Bills · S 3198
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3198Science, Technology, Communications
Space RACE Act
INTRO NOV 19· LAST ACTION NOV 19
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
4BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill is important because it tries to proactively address a significant transition coming in space exploration: the eventual decommissioning of the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS has been a cornerstone for microgravity research for decades. If this bill becomes law, it would create a dedicated entity to ensure the US maintains and grows its leadership in space research by fostering new private and public platforms for research in orbit.
If it doesn't pass, there's a risk that US microgravity research efforts could falter or become less coordinated during and after the ISS retirement, potentially leading to a loss of scientific advancements and economic opportunities in space. It aims to ensure continued innovation and national security advantages in the space domain.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes the National Institute for Space Research, to be operated by a non-Federal entity under contract with NASA.
This creates a dedicated, potentially more agile, structure to manage and promote space research post-ISS.
PROVISION 02
Directs the Institute to support the transition of US microgravity research from the International Space Station (ISS) to next-generation microgravity platforms.
This ensures continuity and growth of critical scientific research as the ISS approaches its retirement.
PROVISION 03
Creates a Board of Directors composed of representatives from various federal agencies (e.g., NASA, DoD, NIH, NSF) and experts from the aerospace industry.
This brings together diverse expertise and perspectives from government and industry to set research priorities and guide the Institute.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that the Institute support education and workforce development related to space research in the United States.
This provision aims to build the pipeline of talent needed for future advancements in the growing space industry.
PROVISION 05
Requires the Institute to identify microgravity research and development priorities of the U.S. Government for "qualified national microgravity projects."
This ensures that publicly funded or supported private space research aligns with national strategic goals and maximizes impact.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 4
R· Texas
YRS IN OFFICE
23
BILLS LED
136
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 50%
DEM 3 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSNOV 19
Introduced in Senate
NOV 19
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3198
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedNov 19, 2025
Last actionNov 19, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED NOV 19, 2025
Senate BillS 3198Science, Technology, Communications
Space RACE Act
INTRODUCED NOV 19, 2025· LAST ACTION NOV 19, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
12 min
COSPONSORS
4
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
