Week In Review — 9.24.21
The SST Newsletter highlights the goings on of the Committee, the hard work of our Members, and a look ahead. — Sign up to get it delivered straight to your inbox.
The ISS and NASA’s Future in Low Earth Orbit
On Tuesday, the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing titled, “NASA’s Future in Low Earth Orbit: Considerations for International Space Station Extension and Transition.” Committee Members heard directly from expert witnesses, examined the status of the ISS, NASA’s requirements for future research and development in low Earth orbit, and discussed plans for sustaining such activities once the ISS is no longer operating, among other issues.
“Our decisions about the ISS and what follows are not only essential to sustaining our research in low Earth orbit (LEO), they also concern our nation’s strategic presence in space.” - Chairman Don Beyer (D-VA) of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
Diving into NOAA
On Thursday, the Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing titled, “Advancing Earth System Science and Stewardship at NOAA.” This is the first time Administrator Spinrad has appeared before the committee since he was confirmed by the Senate on June 17, 2021. Committee members discussed the Administration’s priorities for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as they relate to climate science and services; scientific integrity; the scientific workforce; weather, water, and climate research and forecasting; and other issues within the Science Committee’s jurisdiction.
“Extreme weather events & billion-dollar disasters are on the rise, and NOAA’s environmental research, services, and stewardship activities are critical to saving lives and safeguarding our economy.” - Chairwoman Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) of the Subcommittee on Environment
You can watch the hearing and read testimony here.
IN THE NEWS: E&E: Agency chief: ‘Too much of NOAA’s workforce looks like me’
In Case You Missed It
FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP OF COMMITTEE PRINT
Committee Print to comply with the reconciliation directive included in section 2002 of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2022, S. Con. Res. 14 — passed by recorded vote of 21–17, and was favorably reported.
“Investments in research and development now will pay untold dividends for the future health and prosperity of our country.” - Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)
Watch the markup and view additional materials here.
CHAIRWOMAN JOHNSON APPLAUDS PRESIDENT BIDEN’S ASSEMBLY OF PCAST MEMBERS
“I am extremely pleased to learn that this group of distinguished individuals is the most diverse PCAST in U.S. history.” - Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)
CHAIRWOMAN JOHNSON STATEMENT ON ON THE PASSING OF FORMER CHAIRMAN SHERWOOD BOEHLERT
“We served on opposite sides of the aisle, but I had no better partner in advancing legislation to strengthen the U.S. scientific enterprise and applying science to solve societal challenges.” - Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)
CHAIRWOMAN JOHNSON STATEMENT ON STATE OF THE CLIMATE IN 2020 REPORT
“This situation is urgent, but it’s not hopeless. We have an opportunity to lead the global response in the fight against the climate crisis — we cannot afford to waste it.” - Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)
Coming up in Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS AND OVERSIGHT HEARING
Subject: “The Disinformation Black Box: Researching Social Media Data”
DATE: Thursday, September 28, 2021
TIME: 10:00 a.m. EDT
PLACE: Online via videoconferencing
Witnesses:
· Dr. Alan Mislove, Professor and Interim Dean, Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Northeastern University
· Ms. Laura Edelson, Ph.D. Candidate and Co-Director of Cybersecurity for Democracy at New York University
· Dr. Kevin Leicht, Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Sociology
Subject: “Members’ Day Hearing: House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology”
DATE: Wednesday, September 29, 2021
TIME: 10:00 a.m. EDT
PLACE: Online via videoconferencing
