Bill Summary
The "Frank Wolf Space Security Act" is legislation aimed at restricting the use of Federal funds for certain activities involving the People's Republic of China in the realms of space and scientific collaboration. Under this Act, no Federal funds may be allocated by NASA, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), or the National Space Council (NSpC) for cooperative efforts or contracts with China, unless explicitly authorized by subsequent law. Additionally, the Act prohibits the hosting of official Chinese visitors at NASA facilities.
There are exceptions to these restrictions if NASA, OSTP, or NSpC can certify, after consulting with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, that the proposed activity poses no risk of transferring sensitive technology or information and does not involve known human rights violators. Any such certifications must be reported to relevant congressional committees at least 30 days before the activity takes place, providing details on the purpose, agenda, participants, and timing of the event.
Possible Impacts
The "Frank Wolf Space Security Act" could affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Impact on Scientific Collaboration**: Researchers and scientists in the United States who are working in fields related to space exploration or scientific research may find it more difficult to collaborate with Chinese counterparts. This could hinder advancements in joint research projects, limit access to valuable data, and slow down progress in areas such as climate science, space technology, and other scientific endeavors that could benefit from international cooperation.
2. **Economic Implications for the Space Industry**: Companies in the U.S. space industry that have partnerships or business relations with Chinese firms may face financial uncertainty. The restriction on federal funds could lead to reduced investment in projects that involve Chinese technology or collaboration, potentially resulting in job losses or decreased innovation in the sector. This might also deter foreign investment in U.S. space ventures due to perceived risks associated with federal funding restrictions.
3. **Cultural and Diplomatic Relations**: The act could strain cultural and diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China, particularly in the realm of science and technology. This could affect individuals involved in academic exchanges, international conferences, and collaborative research. Those who were hoping to engage in cross-cultural dialogue and share knowledge may find these opportunities curtailed, leading to increased isolation and reduced understanding between the two nations.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4360 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4360
To restrict the obligation or expenditure of Federal funds relating to
certain Chinese space and scientific activities, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 10, 2025
Mr. Webster of Florida introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To restrict the obligation or expenditure of Federal funds relating to
certain Chinese space and scientific activities, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Frank Wolf Space Security Act''.
SEC. 2. RESTRICTION ON FEDERAL FUNDS RELATING TO CERTAIN CHINESE SPACE
AND SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--No Federal funds may be obligated or expended for
the following:
(1) For the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA), the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), or
the National Space Council (NSpC) to develop, design, plan,
promulgate, implement, or execute a bilateral policy, program,
order, or contract of any kind to participate, collaborate, or
coordinate bilaterally in any way with the People's Republic of
China or any Chinese-owned company unless such activities are
specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(2) To effectuate the hosting of official Chinese visitors
at Federal facilities belonging to or utilized by NASA.
(b) Exceptions.--The restrictions described in subsection (a) shall
not apply to activities with respect to which NASA, OSTP, or NSpC,
after consultation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have
certified--
(1) pose no risk of resulting in the transfer of
technology, data, or other information with national security
or economic security implications to the People's Republic of
China or a Chinese-owned company; and
(2) will not involve knowing interactions with officials
who have been determined by the United States to have direct
involvement with violations of human rights.
(c) Submission.--Any certification made under subsection (b) shall
be submitted to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
not later than 30 days prior to the activity in question. Any such
certification shall include a description of the purpose of such
activity, its agenda, its major participants, and its location and
timing.
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