Sorensen Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen NASA and Energy Department
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) joined Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) in introducing the bipartisan DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act, which codifies the relationship between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Department of Energy (DOE) to advance the work of both entities.
"Strong collaborations push our understanding of the world to new heights," said Sorensen. "I'm proud to spearhead this bipartisan initiative with my colleagues to codify the natural relationship between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Department of Energy to prepare our country for the next great advancements in science and exploration.”
“I am thrilled to announce the introduction of the DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act. My legislation will help support the cross-agency and collaborative research between the Department of Energy and NASA, codifying their working relationship into law,” said Williams. “Together, the DOE and NASA will engage directly on R&D for propulsion systems, fundamental high-energy physics, quantum network infrastructure, and more. These two agencies share a common goal of advancing scientific knowledge and improving our understanding of the universe. This bill will facilitate that mission and I look forward to the report on their joint findings and progress for years to come.”
This bill gives NASA and DOE the authority to work together on cross-cutting and collaborative research without approval from Congress. Sorensen serves as the top-ranking Democrat on the House Science, Space, & Technology Committee’s Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee.
Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.
###