House passes NASA reauthorization

The House on Monday passed a reauthorization of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) programs for fiscal 2014.

Passed 401-2, the measure would authorize $17.6 billion for space exploration, space operations, education and technology efforts. 

{mosads}The authorization would include $3 billion for the International Space Station and $658 million for the James Webb Space Telescope.

House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) said the measure would boost U.S. space exploration efforts.

“This bill provides the necessary funds to push us into the Cosmos and beyond,” Smith said. 

A provision in the bill states that “reliance on foreign carriers for crew transfer is unacceptable.” Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), the chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee on Space, said the reauthorization was necessary to keep the U.S. competitive.

“American leadership in space depends on our ability to put people and sound policy ahead of politics,” Palazzo said.

Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the Space subcommittee, agreed.

“This bill is foundational and it provides important policy direction that will strengthen our nation’s space program,” Edwards said.

Two weeks ago, the House passed a 2015 appropriations bill that would provide $17.9 billion in funding for NASA through the upcoming fiscal year.