Bill Sponsor
Senate Bill 582
119th Congress(2025-2026)
Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in Senate on Feb 13, 2025
Overview
Text
Sponsor
Introduced
Feb 13, 2025
Latest Action
Oct 29, 2025
Origin Chamber
Senate
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
582
Congress
119
Policy Area
Science, Technology, Communications
Science, Technology, Communications
Primary focus of measure is natural sciences, space exploration, research policy and funding, research and development, STEM education, scientific cooperation and communication; technology policies, telecommunication, information technology; digital media, journalism. Measures concerning scientific education may fall under Education policy area.
Sponsorship by Party
Republican
Texas
Democrat
Michigan
Senate Votes (0)
House Votes (0)
No Senate votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act

This bill permits the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to use government-owned passenger vehicles to transport astronauts and other space flight participants to and from post-mission medical research and treatment activities. (After returning to earth, astronauts generally undergo a post-mission medical recovery program and may be prohibited from driving motor vehicles for varying periods of time.) 

Under the bill, transportation may be provided to necessary post-mission activities including medical research and the monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of an astronaut or space flight participant before they receive post-mission clearance to operate a motor vehicle. Only astronauts employed by the U.S. government, certain international partner astronauts, and other individuals carried in launch or reentry vehicles are eligible for transportation. 

The bill also permits NASA to maintain, operate, and repair one or more passenger vehicles, including motor vehicles, aircraft, and other means of transportation, for the purpose of providing such post-mission transportation. 

The cost of transporting international partner astronauts and space flight participants not employed by the U.S. government must be reimbursed to the Department of the Treasury. 

Text (2)
October 20, 2025
February 13, 2025
Actions (6)
10/29/2025
Star Print ordered on report 119-82.
10/20/2025
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 193.
10/20/2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-82.
03/12/2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
02/13/2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
02/13/2025
Introduced in Senate
Public Record
Record Updated
Sep 8, 2026 6:03:40 PM