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The purpose of this memorandum is to provide you with information regarding relevant federal legislation introduced and pending during the 109^th session of Congress which began in January 2005 and will end in December 2006.  The information in this memo includes a brief summary of the legislation, the date of its introduction, its original sponsor, co-sponsors and disposition.  Additional details regarding the legislation can be found online at http://thomas.loc.gov.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. 226 – Higher Education Science and Technology Competitiveness Act – Would strengthen and expand scientific and technological education capabilities of colleges that grant associate degrees through the establishment of partnerships with institutions that grant bachelor degrees.  Introduced by Rep. John Sweeney (New York) on January 4, 2005.  As of this date, there are 9 co-sponsors, none of whom are from California.  The bill has been referred to the Subcommittee on 21^st Century Competitiveness. 

H.R. 656 – Commercial Space Launch Act – Would enhance the safety of the commercial human space flight industry.  Introduced by Rep. James Oberstar (Minnesota) on February 8, 2005.  As of this date, there are no co-sponsors.  The bill has been referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. 

H.R. 758 – Interagency Aerospace Revitalization Task Force Act – Would establish an interagency aerospace revitalization task force to develop a national strategy for recruitment, training, and cultivation of aerospace workforce.  Introduced by Rep. Vernon Ehlers (Michigan) on February 10, 2005.  As of this date, there are four co-sponsors including Rep. Ellen Tauscher (California).  The bill has been referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

H.R. 1021 – Space and Aeronautics Prize Act – Would provide prize program to encourage development of space and aeronautics technologies and establish an endowment to further educate and inspire public’s interest in space and aeronautics.  Introduced by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (California) on March 1, 2005.  As of this date, there are no co-sponsors.  The bill has been referred to the Committee on Science.

H.R. 1085 – NASA Flexibility Act – Would provide incentives for some existing NASA employees in order to increase retention and potential employees in order to increase ability to attract.  Introduced by Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (Republican, New York) on March 5, 2003.  The House approved this bill on January 28, 2004.  The Senate approved its version of the bill (S. 610) on November 24, 2003.  The final bill authorizes funding for college scholarships for students who major in subjects to be determined by the NASA administrator (expected to include science, math and engineering) in exchange for an agreement to work for NASA for up to four years.  The President signed this bill into law on February 24.  It is now Public Law 108-201.

H.R. 1024 – Zero Gravity, Zero Tax Act of 2005 – Would provide tax incentives for investing in companies involved in space-related activities.  Introduced by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (California) on March 1, 2005.  As of this date, there are four co-sponsors, including two members of the California Congressional delegation – Rep. Jane Harman and Rep. Ken Calvert.  The bill has been referred to the Ways and Means Committee.

Thomas Legislative Information.

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