S. 2351 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Jul 17, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryNASA gains flexibility to lease property for research
This bill gives NASA clearer authority to lease its properties to states, cities, universities, and nonprofit organizations focused on education or science. The leases would be for space-related projects that fit with NASA's mission. NASA can also lease property back from these organizations if needed, and can help lessees with things like administrative support and training.
How it affects you
If you work at or attend a university, nonprofit research organization, or work for a state or local government in space-related fields, this could expand opportunities to use NASA facilities for your research or training. Most other people won't see a direct change, though the bill aims to spread space research more broadly across different institutions.
Read the official summary (Reported to Senate, Apr 13, 2026)
Space Exploration Research Act
This bill explicitly authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to lease its properties to states and localities, universities, and nonprofit organizations to conduct space research and training. (Under current law, NASA is authorized to lease property to individuals and entities subject to specified conditions.)
Under the bill, NASA may use existing authorities to lease property under its jurisdiction to (1) the state in which the property is located or a subdivision thereof, (2) a nonprofit organization founded for educational or scientific purposes, or (3) an institution of higher education. NASA may also enter into agreements to lease back such property.
Construction and operations on leased property must serve a space-related purpose relevant to NASA’s mission. NASA may provide administrative, instructional, and other appropriate support to lessees.
NASA must report annually to Congress on the relevance, value, and other quantifiable benefits of the lease agreements.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 2351
A BILL
Space Exploration Research Act
Sponsor: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) · Introduced Jul 17, 2025 · Science, Technology, Communications · 2 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 13, 2026: “Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 369.”
Sections
The wording of this bill hasn’t changed across its 2 official versions.