Ranking Member Foushee, Rep. Webster Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Establish Space Resources Research Initiative

WASHINGTON, DC (December 12, 2025) - Yesterday, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, and Congressman Daniel Webster (FL-11) introduced H.R. 6638, the Space Resources Institute Act, bipartisan legislation which directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator and the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress on the merits and feasibility of establishing a dedicated space resources institute relating to space resources, the surface materials, water, and metals often found on the Moon, Mars, and asteroids.

"America's leadership in space has long depended on our determination to push the boundaries of science and innovation," said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. "As we prepare for the next era of discovery--where astronauts will live and work farther from Earth for longer than ever before--understanding how to responsibly harness space resources will be vital to sustaining our presence and growing the space economy. The Space Resources Institute Act takes a smart, forward-looking approach to using resources beyond Earth. With this bill, we're ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of space innovation and exploration for generations to come."

"As space continues to be a domain of economic and strategic competition, the ability to identify and utilize resources beyond Earth, such as the Moon, will shape the next generation of American leadership," said Congressman Daniel Webster. "This bill examines how we can best support the development of space-based resources. It ensures that the United States - not China - sets the terms in this critical domain."

The bipartisan Space Resources Institute Act will:

• Strengthens U.S. Leadership in Space Innovation. The?Space Resources Institute Act?positions the United States to lead in the responsible and strategic use of extraterrestrial materials-such as lunar regolith, asteroid metals, and planetary water-ice-to sustain long-term human presence and economic activity in space.

• Lays the Foundation for the Future Space Economy. The legislation calls on NASA and the Department of Commerce to assess the feasibility of a dedicated institute to coordinate research, technology development, and policy initiatives needed to advance in-space resource utilization (ISRU) as a cornerstone of America's expanding space economy.

• Ensures a Data-Driven, Responsible Approach. By requiring an interagency report to Congress, the bill ensures that decisions about establishing a space resources institute are guided by expert analysis and informed planning--fostering innovation while advancing U.S. competitiveness and international leadership in the next era of space exploration.

Once enacted, NASA will have 180 days to submit its interagency report to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

The full text of the bill can be found here.