What’s Ahead

(Image credit – House Appropriations Committee)

House Advancing Bills With Science Spending Boosts

The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to advance legislation this week that proposes topline budget increases across a range of science agencies. On Tuesday, the committee will consider bills covering the Departments of Energy and Defense. The next day, the committee will consider bills covering NASA, National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the U.S. Geological Survey. The committee released draft reports containing program-level spending proposals for DOE and DOD on Monday morning. The Senate has yet to release its spending proposals for the year, though leaders of both chambers have begun negotiations with the White House on raising current statutory budget caps, which will be necessary if broad increases are to be enacted. Details will be posted in FYI’s Federal Science Budget Tracker as they become available.

NASA Elaborating on Lunar Science Agenda

NASA’s recently accelerated “Moon to Mars” plans will be up for discussion at the meeting of the NASA Advisory Council’s Science Committee on Tuesday and Wednesday. Senior NASA officials have said at other recent events that the agency expects to issue its first task order for the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program this month. The program aims to deliver scientific instrumentation and other small payloads to the lunar surface at an initial rate of one or two missions per year. In addition, the agency plans to launch a robotic rover mission to investigate the south polar region, where NASA is planning to undertake a crewed landing in 2024. This week’s meeting will also feature a discussion of NASA’s forthcoming update to its 2014 Science Plan.

Senate Kicking Off Annual Defense Policy Debate

The Senate Armed Services Committee is commencing discussion of its version of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act with a series of subcommittee meetings on Monday and Tuesday and a marathon full committee meeting on Wednesday. Most of these meetings will take place behind closed doors. Congress passes the bill annually to update policy and make funding recommendations for the Department of Defense and National Nuclear Security Administration. A major focus of this year’s bill will be President Trump’s proposal to establish a new Space Force service branch, which drew skepticism from both parties at a hearing the committee held on the subject in April. The bill also typically contains various provisions bearing on R&D policy and technology projects. The text of the Senate bill will be released following its consideration by the full committee. The House Armed Services Committee has scheduled meetings to consider its version of the bill for the first week of June.

Senate Energy Committee Turns to Renewable Energy R&D

On Tuesday, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing to discuss opportunities for advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. Among the witnesses are the head of the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The hearing is the latest in an ongoing series in support of the committee’s wide-ranging effort to promote energy innovation and address climate change.

In Case You Missed It

At an employee town hall event on May 14, NASA Science Mission Directorate head Thomas Zurbuchen, at right, discusses science opportunities presented by the agency’s lunar exploration program. With him, from left, are NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate head Bill Gerstenmaier, and acting Space Technology Mission Directorate head Jim Reuter. (Image credit – NASA / Joel Kowsky)

NASA Requests $1.6 Billion to Kick Off 2024 Moon Shot

The Trump administration submitted an amendment to its fiscal year 2020 budget request for NASA on May 13, asking for an additional $1.6 billion to enable a crewed lunar landing in 2024. Of the total, $1 billion would go toward the development of a human lunar landing system by a commercial partner, and $651 million would fund expedited work on the Space Launch System rocket and Orion crew vehicle. A further $132 million is requested for the development of “key precursor capabilities,” including solar electric propulsion and a demonstration technology for converting lunar ice to water. For its Science Mission Directorate, NASA requests an additional $90 million for the development of a robotic rover that would arrive at the Moon in advance of a crewed mission. NASA also proposes spending $321 million less than anticipated on its Gateway outpost in lunar orbit, deferring much of the work on it until after the crewed landing. Asked at an agency town hall event whether the $1.6 billion boost is sufficient, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said it would be enough for the first year of the program but that funding requirements are apt to rise as work continues. The Trump administration has proposed offsetting the additional spending by taking surplus funds from the Pell Grant student financial aid program, but Congress is unlikely to accede to that request.

Spectrum Plan Would Severely Degrade Weather Forecasts, NOAA Chief Says

The acting head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Neil Jacobs, reported at a congressional hearing on May 16 that the agency has yet to reach an agreement with the Federal Communications Commission over the regulation of a recently auctioned 5G spectrum band. He warned the FCC has proposed a limit on out-of-band signal emissions that would result in a 77% data loss from microwave sounders on NOAA’s weather satellites, which are used to detect water vapor. He said such a loss would roll back NOAA’s “forecast skill” to about the level it was at in 1980 and would reduce the lead time of hurricane track forecasts by two to three days. Based on consultations with NASA, Jacobs said, NOAA has proposed a more stringent emissions limit that it believes would “result in roughly zero data loss.” Jacobs explained that FCC is disputing the input parameters NOAA and NASA have used in modeling the impacts of interference.

Bill Would Bar Visas for Scientists With Ties to Chinese Military

On May 14, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and five other Republican senators introduced legislation that would restrict researchers with institutional ties to the Chinese military from studying in the U.S. Called the “People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Visa Security Act,” the bill would require the federal government to maintain a list of research institutions that receive support from the PLA. Individuals who are currently or were previously funded by entities on the list would be prohibited from acquiring an F or J visa, which cover educational and cultural exchanges, unless they secured a waiver. Another provision in the bill extends beyond individuals with ties to the PLA, requiring that consular officers use a security review process known as “Visas Mantis” for all Chinese citizens seeking to attend graduate school in fields related to items on the Commerce Department’s export control list. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) has introduced companion legislation in the House with one Republican cosponsor.

Wind and Solar R&D Bills Received Mixed Support

Views on the federal role in spurring wind and solar technology development split along familiar lines at a House Science Committee hearing on May 15, with Democrats favoring expanded support for Department of Energy R&D and demonstration projects and Republicans advocating for prioritizing basic research. Energy Subcommittee Chair Conor Lamb (D-PA) noted the hearing would help refine legislation the committee is planning to introduce with the aim of providing “stronger direction” for DOE’s renewable energy programs. Subcommittee Ranking Member Randy Weber (R-TX) criticized spending increases recommended in the bills, saying these industries are now mature.

Córdova Reflects on NSF’s ‘Big Ideas’ at Three Year Mark

National Science Foundation Director France Córdova reviewed the 10 Big Ideas initiative the agency launched in 2016 at a meeting of the National Science Board last week. She noted that the Trump administration has supported the Ideas and that they align with its priorities in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and building the future workforce. She suggested their implementation has led to a culture change at the agency, focusing it on research at the convergence of multiple disciplines. Córdova highlighted the agency’s new “convergence accelerator” pilot program, which will initially focus on three topics: building an “open knowledge infrastructure,” preparing workers for artificial intelligence and future jobs, and improving the “national talent ecosystem.” NSF is currently accepting ideas for additional accelerators. The agency is also reviewing entries in its prize competition for generating future Big Ideas, called the NSF 2026 Idea Machine. The agency has selected 33 finalists from nearly 800 submissions and plans to announce winners by the end of the year.

NIST Reactor, AI, Nuclear Tech Among House Members’ Science Priorities

The House Science Committee invited members of Congress to discuss legislative priorities in the committee’s area of jurisdiction at a hearing on May 17. Seven representatives, including four committee members, submitted testimony:

Energy Subcommittee Ranking Member Randy Weber (R-TX) said he plans to reintroduce legislation backing DOE’s Versatile Test Reactor and that the new version will include language supporting planning for a new research reactor at the National Institute for Standards and Technology.
Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) testified in support of his Growing Artificial Intelligence Through Research Act, which would create an interagency initiative analogous to the recently launched National Quantum Initiative.
Space Subcommittee Ranking Member Brian Babin (R-TX) testified that he plans to reintroduce legislation that would extend authorization for the International Space Station to 2030 and support the development of follow-on low-Earth orbit platforms.
Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL) submitted a statement outlining several priorities, including increasing the fraction of NASA’s R&D budget dedicated to “transformational” technologies, supporting R&D on nuclear space propulsion systems that do not use weapons-grade uranium, and developing “walk away safe” advanced nuclear reactors.

Legislators Ask What’s Next for Black Hole Image Team

The House Science Committee heard from three members of the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration last week at a hearing highlighting the project’s success in producing the first-ever image of a black hole. Asked about next steps, collaboration director Sheperd Doeleman said imaging Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy, is their next priority, while noting that its lower mass and faster movement with respect to Earth make it far more difficult to capture. He estimated the feat could be accomplished “within a year.” In the longer term, he said, the collaboration plans to incorporate additional telescopes into its current global network and anticipates that in the coming decade it will be possible to construct “movies” of black hole dynamics.

Events This Week

Monday, May 20

FDP: Federal Demonstration Partnership meeting (continues Tuesday) Omni Shoreham Hotel (2500 Calvert St. NW, DC) NSF: “Workshop on Opportunities, Challenges, and Best Practices for Basic Plasma Science User Facilities” (continues Tuesday) College Park, MD NSF: Grants Conference (continues Tuesday) Los Angeles, CA DOE: Defense Program Advisory Committee meeting (continues Tuesday) Closed to the public Senate: Subcommittee markups of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2020 (continues Tuesday) Most sessions closed to the public C2ES: “Wheels Up: Aviation Emissions and Climate Policy,” webinar 1:00 - 2:30 pm

Tuesday, May 21

National Academies: “Review of the USGS’ Laboratories: Processes, Procedures, and Best Practices to Meet National Needs,” meeting five (continues Wednesday) Closed to the public National Academies: “Transparency and Reproducibility of Federal Statistics for the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics,” kickoff meeting (continues Wednesday) Keck Center (500 5th St. NW, DC) NASA: Science Advisory Committee meeting (continues Wednesday) NASA headquarters (300 E St. SW, DC) Webcast available Senate: “Climate Change and the Agricultural Sector” 9:30 am, Agriculture Committee (328A Russell Office Building) House: “The Need for Resilience: Preparing America’s Transportation Infrastructure for Climate Change” 10:00 am, Science Committee (2318 Rayburn Office Building) Senate: “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Efforts in the U.S.” 10:00 am, Energy and Natural Resources Committee (366 Dirksen Office Building) AAAS: “Skills to Succeed: Approaches to Blending Science and Human Rights” 10:00 - 11:00 am, Webinar House: Markup of Energy-Water and Defense subcommittee spending bills 10:30 am, Appropriations Committee (2359 Rayburn Office Building) DHS: Homeland Security Advisory Council meeting 1:00 - 3:30 pm, Wilson Center (1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, DC) House: NOAA budget request hearing 2:00 pm, Natural Resources Committee (1324 Longworth Office Building) Atlantic Council: “U.S. Nuclear Energy Leadership: Innovation and the Strategic Global Challenge,” congressional briefing 2:00 - 3:30 pm, 200 Senate Visitor Center

Wednesday, May 22

National Academies: “Quadrennial Review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative,” meeting two (continues Thursday) Irvine, CA DOD: “STIx on the Hill,” congressional briefing 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, 2325 Rayburn House Office Building Senate: Interior Department budget request hearing 9:30 am, Appropriations Committee (124 Dirksen Office Building) House: “Responding to the Global Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service” 10:00 am, Natural Resources Committee (1324 Longworth Office Building) House: Markup of the Commerce-Justice-Science and Interior-Environment subcommittee spending bills 10:30 am, Appropriations Committee (2359 Rayburn Office Building) New America: “My Favorite Movie with Marcia McNutt: Jurassic Park” 6:30 - 9:00 pm, Landmark E St. Cinema (555 11th St. NW, DC) Senate: Full committee markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2020 (continues Thursday) Closed to the public

Thursday, May 23

House: “Creating a Climate Resilient America” 9:00 am, Climate Crisis Committee (2247 Rayburn Office Building)

Friday, May 24

NSF: Biological Sciences Advisory Committee virtual meeting 10:00 am - 4:00 pm National Academies: “Artificial Intelligence: An International Dialogue” 2:00 - 4:30 pm, National Academy of Sciences building (2101 Constitution Ave NW, DC)

Monday, May 27

Mission Innovation: 4th Ministerial Meeting (continues through Wednesday) Vancouver, CA

Opportunities

GAO Hiring Senior Physical Science Analyst

The Government Accountability Office is hiring a senior physical science analyst specialized in nuclear physics for its Science, Technology Assessment and Analytics (STAA) team. The position will support technology assessments and technical audits for Congress on an array of nuclear physics issues, such as nuclear reactor design and non-proliferation. Applications are due May 23.

Commerce Department Seeking Members for Export Control Advisory Panels

The Department of Commerce is recruiting candidates to serve on its seven Technical Advisory Committees that inform its development and administration of export controls for dual-use technologies. The department is currently developing new export controls for “emerging” and “foundational” technologies. Nominations are due June 15.

AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadors Program Accepting Applications

The American Association for the Advancement of Science is seeking participants for its IF/THEN Ambassadors program, which aims to give women in STEM careers the opportunity to share their stories and serve as high-profile role models for middle school girls. The program plans to select 100 U.S.-based women representing a diversity of STEM professions for its inaugural class. Applications are due July 21.

New AAAS Science Policy Center Hiring Intern

The recently launched Center for Scientific Evidence in Public Issues (EPI Center) at the American Association for the Advancement of Science is accepting applications for a 12-week paid internship. The intern will support the center’s communication’s director. Applications are due June 7.

For additional opportunities, please visit www.aip.org/fyi/opportunities. Know of an opportunity for scientists to engage in science policy? Email us at fyi@aip.org.Know of an upcoming science policy event either inside or outside the Beltway? Email us at fyi@aip.org.