Skip to Content

Science and Innovation

Science Committee Chairs Celebrate Successful Launch of GOES-T Satellite

| Posted in Press Releases

Today the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite mission GOES-T, a collaborative acquisition, development, and launch partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), was successfully launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. GOES-T is the latest in the Geostationary Operational Environmental (GOES) -R series of…

Chairs DeFazio, Napolitano, and Beyer Lead 117 House Colleagues in Urging the Biden Administration to Finalize Science-Based Clean Water Rule

| Posted in Press Releases

Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Chair of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Chair of the Joint Economic Committee Don Beyer (D-VA) and 117 representatives yesterday wrote to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) urging them to swiftly…

The Rising Danger of Space Debris

| Posted in Articles

Originally published on The Dispatch Russia shot down one of its own defunct satellites in an anti-satellite missile test over the weekend, creating a dangerous cloud of debris that will expand and remain in low Earth orbit for years to come. In an era where society depends on satellites more than ever, the test raises concerns not just about the militarization of space, but…

U.S. Needs Nuclear Spacecraft To Compete With China, NASA Official Says

| Posted in Articles

Originally published in: UPI NASA and U.S. aerospace experts urged Congress on Wednesday to invest more quickly and heavily in development of nuclear-powered spacecraft Wednesday to stay ahead of such competitors as China. The space agency believes spacecraft powered by a nuclear thermal rocket reach Mars in just three to four months, which is about half the time required by…

Beyer Applauds House Passage Of Bipartisan Scientific Research And Innovation Legislation

| Posted in Press Releases

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), a senior member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, today celebrated the adoption of H.R. 2225, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act, and H.R. 3593, the Department of Energy Science for the Future Act, both of which passed in the House of Representatives last night with broad bipartisan support. “This legislation will support…

Rep. Beyer In Scientific American: It’s Time For Congress to Support Fusion Energy

| Posted in Opinion Pieces

Originally Published in Scientific American The existential threat of the climate emergency poses perhaps the greatest danger to human health and prosperity we have ever faced. And it carries with it a particular challenge: even with current growth in renewable energy development, a significant portion of future energy is projected to be supplied by…

Members Of Bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus Seek Energy Department Update On Congressional Directives

| Posted in Press Releases

Yesterday, members of Congress’ bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus wrote to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm seeking updates on the Department of Energy’s progress in implementing directives from Congress to support the development of key fusion energy projects. The letter, led by Fusion Energy Caucus founder Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), was signed by Reps. Susan Wild (D-PA), Steve Cohen…

Chairman Beyer Opening Statement for Hearing on Earth Science and Climate Change Activities at NASA

| Posted in Speeches and Floor Statements

Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics is holding a hearing titled, “NASA’s Earth Science and Climate Change Activities: Current Roles and Future Opportunities.” Chairman of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, Rep. Don Beyer’s (D-VA), opening statement for the record is below. Good morning and welcome to today’s…

Science Committee Members Statement on Scientific Integrity Task Force

| Posted in Press Releases

Today, the federal scientific integrity task force convened for the first time. The 46-person task force, comprised of members from more than two dozen government agencies, was mandated by the Biden Administration in a January memorandum, Restoring Trust in Government through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policy Making. Its mission is to review then effectiveness of agency…

Artemis, Space Situational Awareness Among Top Priorities for New Space Subcommittee Chair

| Posted in Articles

Originally published in: Space Policy Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) is getting a crash course in the breadth and complexities of issues facing NASA and commercial space as the new chair of the House space subcommittee. With one hearing behind him, he is gearing up for more to educate himself before making up his mind on thorny issues like who should own Human Landing Systems or what agency…