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Congressional Research Service
Version 55 · Passed Senate · Dec 18, 2020
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2019
This bill reauthorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2021. The bill provides for continued use of the International Space Station through 2030 and authorizes NASA programs and activities, including a rocket engine test infrastructure program, a low-Earth orbit commercialization program, a Lunar Discovery Program for lunar science research, a 21st Century Aeronautics Capabilities Initiative, a Skilled Technical Education Outreach Program for secondary school students, and a 21st Century Space Launch Infrastructure Program.
NASA shall establish the Planetary Defense Coordination Office to implement a program for surveying threats posed by near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter.
NASA shall also continue providing opportunities for formal and informal STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer science) education engagement activities, including under the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).
People & committees
Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] · R–TX
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S7666-7682)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
The committee substitute withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S7650-7682; text: CR S7651-7666)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 525.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Wicker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-262.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Wicker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-262.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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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