Committees in the House and Senate continue working on legislation that includes funding for NASA in the 2014 Federal government’s fiscal year , which theoretically should start on October 1st. The budgets in the two chambers different considerably and will have to be reconciled at some point. However, time is limited due to scheduled recesses and the need to deal with many other legislative priorities. So most likely the 2014 fiscal year will start with yet another continuing resolution that keeps NASA on the same budget as its been on.
The latest on the space policy related activities:
- House NASA authorization could offer some fireworks – Space Politics
- House appropriations approve spending bill as NASA, industry complain – Space Politics
- Nelson Introduces Senate Version of NASA Authorization Bill
- The Future of NASA in a Post-shuttle World – SpaceNews.com
Check back for updates here throughout the day and evening.
Update:
- Frustration grows as lawmakers continue to penny pinch commercial crew – NASASpaceFlight.com
- What’s Going To Happen With the NASA Budget? – Universe Today
Update 2: I’m told that Congressman Steve Stockman of Texas was successfully in his effort to pass an amendment with two additions to the House authorization bill for NASA that look promising. They encourage greater use of the International Space Station by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and by NASA’s Space Technology Program. This requires greater access to the station, which in turn requires commercial cargo and crew transportation.
Update 3:
- NASA’s Planetary Science Budget Crunch Expected To Pit Curiosity vs. Cassini – SpaceNews.com
- Senate, House NASA Bills Far Apart on Funding, Close on Some Priorities – SpaceNews.com
- Proposed NASA Cuts Spark Bitter Debate During House Science Markup – SpaceNews.com
- House committee restores funding for Mars, Jupiter missions – latimes.com
Update 4: