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Congressional Research Service
Version 35 · Passed Senate amended · Oct 19, 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization of Appropriations Title II: Limitations and General Provisions Title III: Commercial Space Launch Act Amendments National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1996 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes FY 1996 appropriations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) human space flight; (2) science, aeronautics and technology; (3) mission support; (4) the Inspector General; and (5) the Office of Commercial Space Transportation of the Department of Transportation. Title II: Limitations and General Provisions - Sets forth fund and use limitations including: (1) the Space Station; (2) the experimental program to stimulate competitive research; (3) the Clear Lake Development Facility, Texas; (4) construction; and (5) scientific consultations or extraordinary expenses. (Sec. 203) Directs the Administrator of NASA to make special technology enhancement grants. Sets aside authorization of appropriations for such grants. (Sec. 205) Directs NASA to: (1) convey the Yellow Creek Facility to the State of Mississippi; and (2) initiate and operate a radar satellite program (authorizes appropriations). (Sec. 207) Directs the Administrator to conduct studies of: (1) the Upper Missouri River Basin hydrology; and (2) privatization of the Shuttle. (Sec. 214) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to require the annual report to be submitted in May (currently January) and on a fiscal (currently calendar) basis. Authorizes the Administrator to delay for up to five years the public disclosure of certain commercially valuable information developed in the course of NASA activities. (Sec. 215) States that the Congress finds it is appropriate for specified contractor costs under a cooperative agreement to be allowed as independent research and development costs for Federal procurement purposes. Directs the Administration to seek a revision of the Federal Acquisition Regulations to reflect such finding. (Sec. 216) Prohibits the Administrator from restructuring the Earth Observing System Data and Information System without first fulfilling certain reporting requirements. Title III: Commercial Space Launch Act Amendments - Amends Federal law with regard to commercial space activities to include in- space transportation and reentry vehicles and activities within the scope of such provisions. (Sec. 318) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations regarding insurance, licensing, and indemnification. (Sec. 319) Prohibits obtrusive space advertising (as defined by this Act). Requests the President to enter into negotiations with foreign launching nations to prohibit such advertising.
People & committees
Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD] · R–SD
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Held at the desk.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Voice Vote.
Measure laid before Senate. (consideration: CR S15298-15306)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 204.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Pressler with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 104-155.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Pressler with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 104-155.
Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10244)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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