House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology

The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is a standing committee that oversees most non-defense federal scientific research and development. Its jurisdiction covers major agencies including NASA, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the National Weather Service, as well as research and development activities at the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and other federal agencies. The committee reviews bills related to space exploration, energy research, environmental science, aviation, and technology innovation before they reach the full House floor. Bills referred to the committee are studied by five specialized subcommittees—Energy, Environment, Investigations and Oversight, Research and Technology, and Space and Aeronautics—which conduct detailed reviews and hold hearings on specific topics within their jurisdictions.

Chair Brian Babin (R-TX) and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) lead the 40-member committee. Recent legislative activity reflects the committee's broad mandate. In February 2026, the committee passed the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 on a bipartisan basis, legislation that strengthens human space exploration through the Artemis program, supports commercial space activities, and invests in breakthrough aeronautics technologies. The committee has also addressed energy resilience, artificial intelligence innovation, coastal observation systems, and weather modernization through bills referred to it. Current hearings and investigations cover topics ranging from scientific publishing standards to deep-sea mining technology and the transition from the International Space Station to commercial platforms.