Bill · S. 2351· Senate(119-S-2351)
Space Exploration Research Act
- Introduced
- 7/17/2025
- Last activity
- 4/13/2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 369.
- Sponsored by
- Ted Cruz
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 3
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Space Exploration Research Act," provides the NASA Administrator with supplemental lease authority. It allows the Administrator to lease real property under their jurisdiction to specific entities for up to 50 years. These leases are intended to support facilities for aeronautical and space research, education, and training. The bill also allows for the leaseback of property and various types of agreements or contracts with these entities. Additionally, the Administrator is required to submit an annual report to specific Congressional committees regarding these lease arrangements.
Yes· 3 of 14
Does this put more into space exploration?+5
The act provides significant tools to support the research, education, and technological transfer essential for space exploration.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The bill supports the construction and operation of facilities designed to train individuals for careers in the space industry.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+3
The bill facilitates space-related scientific and academic activities through expanded lease authorities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Career Development: The bill allows for the construction and operation of facilities designed to educate and train individuals for careers in the space industry (Section 2(a)(1)(B)).
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Advancement of Science and Technology: The authority supports the conduct of aeronautical and space research, as well as scientific, engineering, medical, or academic activities (Section 2(a)(1)(A) and (D)).
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Economic and Technical Transfer: The provision supports carrying out the transfer of aeronautical and space technology between the United States public and domestic private sectors (Section 2(a)(1)(C)).
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Potential Cost Savings: The annual report requirements include tracking estimated cost savings to NASA resulting from reduced maintenance, operating, and associated costs (Section 2(f)(5)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Long-term Property Control: The Administrator is granted the authority to lease real property for terms not to exceed 50 years, which can be renewed for additional periods (Section 2(a)(1) and (2)).
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Broad Delegation of Authority: The Administrator has the power to delegate the lease and administrative authorities to subordinate officers and employees as they consider appropriate (Section 2(d)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2Reduces Government Spending+2Improves Fiscal Responsibility+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Space Exploration+5Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+3Good For Students+2Good For Young Adults+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+2Increase States Rights+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Land Management+2
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+2
- 4/13/2026
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-117.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 369.
- 7/30/2025
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 7/17/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi