02/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/05/2026 12:23
Washington, DC - TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) secured passage of two bipartisan pieces of legislation during the NASA Reauthorization Actmarkup in the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Amo introduced the Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act, co-led by Congressman French Hill (R-AR), as an amendment, and the Drone Safety Enhancement Act, co-led by Congressman Tom Kean (R-NJ), was included in the base text of the NASA Reauthorization Act.
"From the first steps on the Moon to the next generation of space discovery, American leadership has been bolstered by strong partnerships across borders and scientific disciplines," said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). "I'm grateful to work with Congressman Hill and Congressman Kean on the bipartisan TASA Act and the Drone Safety Enhancement Act,respectively, to build America's proud legacy of innovation in science and technology. I look forward to these bills becoming law and continuing to work across the aisle, and the world, to promote science."
"I'm pleased that my and Rep. Gabe Amo's bill, the TASA Act, was voted out of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology," said Congressman French Hill (R-AR). The bill strengthens civilian space cooperation between NASA, NOAA, and Taiwan's Space Agency, including collaboration on satellites, exploration, and atmospheric research. As Taiwan continues to develop its space program, this cooperation highlights the strength of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership and our commitment to allies in the region. American support will also encourage Taiwan to continue investing in its growing space capabilities. Thank you to Rep. Amo and Rep. Mike Haridopolos for helping advance the TASA Act through the SST Committee."
"My bill, the Drone Safety Enhancement Act, advanced in the House as part of the NASA Reauthorization Act," said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr (R-NJ). "I introduced this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Amo to direct federal research toward the responsible integration of drone technology and autonomous aviation systems. Continued R&D in this field is vital to America's competitiveness and to ensuring our airspace remains safe, efficient, and prepared for the future."
Background
In September 2025, Congressman Amoand Congressman Hill introduced the Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act to strengthen scientific cooperation with a key democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific. The bill would direct NASA, NOAA, and the State Department to better coordinate with Taiwan on space exploration, satellite development, atmospheric research, and science education.
In December 2025, Congressman Amo and Congressman Kean introduced the Drone Safety Enhancement Act to support enhanced research across federal agencies to safely integrate drones and advanced air mobility technologies into the national airspace.
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