Politiparty
Politiparty

119th Congress Science, Technology, Communications

S. 2351: Space Exploration Research Act

ReportedApr 13, 2026

  1. Introduced (completed)Jul 17, 2025
  2. Passed Senate (not reached)
  3. Passed House (not reached)
  4. To the President (not reached)
  5. Became law (not reached)

Summary

Reported to Senate, Apr 13, 2026

This bill explicitly authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to lease its properties to states and localities, universities, and nonprofit organizations to conduct space research and training. (Under current law, NASA is authorized to lease property to individuals and entities subject to specified conditions.)

Under the bill, NASA may use existing authorities to lease property under its jurisdiction to (1) the state in which the property is located or a subdivision thereof, (2) a nonprofit organization founded for educational or scientific purposes, or (3) an institution of higher education. NASA may also enter into agreements to lease back such property.

Construction and operations on leased property must serve a space-related purpose relevant to NASA’s mission. NASA may provide administrative, instructional, and other appropriate support to lessees.

Read the full summary

NASA must report annually to Congress on the relevance, value, and other quantifiable benefits of the lease agreements.

Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Roll calls

0 votes on this bill

No roll call votes have been held on this bill.

Amendments

0 offered

No amendments were offered to this bill.

Cosponsors

5

Bipartisan support.

Who scored on this bill

26 points earned
  1. 1Ted Cruz R-TX SponsorDrew cross-party cosponsors, introduced, reported3 events+26
See all scorers and every scoring event

Introductions and cosponsorships count toward weekly caps and show no points.

Other bills by Ted Cruz

History

  1. Jul 17, 2025Introduced in the Senate by Ted Cruz.
Show the full action history (5 actions)
  1. Apr 13, 2026Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-117.
  2. Apr 13, 2026Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 369.
  3. Jul 30, 2025Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
  4. Jul 17, 2025Introduced in Senate
  5. Jul 17, 2025Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.