Lawmaker seeks to give NASA funding flexibility on interagency research efforts

A leading House Democrat has introduced legislation that would remove obstacles preventing NASA and other federal agencies from easily partnering on research and education projects.

The bill would “authorize the transfer to NASA of funds from other agencies for scientific or engineering research or education.” The space agency currently lacks the authority to receive and merge funds from other agencies to jointly collaborate on such initiatives.

The legislation was introduced on March 15 by Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Ill., ranking member of the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. 

Sorensen said in a statement that the legislation was necessary because NASA and other science-focused agencies “are forced to jump through duplicative administrative hoops to collaborate on certain research and education projects,” which he said “slows the pace of innovation and discovery.” 

“My bill cuts this red tape by giving NASA the authority to receive funds to support grants and cooperative agreements,” he added. “Our agencies are on the cutting edge of science, and collaboration is key to achieving our shared goals while leveraging the unique expertise and capabilities of each agency.”

The legislation marks Sorensen’s latest effort to strengthen scientific partnerships between NASA and other agencies.

Last April, Sorensen — along with Rep. Brandon Williams, R-N.Y., chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Energy — introduced a bill to enhance research collaboration between NASA and the Department of Energy. Their legislation passed the House in December 2023 but has not yet advanced out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.