HR 6219 United States House · 118th Congress

ASCEND Act

The ASCEND Act establishes a formal program for NASA to purchase commercial satellite data for Earth science research, climate monitoring, and applications. It requires NASA to create transparent procurement processes, publish vendor agreements annually, and ensure data can be used by researchers and other federal agencies without restrictions. The bill directly affects NASA, commercial satellite vendors, and federally funded researchers who gain easier access to Earth observation data. Key provisions include mandatory annual reports to Congress on vendor contracts and how the data supports scientific goals, building on NASA’s existing 2019 pilot program.

Issues: ✓ Environment

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Nov 2023

Committee Review

Sep 2024

House Passage

Sep 2024

Senate Passage

President

Introduced Nov 3, 2023 Last action Sep 24, 2024

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced in House → Engrossed in House · 4 edits · Sep 23, 2024

MODERATE

The engrossed version narrows NASA's authority to procure commercial Earth remote sensing data by removing the provision that allowed procurement for nonscientific applications and nonmilitary activities of Federal agencies. It adds a requirement to use United States vendors to the maximum extent practicable, strengthens language around end-use licensing to promote the widest-possible use of procured data, and expands the scope of the annual report to Congress.

SCOPE

Removed subsection (c)(3), which had allowed NASA to procure commercial Earth remote sensing data for nonscientific applications and nonmilitary activities of Federal agencies. This narrows the program's purpose to scientific research and applications only.

New subsection (d) requires that commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery be procured from United States vendors to the maximum extent practicable, establishing a domestic sourcing preference.

REQUIREMENT

Subsection (c)(2) now requires end-use license terms to allow for the 'widest-possible use' of procured data by individuals other than NASA-funded users, rather than simply allowing use. This pushes toward broader public access to the data.

ENFORCEMENT

The annual report requirement (now subsection (e)) was expanded to explicitly require reporting on agreements, vendors, license terms, and uses of commercial Earth remote sensing data under the section, increasing transparency and oversight.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Sep 24, 2024

Committee

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

upper

Sep 23, 2024

Introduced

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5623-5624)

lower

Sep 23, 2024

Lower · Passed

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5623-5624)

lower

Sep 23, 2024

Introduced

Mr. Lucas moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

lower

Jul 23, 2024

Lower · Passed

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 118-603.

lower

Mar 20, 2024

Introduced

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 37 - 0.

lower

Mar 20, 2024

Lower · Passed

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

lower

Nov 3, 2023

Committee

Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

lower

Nov 3, 2023

Introduced

Introduced in House

lower

1 primary · 2 co-sponsors