Frank Wolf Space Security Act

Bill Number

H.R. 4360

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-07-10: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Last Updated

2025-09-10T16:11:33Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Frank Wolf Space Security Act aims to protect U.S. national and economic security by limiting federal funding for collaborations between U.S. space and science agencies and the People's Republic of China (PRC) or Chinese-owned companies. It seeks to prevent unauthorized technology transfers and interactions with entities involved in human rights violations.

Key Provisions

• Funding Restrictions: Prohibits the use of federal funds by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), or the National Space Council (NSpC) for:
• Developing, planning, or implementing any bilateral (two-country) policies, programs, orders, or contracts with the PRC or Chinese-owned companies, unless explicitly authorized by a new law passed after this Act.
• Hosting official visitors from China at federal facilities used by NASA.
• Exceptions Process: Restrictions do not apply if NASA, OSTP, or NSpC certify, after consulting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), that the activity:
• Poses no risk of transferring technology, data, or information that could harm U.S. national or economic security to the PRC or a Chinese-owned company.
• Does not involve deliberate interactions with officials linked to human rights abuses, as determined by the U.S. government.
• Certification Requirements: Any exception certification must be submitted at least 30 days before the activity to key congressional committees (House and Senate Committees on Science, Space, and Technology/Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Appropriations Committees) and the FBI. It must include details like the activity's purpose, agenda, participants, location, and timing.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This Act introduces new, strict barriers to bilateral U.S.-China cooperation in space and science, building on prior restrictions (like the 2011 Wolf Amendment, which limited NASA-China interactions). It expands oversight to OSTP and NSpC, requires FBI consultation for exceptions, and mandates pre-activity congressional notifications, which were not previously required at this level of detail.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: NASA, OSTP, and NSpC may face operational delays or cancellations in international projects, requiring more internal reviews and certifications, potentially increasing administrative costs and limiting research opportunities.
• On Citizens: U.S. scientists and researchers could see reduced access to joint space initiatives, slowing advancements in areas like space exploration or technology development that benefit the public.
• On International Relations: Could strain U.S.-China diplomatic ties in space and science, signaling a tougher U.S. stance on collaboration amid geopolitical tensions, while encouraging partnerships with other nations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government Entities: NASA (primary operator of space programs), OSTP (advises on science policy), NSpC (coordinates national space strategy), FBI (provides security consultations), and congressional committees overseeing science, space, and appropriations.
• Private Sector: U.S. companies in the space and science industries that might seek or avoid Chinese partnerships.
• International Actors: The PRC government and Chinese-owned companies, which face barriers to U.S. collaboration; broader global scientific community, potentially shifting alliances away from U.S.-China joint efforts.
• U.S. Public and Researchers: Taxpayers funding space programs and academics involved in international science, who may experience indirect effects on innovation and funding.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens executive branch accountability to Congress by requiring certifications and notifications, potentially leading to more litigation if agencies challenge restrictions. It aligns with existing export control laws (rules on sharing sensitive technology) but adds specificity to space activities.
• Constitutional: Raises questions about separation of powers, as it limits executive foreign policy flexibility in science diplomacy without infringing on treaty-making authority (which requires Senate approval).
• Political: Reflects bipartisan concerns over U.S.-China competition, named after former Rep. Frank Wolf to honor past efforts; could influence future appropriations bills and signal escalating U.S. efforts to counter perceived Chinese threats in strategic sectors like space.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11]

Recent Actions

• 2025-07-10: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
• 2025-07-10: Introduced in House
• 2025-07-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Frank Wolf Space Security Act — issued 2025-07-10 — PDF (3 pages)