{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-cornyn-kelly-wicker-lujan-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-bolster-american-space-research-exploration/", "Hickenlooper, Cornyn, Kelly, Wicker, Luj\u00e1n Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster American Space Research, Exploration", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CO", "John W. Hickenlooper", "H000273", "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "hickenlooper", "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "scraper", "Space RACE Act would create new space research institute to ensure competitive edge over foreign adversaries\n\nLegislation comes as International Space Station (ISS) nears retirement\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, John Cornyn, Mark Kelly, Roger Wicker, and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n introduced the bipartisan Space Research And Continuing Exploration (RACE) Act to bolster America\u2019s space exploration and research capabilities and ensure America is equipped to lead in the next space race by creating a National Institute for Space Research.\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t let the International Space Station\u2019s retirement leave a gap in American research in outer space,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cThe Space RACE Act ensures our scientific research and innovation activities secure new opportunities on space stations of the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs our foreign adversaries continue to make advancements in space research and exploration, it is critical for America to have every tool and competitive advantage at our disposal to launch into the next space race,\u201d said Cornyn. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this legislation to create the National Institute for Space Research, which will help strengthen our nation\u2019s research capabilities and bolster our influence in the global space economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica won the first Space Race, and we will win the second. The National Institute for Space Research would help accomplish that mission,\u201d said Wicker. \u201cBy combining the talents of industry leaders, government officials, and academic researchers, the Institute would extend the capabilities of U.S. space technology.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom my time on the International Space Station, I saw how the research our astronauts conduct drives innovation here on Earth and strengthens America\u2019s long-term competitiveness,\u201d said Kelly. \u201cAs China and other countries expand their space programs, the United States can\u2019t afford to lose ground. Our bipartisan bill makes sure that when the ISS reaches the end of its service, we continue the groundbreaking work it began and maintain America\u2019s leadership in space.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs China rapidly expands its space capabilities, the United States must harness its competitive edge and world-class research ecosystem by lowering barriers to entry in space research and development to ensure our nation leads in the emerging space economy,\u201d said Luj\u00e1n. \u201cNew Mexico plays a key role in driving the nation\u2019s space innovation, and this legislation will build on the research and technological advancements happening in our state.\u201d\n\nAs the International Space Station (ISS) approaches retirement, there is an urgent need to ensure uninterrupted access to microgravity research capabilities that underpin advances in national defense, biotechnology, and space manufacturing.\n\nIn addition, reports indicate that China is launching new modules to its Tiangong space station to meet growing demands for science and to boost international cooperation and is developing a new-generation crew spacecraft in an attempt to challenge the United States\u2019 longstanding leadership in space exploration and research.\n\nIn response, the senators\u2019 Space RACE Act would:\n\nCreate a National Institute for Space Research, a federally controlled but independently operated entity designed to coordinate and advance U.S. microgravity research in LEO using next-generation space platforms after the retirement of the ISS\n\nSupport public-private partnerships and economic development by bridging government and commercial sector interests\n\nAnd bolster America\u2019s geopolitical influence, strategic positioning, and leadership in the emerging space economy around the world\n\nThe National Institute for Space Research will enhance U.S. competitiveness in the emerging trillion-dollar space economy, support small businesses, and lower barriers to entry into space research and development. Several Colorado-based aerospace companies are leading contributors to space station projects under development with NASA, including Orbital Reef and Starlab.\n\nOne pager available HERE and full text available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-cornyn-kelly-wicker-lujan-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-bolster-american-space-research-exploration/"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.5969499945640564, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}