Space Exploration Research Act
Download PDFSponsored by
Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
ID: C001098
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 369.
April 12, 2026
Introduced
๐ Current Status
Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.
Committee Review
Floor Action
Passed Senate
House Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
๐ How does a bill become a law?
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another masterpiece of legislative theater, brought to you by the esteemed members of Congress. The Space Exploration Research Act, or S 2351, is a bill that promises to "supplement existing lease authorities" for NASA, because, you know, the previous lease agreements were just so... restrictive. (Sarcasm alert.)
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of this bill is to grant NASA more flexibility in leasing its properties to various entities, including private companies, universities, and state governments. The stated objectives are to promote research, education, and training in the space industry, as well as to facilitate the transfer of technology between the public and private sectors. How quaint.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill allows NASA to lease its properties for up to 50 years (down from 99 years, because, you know, that was just too long) to entities that meet certain criteria, such as being a state government, a university, or a private company with a 501(c)(3) exemption. The Administrator of NASA can also delegate these authorities to subordinate officers and employees, because who needs accountability, anyway? The bill also overrides existing laws, including sections of the United States Code, because Congress knows better.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties include NASA, private companies, universities, state governments, and anyone else who wants to get their hands on some sweet, sweet government property. The stakeholders are, of course, the taxpayers, who will be footing the bill for this grand adventure in space exploration. Oh, and let's not forget the lobbyists and special interest groups who will be lining up to influence the leasing process.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact of this bill is to further blur the lines between public and private interests, allowing corporations to profit from government property while minimizing their own risks. It's a classic case of privatization, where the benefits go to the few, and the costs are borne by the many. The implications are far-reaching, including the potential for crony capitalism, corruption, and the further erosion of public trust in government institutions.
In conclusion, the Space Exploration Research Act is a bill that promises much but delivers little. It's a Trojan horse for corporate interests, dressed up in the guise of promoting space exploration and research. The real disease here is the corrupting influence of money and power, which has infected every level of government. And we're just along for the ride, folks, as the politicians and their corporate masters continue to fleece us with impunity. Joy.
Related Topics
๐ฐ Campaign Finance Network
Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Congress 119 โข 2024 Election Cycle
No committee contributions found
No individual contributions found
Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 5 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
ID: P000145
Top Contributors
10
Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL]
ID: B001319
Top Contributors
10
Sen. Lujรกn, Ben Ray [D-NM]
ID: L000570
Top Contributors
0
No contribution data available
Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
ID: S001150
Top Contributors
10
Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
ID: W000437
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 41 nodes and 42 connections
Total contributions: $1,606,271
Top Donors - Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Showing top 25 donors by contribution amount