House Advances NASA Reauthorization Amendment Supporting Commercial Human Presence in Space
- Michael Mealling
- Feb 4
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2026
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Science, Space, and Technology Committee approved an amendment to the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 declaring that United States policy requires the fullest possible commercial use of space and a growing and enduring human presence beyond Earth. The amendment was offered by Space Subcommittee Chair Mike Haridopolos (R-Fl-8) and co-sponsored by Science Ranking Member George Whitesides (D-CA-27), along with Reps Nick Begich (R-AK), Mike Kennedy (R-UT-3), and Matt Van Epps (R-TN-7).
The change, long supported by the Space Frontier Foundation, updates the permanent law governing NASA to direct the agency to facilitate “the growing and enduring presence of private citizens in Earth orbit, in cislunar space, on the surface of the Moon, and beyond.” It reinforces long-standing congressional intent that extending human presence into space advances the general welfare and strengthens U.S. economic and strategic leadership.
“This amendment aligns U.S. law with our history as a frontier nation,” said James Muncy, co-founder and current Policy Chair of the Space Frontier Foundation. “Commercial space is no longer experimental or peripheral. Congress is clearly stating that private human presence and economic activity beyond Earth are not only encouraged but essential and expected outcomes of U.S. space policy.”
Subcommittee Chairman Haridopolos framed the issue in generational terms during the Committee markup:
“As throughout history, people move toward opportunity. Soon, not just a few but thousands of Americans will earn their living in space...As humanity expands into space, we carry with us Western values of freedom, opportunity, and the rule of law.”
The amendment embeds this policy directly into the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 (as amended) by clarifying that the Act’s mandate that NASA promote the fullest possible commercial use of space includes private citizens going to work and living in space, literally expanding human civilization into the solar system.
“This language matters because it creates durable policy,” said Sean Mahoney, Chair of the Space Frontier Foundation. “It does not mandate programs or spending, but it tells every federal agency, investor, and entrepreneur that the United States intends to support commercial space activity and sustained human presence beyond Earth over the long term.”
“By codifying this policy in permanent law, Congress is reinforcing the statutory foundation for future commercial LEO habitats, cislunar infrastructure, and other private-sector-led expansion of human activity beyond Earth—while preserving NASA’s role as explorer and enabler,” Muncy concluded.
About the Space Frontier Foundation
The Space Frontier Foundation is a non‑profit advocacy organization dedicated to opening the space frontier to human settlement as rapidly as possible. By promoting free‑enterprise solutions, SFF works to protect Earth's biosphere and create a freer, more prosperous life for every generation through the unlimited energy and resources of space.
Contact details
Name: Sean Mahoney
Title: Space Frontier Foundation Chair
Phone: +1-202-240-7009
Text of the amendment:
