House BillHR 477Science, Technology, Communications
MACH Act
INTRO JAN 16· LAST ACTION JAN 16
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
12BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Aerospace companies, universities, and private researchers developing high-speed aircraft and related technologies would be directly affected. The program would offer them access to NASA's specialized testing facilities and expertise, potentially accelerating their research and development efforts.
NASA would gain a formal program structure to coordinate and facilitate commercial hypersonic testing. The Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would also be involved through consultation and collaboration, helping to align commercial hypersonic development with national security interests and civil aviation safety standards.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Allows NASA to establish the Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics (MACH) Program.
This creates a dedicated pathway for private companies and researchers to access NASA facilities for testing high-speed aircraft.
PROVISION 02
The program's purpose is to facilitate opportunities for testing high-speed aircraft and related technologies, but it cannot fund the development of those technologies.
This clarifies the program's scope, focusing on testing support rather than direct financial investment in R&D, potentially preventing competition with private investment.
PROVISION 03
Requires NASA to develop a strategic plan for the program within 60 days of the bill becoming law.
This ensures the program has a clear direction and aligns with existing national hypersonic research goals from the start.
PROVISION 04
Requires coordination and collaboration between NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
This ensures that commercial hypersonic advancements consider both national security and civil aviation safety, fostering a unified approach.
PROVISION 05
Prohibits the program from entering into agreements related to these technologies with "entities of concern," "foreign business entities," or "foreign countries of concern."
This provision aims to protect sensitive U.S. hypersonic technology and research from being accessed by potential adversaries or entities posing security risks.
Aerospace companies, universities, and private researchers developing high-speed aircraft and related technologies would be directly affected. The program would offer them access to NASA's specialized testing facilities and expertise, potentially accelerating their research and development efforts.
NASA would gain a formal program structure to coordinate and facilitate commercial hypersonic testing. The Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would also be involved through consultation and collaboration, helping to align commercial hypersonic development with national security interests and civil aviation safety standards.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Allows NASA to establish the Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics (MACH) Program.
This creates a dedicated pathway for private companies and researchers to access NASA facilities for testing high-speed aircraft.
med
The program's purpose is to facilitate opportunities for testing high-speed aircraft and related technologies, but it cannot fund the development of those technologies.
This clarifies the program's scope, focusing on testing support rather than direct financial investment in R&D, potentially preventing competition with private investment.
med
Requires NASA to develop a strategic plan for the program within 60 days of the bill becoming law.
This ensures the program has a clear direction and aligns with existing national hypersonic research goals from the start.
high
Requires coordination and collaboration between NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
This ensures that commercial hypersonic advancements consider both national security and civil aviation safety, fostering a unified approach.
high
Prohibits the program from entering into agreements related to these technologies with "entities of concern," "foreign business entities," or "foreign countries of concern."
This provision aims to protect sensitive U.S. hypersonic technology and research from being accessed by potential adversaries or entities posing security risks.
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment.
Develop a strategic plan for program activities.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment.
Submit an initial report describing program activities and including the strategic plan.
Not later than one year after enactment and annually thereafter.
Submit an annual report on program progress, including testing opportunities.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Hypersonic Vehicles
Aircraft or missiles that can travel at speeds of Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) or faster.
Administrator of NASA
The chief executive officer of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, responsible for leading the agency.
Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate
A specific division within NASA that focuses on research and development related to aviation and air travel technologies.
Strategic Plan
A document outlining the goals, objectives, and methods for achieving a specific program or initiative.
Entity of Concern / Foreign Country of Concern
Terms referring to specific foreign governments, businesses, or organizations that have been identified as posing national security risks to the United States.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the country.
Department of Defense (DoD)
The executive branch department of the U.S. government charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government concerned directly with national security and the U.S. armed forces.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JAN 16, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 16, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.