Congressman Fong Votes to Pass NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, Advancing Key District Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) voted to pass H.R. 7273, the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, during a full committee markup in the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The bipartisan legislation provides critical direction for NASA and strengthens America's leadership in space exploration, science, and innovation, and helps advance the critical work being produced at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Mojave Air and Space Port. This bill was voted out of Committee by a unanimous vote of 37-0.

The bill includes provisions championed by Congressman Fong, including his ACERO Act, which strengthens critical wildfire fighting capabilities through the use of technology, and the MACH Act, which supports hypersonic advancements through industry partnerships. Congressman Fong also secured a key Chase Aircraft provision, which helps ensure NASA Armstrong has the needed Chase Aircraft to support its vital mission. Congressman Fong also introduced an amendment that was adopted unanimously and requires the NASA Administrator to establish a formal process for cross-directorate collaboration to better coordinate Mars exploration and science efforts.

"With rapid technological change and growing global competition, America must remain the world leader in space exploration and aerospace innovation," said Congressman Fong (CA-20). "The NASA Reauthorization Act strengthens key programs supporting commercial spaceflight, advances cutting-edge aeronautics research and hypersonics, and reinforces critical partnerships with industry. This legislation is especially important for the Central Valley and Eastern Kern County - home to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Mojave Air and Space Port - and helps protect and expand the aerospace testing capabilities that keep our nation secure and globally competitive."

Highlights of H.R. 7273 include:

• Growing the commercial space economy by enabling NASA's transition to commercial low-Earth orbit platforms that support American industry and innovation.
• Investing in breakthrough space and aeronautics technologies, including advanced propulsion, deep-space communications, hypersonics, and next-generation flight systems.
• Supporting a balanced science and workforce portfolio by advancing discovery missions and expanding education programs that prepare the next generation of explorers.