S.582 - Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.582, the Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act, allows astronauts and space flight participants to use federal vehicles for transportation to and from their residences for official purposes, specifically post-mission activities like medical monitoring. The bill defines key terms such as 'government astronaut,' 'international partner astronaut,' 'space flight participant,' and 'official purpose' related to astronaut transportation. It also outlines conditions for transportation authorization, reimbursement for international partner astronauts and space flight participants, and the promulgation of necessary regulations.
Expected Effects
This act will likely result in astronauts and space flight participants having easier access to transportation for post-mission medical evaluations and other official duties. It clarifies the circumstances under which government vehicles can be used for this purpose. The act also requires the Administrator to create regulations to implement the law.
Potential Benefits
- Improved astronaut well-being: Ensures astronauts receive necessary post-mission medical attention by providing reliable transportation.
- Streamlined post-mission activities: Facilitates efficient completion of post-mission tasks.
- Attractiveness to international partners: May make space programs more appealing to international partners by offering transportation support.
- Clarity and consistency: Establishes clear guidelines for astronaut transportation, reducing ambiguity.
- Enhanced research opportunities: Supports medical research related to spaceflight by ensuring astronauts can attend research appointments.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse: Government vehicles could be used for non-official purposes, although the bill attempts to limit this.
- Increased costs: Maintaining and operating passenger carriers may increase government spending.
- Administrative burden: Developing and enforcing regulations may create additional work for the Administration.
- Reimbursement complexities: Managing reimbursements from international partners and space flight participants could be administratively challenging.
- Limited scope: The bill only addresses ground transportation, potentially overlooking other logistical needs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the general welfare and to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the enumerated powers. Providing transportation for astronauts post-mission can be seen as necessary to support space exploration, which falls under the general welfare clause. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).