119th Congress: Profile of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee

Representative Brian Babin (R-TX) has been appointed Chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, replacing Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), who departed due to Republican term limits for committee leadership (see previous COSSA coverage). Previously, Babin served as Chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee. Babin will serve alongside Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), the ranking Democrat on the committee.

In the announcement of his appointment, Babin stated, “Between our nation’s booming science, space, and tech sectors and the growing threat posed by adversaries like Communist China, there has never been a more important time for this committee. Falling behind in any of these critical arenas is not an option.” The committee has already started holding hearings on research and development where the importance of federal funding for scientific research has been questioned by the Republican-majority (see related article). We expect to see several more hearings this year seeking to conduct oversight of science and technology investments made in recent years, such as implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act and the new Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Directorate at the National Science Foundation. In his press release, Babin added, “We must ensure our nation is not tethered to Earth by red tape – industry should operate at the rapid speed of innovation rather than the sluggish pace of bureaucracy.”

With the appointment of Chairman Babin and Ranking Member Lofgren, subcommittee assignments have subsequently been released, including for the Research and Technology Subcommittee, which will be chaired by Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-NJ), replacing Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA). Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) will remain as the ranking Democrat. In addition to the Research and Technology Subcommittee, COSSA will be watching the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee, led by Chairman Rich McCormick (R-GA) and Ranking Member Emilia Sykes (D-OH), as the committee’s scientific policy reshapes under the new leadership.

Stay tuned to COSSA’s continued coverage on the 119th Congress.