearly five decades while modernizing our earthquake early warning systems and enhancing coordination across Federal, State, and local partners.

Next, we have H.R. 8437, the Geo POWER Act, which helps expand next-generation geothermal energy in the United States. This legislation establishes a milestone-based demonstration program that will ensure taxpayer dollars are invested in projects that show measurable progress. Additionally, it authorizes DOE to use innovative financing mechanisms to support promising projects that may not otherwise move forward. Advancing next-generation geothermal will strengthen America’s energy independence and diversify our domestic power supply.

This morning, we will also consider H.R. 9326, the USA Act, which ensures that American industry and Federal agencies have the tools and support they need to participate meaningfully in the international bodies that set technical standards for AI and other rapidly growing technologies. According to the U.S.-China Business Council, citing French Association for Standardization data, the number of Chinese-held secretariat positions within the International Organization for Standardization increased 58 percent between 2011 and 2021, while American-held positions have remained flat. If we are not in the room, others will write the rules that shape the future of these technologies.

And finally, we have H.R. 8981, the SCALE Biology Act, which expands upon the important work NIST is already doing in the areas of biometrology, biomass, and biomanufacturing by formalizing a laboratory program at the agency. Like so many advanced technical fields, engineering biology is an area where we are in a global race with China and other nations, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on this legislation.

Overall, these bills embody the consistent focus of this Committee—reducing risk, expanding opportunity, and keeping America prepared for whatever comes next. Whether it is a fault line beneath our feet, the energy demands of a growing economy, or competition from overseas, these measures help ensure America is ready to lead.

I am pleased to bring this legislation before the Committee today and welcome thoughtful amendments as we work together to ensure these bills are as strong and effective as possible.

H.R. 8981, Standards and Calibration for American Leadership in Engineering Biology Act

Mon, 201 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Text

H.R. 8981, Standards and Calibration for American Leadership in Engineering Biology Act

Summary

Status

Follow the bill's progress on congress.gov

Chairman Babin Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Biosecurity and Geothermal Legislation

Mon, 201 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin issued the following statement after the House passed two bipartisan bills: H.R. 3029, the Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act, and H.R. 8790, the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act.

"The United States must continue leading the world in innovation while protecting our national security and strengthening our economic competitiveness," said Chairman Babin. "The House took an important step toward both goals today by advancing bipartisan legislation that strengthens America's biosecurity and accelerates next-generation geothermal technologies. Together, these bills support American innovation, bolster our energy security, and reinforce U.S. leadership in science and technology."

Highlights of H.R. 3029:

Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to conduct measurement research and convene a public-private consortium to develop voluntary technical standards and best practices for screening synthetic nucleic acids.
Strengthens U.S. biosecurity by supporting science-based standards that help mitigate emerging biological risks without new federal mandates.
Promotes responsible biotechnology innovation while enhancing America's economic competitiveness and national security.

Highlights of H.R. 8790:

Directs the Department of Energy to support research, development, demonstration, and commercialization of next-generation and closed-loop geothermal technologies.
Accelerates the development of innovative geothermal systems that provide reliable, baseload American energy to strengthen U.S. energy security.
Enhances geothermal research by improving federal data sharing and building on the success of the Department of Energy's FORGE initiative through additional testing and technology development.

H.R. 8437, Geo POWER Act

Thu, 197 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Text

H.R. 8437, Geo POWER Act

Summary

Status

Follow the bill's progress on congress.gov

H.R. 3168, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025

Thu, 197 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Text

H.R. 3168, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025

Summary

Status

Follow the bill's progress on congress.gov

H.R. 9326, USA Act

Thu, 197 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Text

H.R. 9326, USA Act

Summary

Status

Follow the bill's progress on congress.gov

SST Leaders Press National Academies for Requested Documents in Ongoing Oversight Investigation

Thu, 197 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin, Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Rich McCormick, and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Scott Franklin sent a letter to National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) President Dr. Neil Shubin regarding NASEM's withholding of information requested by the Committee as part of its ongoing oversight of the organization's federally supported activities. The Chairmen call on NASEM to fully comply with the Committee's oversight request and produce the outstanding materials sought by the Committee.

In the letter, the Chairmen acknowledge NASEM's efforts to respond to the Committee's requests to date but express concern that the organization is withholding responsive information based on broad assertions of privilege or confidentiality. They write, "The Committee cannot evaluate, and will not accept, privilege claims asserted in this manner."

The Chairmen further emphasize that generalized or categorical assertions of privilege do not relieve organizations of their obligation to comply with legitimate congressional oversight requests. They write that "Generalized or categorical assertions of privilege do not excuse noncompliance with congressional oversight requests. Privilege claims are to be asserted narrowly, substantiated on a document-by-document basis, and asserted only where legally appropriate."

The letter also explains that Congress's constitutional oversight authority extends to organizations receiving federal funding or performing functions relied upon by federal agencies. The Chairmen further note that the Committee's legislative responsibilities require access to information necessary to evaluate federal programs and determine whether legislative reforms are warranted.

Additionally, the Chairmen stress that recipients of federal funding are expected to cooperate fully with legitimate congressional oversight and that the Committee remains willing to accommodate legitimate confidentiality concerns where appropriate. They write that "Until the Committee receives all requested materials, policymakers and the public should carefully evaluate findings and recommendations that are the subject of this inquiry in light of the unresolved questions surrounding their development."

The Committee requested that NASEM produce the requested materials no later than July 31, 2026.

To read the full letter, please click here.

Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Hearing - A Review of the Office of Space Commerce’s Mission Authorization Proposal

Wed, 196 Jul 2026 10:00:00 EST

Chairman Babin Submits Statement for the Record at Select Committee on China Hearing on Federal Research Security

Wed, 196 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin submitted the following statement for the record after waiving onto the Select Committee on China's hearing, Protecting American Innovation: The Federal Research Security Enterprise.

His full remarks are available here and below.

___

Thank you, Chairman Moolenaar, for holding this hearing on such an important topic and allowing me to waive on.

Today, we are here to address a matter of increasing concern for Congress and the American people: protecting our federally funded research and development enterprise.

The threats are real. They come from hostile governments and organizations that do not share our commitment to openness, integrity, and mutual collaboration. Protecting American research from such exploitation is not a partisan issue; it is a national security imperative.

The purpose of today’s hearing is clear: to ensure that the laws and directives Congress and the Executive Branch have put in place to protect U.S. research are being implemented effectively and consistently across federal agencies and to identify gaps where additional guidance may be needed.

In 2021, President Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum-33, directing federal agencies to safeguard the integrity of U.S. government–supported research and development. The following year, Congress strengthened that foundation through the CHIPS and Science Act, which reinforced federal research security standards and required institutions to establish policies on foreign affiliations, conflicts of interest, and data protection.

Together, these measures form the backbone of our national research security framework. They are meant to defend American innovation against foreign espionage, cyberattacks, and intellectual property theft—threats that are neither hypothetical nor distant. We’ve seen individuals attempting to

smuggle federally funded research, sensitive data, and even dangerous biological materials into and out of the country.

This Committee, along with the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, which I chair, has already issued several letters to agencies, including those represented by today’s witnesses, seeking information on research security

implementation. The responses we’ve received highlight significant confusion about expectations, timelines, and enforcement. These gaps are exactly what our adversaries seek to exploit, and that is why congressional oversight is essential.

The federal government has a duty to provide clear, actionable guidance, and the research community has a responsibility to follow it. Protecting taxpayer-funded research should not depend on which agency an institution works with or which grant it applies for. It must be streamlined, clear, and effective.

However, as these directives are implemented, we must ensure that agencies are not imposing unnecessary administrative burdens or conflicting requirements that make compliance harder rather than easier. Security and innovation are not mutually exclusive, but achieving both requires coordination, clarity, and commitment.

I hope the goal of today’s discussion is to identify what is working, what needs improvement, and what Congress can do to strengthen our research enterprise.

We must protect American innovation, uphold the integrity of our research system, and ensure that taxpayer dollars advance U.S. interests—not those of our adversaries.

I want to thank the witnesses for being here this morning and for the work each of you is doing to strengthen our research framework and address these obstacles. Thank you, and I yield back, Mr. Chairman.

Opening Statement of Chairman Mike Haridopolos at A Review of the Office of Space Commerce’s Mission Authorization Proposal

Wed, 196 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

We can’t be number one on Earth if we are number two in space. Under the bold leadership of President Trump and Administrator Jared Isaacman, NASA is demonstrating that America belongs at the top.

This year, we took a major step forward with the successful Artemis 2 mission, which carried astronauts around the Moon for the first time since 1972. We also have a thriving commercial space sector and a dynamic ecosystem that is powering every corner of the space economy. In Florida alone, the space and aerospace industry now supports nearly 150,000 private sector jobs, more than five times the roughly 30,000 jobs it supported just 15 years ago.

Over the past 5 years, we have also seen the number of launches grow from 54 in 2021, including 26 from Florida, to 199 in 2025—with more than half originating from Florida. As Subcommittee Chairman, I am committed to ensuring America’s commercial space sector has the freedom to innovate and lead, while the federal government protects public safety and upholds our international obligations.

Today, we will review the Department of Commerce’s proposal for a mission authorization framework. Mission authorization is the process by which the U.S. government reviews and oversees commercial space activities.

This proposal would help the United States meet its obligations under Article 6 of the Outer Space Treaty, which requires governments around the world to authorize and continually supervise nongovernmental space activities.

Currently, the United States has clear regulatory frameworks for activities like launch and reentry, the use of spectrum, and remote sensing of the Earth. But as our commercial sector pushes the boundaries of what is possible in space, we must provide the regulatory certainty that companies need. Failing to do so risks slowing investment, stifling innovation, and weakening America’s leadership in space.

The prior Administration proposed a complex approach, which created duplicative authorities across agencies and would have increased red tape for our commercial space sector. That’s why President Trump issued several executive orders to ensure the United States dominates across all aspects of space. One order directed the Department of Commerce to develop an approach for authorizing novel space activities.

Several aspects of this proposal align with legislation considered by this Committee last Congress, the Commercial Space Act of 2023, sponsored by our Chairman, Dr. Babin, which offers a common-sense path forward. Today, we will review the Office of Space Commerce’s proposal in full with our witness.

I thank Mr. Taylor Jordan, Director of the Office of Space Commerce, for joining us today. And I look forward to a productive discussion about how Congress can boost President Trump and NASA’s mission to ensure the United States remains the world leader in commercial space.

Opening Statement of Chairman Brian Babin at A Review of the Office of Space Commerce’s Mission Authorization Proposal

Wed, 196 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Good morning—I thank Chairman Haridopolos for holding this important hearing.

Since the days of Apollo, America’s leadership in space has been powered by its innovative commercial sector. While NASA and other government agencies remain indispensable partners, they increasingly serve as customers rather than operators. As private space activity continues to expand, America’s commercial space industry has become more essential than ever to maintaining our nation’s global leadership. We should not, however, take that leadership for granted.

As other nations, particularly China under the Chinese Communist Party, seek to overtake us in space, we must ensure that American innovators are competing against our adversaries—not against unnecessary government bureaucracy.

Today, we will examine a topic that has long been of interest to me: government authorization and supervision of private space activities. While the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Department of Commerce each have statutory authority to regulate specific types of space activities, a growing number of nongovernmental space activities do not clearly fall within these existing frameworks.

Although the United States has long upheld its obligations under the Outer Space Treaty to authorize and supervise the activities of its nationals in outer space, the commercial space industry has told us for years that the lack of a clear regulatory pathway has discouraged investment and slowed the development of novel space activities.

In 2017, Representative Lamar Smith, then-Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, introduced the American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act to address this issue. The bill sought to establish a clear, light-touch framework for the Department of Commerce to affirm that nongovernmental space activities not addressed by existing regulatory frameworks were consistent with the United States’ obligations under the Outer Space Treaty with respect to private actors. The bill passed the House in 2018, but it did not make it to the President’s desk before the end of the 115th Congress.

Just last Congress, I introduced the Commercial Space Act of 2023, which similarly gave the Department of Commerce authority to issue certifications for space object operations through a streamlined, minimally burdensome process.

Many of us have long argued that, given its experience licensing private remote sensing activities and its statutory direction to “foster the conditions for the economic growth and technological advancement of the United States space commerce industry,” the Office of Space Commerce is the appropriate agency to exercise such authority.

While Congress has continued to consider the appropriate path forward, President Trump took action last August by signing Executive Order 14335, which directed the Department of Commerce to propose its own approach to mission authorization.

Commerce published the latest version of its Space Commerce Certification proposal in March, outlining a voluntary process for authorizing novel commercial space activities that it calls “Space Commerce Certification.”

The proposal offers several benefits. First, it seeks to “articulate specific, light-touch requirements” for space activities. The Office of Space Commerce would then conduct due diligence on each application while coordinating the interagency review process.

The certification would not infringe on the existing authorities of other agencies. Instead, it is intended to provide a means for other regulators to satisfy portions of their own review processes, further streamlining the path to approval. The Office also anticipates rapidly iterating on the certification framework as it processes applications, particularly for different categories of novel space activities.

Today’s hearing will allow us to learn more about this proposal and how it compares to past legislative efforts, including the American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act and the Commercial Space Act of 2023.

It will also allow us to consider whether this proposed approach fully meets the needs of the commercial space sector, or whether legislative action is needed to codify the Department of Commerce’s authority over these activities.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we will consider whether this proposed process, while thorough, avoids establishing unnecessary or burdensome requirements for operators and imposing barriers to industry innovation.

I know that Director Jordan and his staff have put an extraordinary amount of work and thought into developing this proposed approach, and I look forward to hearing from him about that effort today.

Full Committee Markup of H.R. 9341, H.R. 9363, H.R. 2385, H.R. 5351, H.R. 5584, H.R. 6461, H.R. 8893, H.R. 9333, H.R. 9334, and H.R. 9372

Thu, 176 Jun 2026 10:00:00 EST

Opening Statement:

Chairman Brian Babin

Full Committee Markup of:

H.R. 9341, AI-Ready Federal Data Guidelines Act - favorably reported to the House by a vote of 29-0

The AI-Ready Federal Data Guidelines Act directs NIST to develop voluntary guidelines to help federal agencies prepare datasets, including open government data assets, for use in training AI models. The bill aims to improve the quality, accessibility, and usability of federal data to support AI innovation, enhance government transparency, and expand access to reliable information.

Amendment #100 to H.R. 9341, offered by Rep. McClain Delaney (D-MD) - passed by voice vote
Requires the Director to ensure that AI guidelines align with data privacy statutes.

H.R. 9363, AI Security and Innovation Act - favorably reported to the House by a vote of 29-0

The AI Security and Innovation Act strengthens the federal government’s approach to securing artificial intelligence systems while supporting continued innovation. The bill advances efforts to identify and mitigate AI-related risks, improves coordination across government and industry, and promotes the development of secure, resilient, and trustworthy AI technologies.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 9363, offered by Rep. Obernolte (R-CA) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill.
Amendment #081 to the ANS to H.R. 9363, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) - withdrawn
Adds AI Child Safety Assessments.
Amendment #095 to the ANS to H.R. 9363, offered by Rep. Foster (D-IL) - passed by voice vote
Ensures development of agentic AI standards.
Amendment #083 to the ANS to H.R. 9363, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) - passed by voice vote
Includes explainability and interpretability research.
Amendment #074 to the ANS to H.R. 9363, offered by Rep. Obernolte (R-CA) - withdrawn
Increase authorization levels for the Center to $100 million.
Amendment #082 to the ANS to H.R. 9363, offered by Rep. Whitesides (D-CA) - passed by voice vote
Task CAISI with evaluating and assessing trends around autonomous artificial intelligence research and development.
Amendment #001 to the ANS to H.R. 9363, offered by Rep. Lofgren (D-CA) - withdrawn
Authorizes appropriations and reimbursement of loans.
Amendment #076 to the ANS to H.R. 9363, offered by Rep. Obernolte (R-CA) - withdrawn
Allows the Center to hire a sufficient number of technical experts to complete its obligations and mission

H.R. 2385, CREATE AI Act - favorably reported to the House by a vote of 29-0

The CREATE AI Act establishes a National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource to expand access to computing power and datasets for AI research. The bill aims to broaden participation in AI development by reducing barriers to critical resources. It supports U.S. innovation by enabling more researchers to develop and test advanced AI systems.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 2385, offered by Rep. Obernolte (R-CA) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill.
Amendment #078 to the ANS to H.R. 2385, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) - passed by voice vote
Ensures NAIRR resources are interoperable.

H.R. 5351, NSF AI Education Act of 2025 - favorably reported to the House by a vote of 33-0

The NSF AI Education Act of 2025 expands artificial intelligence education and workforce training programs at the National Science Foundation. It supports scholarships, fellowships, and professional development to build AI skills among students, educators, and workers. The bill also promotes research and collaboration to improve how AI is taught and integrated into K–12 and higher education.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 5351, offered by Rep. Fong (R-CA) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill.
Amendment #079 to the ANS to H.R. 5351, offered by Rep. Whitesides (D-CA) - passed by voice vote
Establish workshops to identify gaps in data and published findings on the impacts to children from the integration of AI in the classroom.
Amendment #079 to the ANS to H.R. 5351, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) - failed by recorded vote
Codifies NSF's EXPANDAI program.
Amendment #107 to the ANS to H.R. 5351, offered by Rep. Salinas (D-OR) - failed by recorded vote
Allows for the establishment of up to eight Community College or Area Career Technical Educational School Centers of Artificial Intelligence Excellence.

H.R. 5584, LIFT AI Act - favorably reported to the House by a vote of 34-1

The LIFT AI Act authorizes the National Science Foundation to support programs that promote AI literacy for K–12 students and educators. It funds the development of age-appropriate AI learning materials, teacher training, and hands-on educational tools. The bill aims to prepare students for an AI-driven future and strengthen the U.S. workforce by improving early AI education.

H.R. 6461, READ AI Models Act - favorably reported to the House by a vote of 35-0

The Resources for Evaluating and Documenting (READ) AI Models Act directs NIST to establish a pilot program to develop voluntary resources for documenting AI models, including standardized templates and technical guidance. By improving transparency around how AI models are developed, evaluated, and deployed, the bill aims to support more informed decision-making, risk assessment, and responsible use of AI systems across sectors.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 6461, offered by Rep. McBride (D-DE) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill.

Amendment #045 to the ANS to H.R. 6461, offered by Rep. Webster (R-FL) - passed by voice vote
Prohibits foreign countries of concern from contributing to or participating in a pilot program.

H.R. 8893, Protecting Consumers from Deceptive AI Act - favorably reported to the House by a vote of 35-0

The Protecting Consumers from Deceptive AI Act directs NIST to support research, testing, and standards development for technologies that can detect, authenticate, and disclose the origin of digital content, including content generated or manipulated by AI. The bill aims to help consumers distinguish authentic content from AI-generated material and strengthen trust in online information.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 8893, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) – passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill.
Amendment #082 to the ANS to H.R. 8893, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) - passed by voice vote
Inserts music and visual-based content.
Amendment #041 to the ANS to H.R. 8893, offered by Rep. Lofgren (D-CA) - withdrawn
Adds a pilot program for developing standards related to user disclosure.
Amendment #103 to the ANS to H.R. 8893, offered by Rep. McClain Delaney (D-MD) - withdrawn
Supports technical solutions to verify user age for online applications in a privacy-protective manner.
Amendment #080 to the ANS to H.R. 8893, offered by Rep. Whitesides (D-CA) - withdrawn
Directs NIST to convene relevant stakeholders to develop voluntary technical standards for sharing screentime information across platforms and devices to enable interoperable parental controls.

H.R. 9333, AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act - favorably reported to the House by a vote of 29-0

The AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act directs NIST, in consultation with CISA, to establish a voluntary program for reporting, collecting, and tracking AI vulnerabilities, failures, and other flaws. The bill supports the development of common definitions, reporting frameworks, technical standards, and a national database to improve understanding of AI-related safety and security issues and promote more consistent reporting across sectors.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 9333, offered by Rep. Ross (D-NC) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill.

H.R. 9334, Workforce for AI Trust Act - favorably reported to the House by a vote of 35-0

The Workforce for AI Trust Act directs NSF to support interdisciplinary AI fellowships, skills-based training, and workshops to help develop a workforce capable of building, evaluating, and governing trustworthy AI systems. The bill also directs NIST to expand its AI workforce activities and develop a national framework identifying the tasks, knowledge, and skills needed for AI-related work.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 9334, offered by Rep. Lofgren (D-CA) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill.
Amendment #136 to the ANS to H.R. 9334, offered by Rep. Sykes (D-OH) - passed by voice vote
Includes the impact of AI on the workforce and economy as an area of research.
Amendment #080 to the ANS to H.R. 9334, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) - passed by voice vote
Supports independent AI testing and evaluation.

H.R. 9372, Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act - favorably reported to the House by a vote of 34-1

The Data Center Energy Measurement and Standards Act directs NIST, in consultation with DOE, to improve how data center energy and water use are measured, reported, and analyzed. The bill supports the development of standardized metrics, best practices, and data-sharing mechanisms to improve forecasting capabilities, inform decision-making, and better understand the resource demands of AI and other advanced computing technologies.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 9372, offered by Rep. Subramanyam (D-VA) – passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill.
Amendment #075 to the ANS to H.R. 9372, offered by Rep. Obernolte (R-CA) - passed by voice vote
Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a technology assessment focused on liquid-cooling systems for artificial-intelligence compute clusters and high-performance computing facilities, require the development of Federal Government-wide best-practice guidance for Federal agencies.

Chairman Babin Applauds Committee Passage of Bipartisan AI Legislation

Thu, 176 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin released the following statement after the Committee passed a bipartisan package of artificial intelligence legislation, including the AI-Ready Federal Data Guidelines Act (H.R. 9341), AI Security and Innovation Act (H.R. 9363), CREATE AI Act (H.R. 2385), NSF AI Education Act of 2025 (H.R. 5351), LIFT AI Act (H.R. 5584), READ AI Models Act (H.R. 6461), Protecting Consumers from Deceptive AI Act (H.R. 8893), AI Flaw Reporting and Security Enhancement Act (H.R. 9333), Workforce for AI Trust Act (H.R. 9334), and Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act (H.R. 9372).

“Today, our Committee took another important step toward securing America's leadership in artificial intelligence,” said Chairman Babin. “This bipartisan package expands access to cutting-edge research, strengthens our AI workforce, promotes responsible innovation, and bolsters our national security. I appreciate my colleagues for their work on these bills, and I look forward to advancing them through the legislative process.”

Highlights of H.R. 9341:

Directs NIST to develop voluntary guidelines to help federal agencies prepare datasets for training artificial intelligence models.
Improves the quality and accessibility of federal data to support American AI innovation and strengthen U.S. competitiveness.
Launches pilot programs to develop AI-ready data guidelines for strategic sectors, including biotechnology and biomanufacturing.

Highlights of H.R. 9363:

Establishes the Center for AI Security and Innovation at NIST to evaluate AI-related national and economic security risks while supporting continued American leadership in AI research and development.
Strengthens voluntary collaboration between government and industry to identify emerging AI security risks, improve testing and evaluation, and support the development of voluntary standards and best practices.
Preserves NIST's nonregulatory role by prohibiting the Center from exercising regulatory, rulemaking, or enforcement authority while improving coordination on AI security.

Highlights of H.R. 2385:

Establishes the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) to expand access to computing power, datasets, software, and other resources needed for AI research and development.
Expands access to AI research infrastructure for researchers, educators, students, small businesses, and federal partners to help accelerate American innovation.
Strengthens public-private partnerships by leveraging the expertise and resources of federal agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, and industry to support AI research and workforce development.

Highlights of H.R. 5351:

Authorizes NSF scholarships, fellowships, and professional development programs to prepare students, educators, and workers for careers in artificial intelligence.
Supports research on AI education to improve instructional tools, teaching methods, and classroom integration across K–12 and higher education.
Encourages collaboration among educators, researchers, and industry to strengthen AI education and build the workforce needed to support America's future competitiveness.

Highlights of H.R. 5584:

Promotes AI literacy in K–12 education by supporting the development of age-appropriate instructional materials and resources for students and educators.
Equips educators with AI knowledge and tools through teacher training and professional development to support effective classroom instruction.
Helps prepare the next generation of innovators by expanding foundational AI education and strengthening America's future workforce.

Highlights of H.R. 6461:

Establishes a NIST pilot program to develop voluntary resources for documenting AI models, including standardized templates and technical guidance.
Promotes greater transparency by improving how AI models are documented, evaluated, and understood across sectors.
Supports informed AI adoption by providing developers and users with consistent resources to assess AI models and their intended uses.

Highlights of H.R. 8893:

Directs NIST to advance research on AI-generated content detection to support technologies that can detect, authenticate, and disclose the provenance of digital content.
Develops voluntary standards and best practices to help identify and label AI-generated or AI-manipulated content across text, audio, video, and other digital formats.
Brings together industry, academia, and government stakeholders to support the development of technical guidance that helps consumers distinguish authentic digital content from AI-generated material.

Highlights of H.R. 9333:

Creates a voluntary AI flaw reporting program at NIST, in consultation with CISA, to collect, track, and better understand AI vulnerabilities, failures, and security incidents.
Develops common definitions and reporting frameworks to improve consistency in identifying, classifying, and communicating AI safety and security issues across sectors.
Supports collaboration among government, industry, and academia to strengthen AI security, improve information sharing, and promote voluntary best practices for addressing AI flaws.

Highlights of H.R. 9334:

Supports interdisciplinary AI fellowships and skills-based training through NSF to help prepare the next generation of researchers and practitioners working on trustworthy AI.
Expands NIST's AI workforce activities by directing the agency to develop a national framework identifying the knowledge, skills, and tasks needed for AI-related careers.
Promotes collaboration across government, academia, and industry to strengthen the workforce needed to develop, evaluate, and govern safe and trustworthy AI systems.

Highlights of H.R. 9372:

Develops best practices for measuring data center energy and water use to improve consistency, transparency, and data quality across the sector.
Improves energy demand forecasting by directing NIST and DOE to study data availability and identify opportunities to enhance forecasting capabilities.
Supports voluntary standards and information sharing by promoting standardized metrics, collaboration with stakeholders, and the development of internationally recognized measurement standards.

Opening Statement of Chairman Brian Babin at Full Committee Markup of H.R. 9341, H.R. 9363, H.R. 2385, H.R. 5351, H.R. 5584, H.R. 6461, H.R. 8893, H.R. 9333, H.R. 9334, and H.R. 9372

Thu, 176 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

I would like to welcome everyone to this morning’s full committee markup. Today, we will mark up ten bills on a topic that seems to dominate every newspaper, news channel, and podcast these days: artificial intelligence, or AI.

Most of us are already integrating AI into our lives, whether we realize it or not. For example, autocorrect and facial recognition systems on our phones, as well as filtering systems for emails and messages, depend on this technology. If you shop online, chances are products have been recommended using AI based on your past behavior, prices may be adjusted based on demand, and chatbots can help answer customer service questions. In banking, AI helps detect fraud and provide consumers with spending insights.

The United States is a global leader in AI innovation. Nearly 60 percent of the world’s most-cited AI researchers work at American institutions, and our nation remains the destination of choice for top AI talent.

In addition to talent, the United States benefits from significant investment and infrastructure in this space. In 2025 alone, venture capital investment in U.S. AI companies reached approximately $194 billion—roughly three-quarters of all global AI investment. That does not even account for the enormous investments being made in cloud computing, advanced infrastructure, and data center construction across the country—which dwarf the Chinese market.

Last July, the White House released an AI Action Plan, along with an Executive Order, focused on accelerating innovation, strengthening national security, and establishing federal AI policy priorities.

In January, we held a hearing in this room with White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios to explore specific actions Congress could take to build on President Trump’s AI Action Plan. In particular, we discussed the role of American innovation in AI and the national security challenges posed by foreign competitors, particularly as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to invest heavily in AI capabilities.

A key component of the AI Action Plan and the accompanying Executive Order was bolstering cybersecurity protections for our nation’s critical infrastructure. One of the bills we have on the docket today, the AI Security and Innovation Act, supports that goal while maintaining continued U.S. leadership in AI research, development, and evaluation by authorizing the Center for AI Security and Innovation, or CAISI.

It’s important that CAISI is adequately funded, and I look forward to our Committee continuing to have a conversation about how we achieve that.

I see we have amendments to increase authorization levels for CAISI, which I fully support. In fact, I think funding for CAISI should perhaps be higher than the proposed amendments given its importance at this time. We should, however, ensure that we authorize CAISI in a manner that does not undermine future progress on the bill, and I commit to working with the sponsors to ensure we get the number “right” going forward.

In total, we will mark up ten bipartisan bills this morning. Members of this Committee have worked diligently to address important challenges in the AI space while preserving America’s competitive advantage.

These bills address a wide range of issues—from improving access to federal data resources for the next generation of AI systems to equipping Americans with the tools and training necessary to succeed in an AI-driven economy.

Through a variety of efforts, these bills reinforce partnerships among government, industry, and academia, recognizing that innovation does not happen in silos. They also invest in the workforce needed to sustain long-term leadership in this critical field.

Taken together, these bills will help advance America’s AI ecosystem, expand opportunity, and reinforce our leadership in an increasingly competitive world. They provide access to federal computing, data, and resources necessary to propel future innovation and discovery. They also focus on voluntary consensus-based standards to meet complex challenges – something this Committee is very familiar with.

I am pleased to take up this legislation today and welcome constructive amendments as we work together to make these bills as strong and effective as possible.

Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Hearing - Safeguarding Federal Research Funds: The False Claims Act's Role in Combating Grant Fraud

Wed, 175 Jun 2026 10:00:00 EST