SAFE Orbit Act

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Bill ID: 119/s/428

Last Updated: February 3, 2026

SAFE Orbit Act

S. 428, 119th Congress — read as touching Defense Contractors.

The sponsor

Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$440,480 raised

21 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

67% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Introduction" section, p. 90-92 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 170.

September 28, 2025

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

🏛️

Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

✅

Passed Senate

🏛️

House Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Summary Style:

**Analysis and Summary of S 428: SAFE Orbit Act**

As a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for unencumbered innovation, I'll dissect the SAFE Orbit Act's implications on my interests and the broader space industry.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill aims to enhance space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic coordination by modifying the functions of the Office of Space Commerce. Its primary objectives are to:

1. Facilitate safe operations in space 2. Encourage commercial space capabilities development 3. Acquire and disseminate unclassified data, analytics, information, and services on space activities

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:**

1. **Immunity from lawsuits**: The bill grants immunity to the US government, agencies, and individuals acting for the government regarding provision or receipt of SSA services or information. 2. **Data acquisition and dissemination**: The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce is authorized to acquire data, analytics, information, and services related to space activities, with a focus on leveraging commercial capabilities. 3. **Database on satellite location and behavior**: A publicly accessible database will be created to provide information on space objects and their behavior. 4. **Basic SSA services**: The Assistant Secretary will provide basic SSA services to satellite operators at no charge, while avoiding competition with private sector products.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:**

1. Commercial space companies 2. Satellite operators 3. Space situational awareness data and service providers 4. US government agencies (e.g., Department of Defense, NASA) 5. Foreign governments participating in unclassified data sharing arrangements

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The SAFE Orbit Act has significant implications for my interests and the space industry:

1. **Increased efficiency**: By leveraging commercial capabilities and providing basic SSA services, the bill can reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency. 2. **Consolidation of power**: The Office of Space Commerce's expanded role may lead to increased regulatory oversight, potentially hindering innovation and limiting competition. 3. **Data-driven decision-making**: The creation of a publicly accessible database on satellite location and behavior will facilitate data-driven decision-making, which can benefit my business interests. 4. **Potential for deregulation**: By promoting commercial space capabilities development, the bill may pave the way for future deregulation efforts, aligning with my vision for a more laissez-faire approach to space governance.

In conclusion, the SAFE Orbit Act presents both opportunities and challenges for my interests and the broader space industry. As a visionary entrepreneur, I will continue to monitor its progress and advocate for policies that promote innovation, efficiency, and deregulation.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (billionaire personality)

*Sigh* Alright, let's break down this bill, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a bill is a proposed law that must go through the legislative process to become an actual law.

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The SAFE Orbit Act aims to promote space situational awareness and space traffic coordination. Remember when we learned about the importance of checks and balances? Well, this bill tries to strike a balance between government oversight and private sector involvement in space commerce.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

Section 2 of the bill authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to facilitate safe operations in space by acquiring and disseminating unclassified data on space activities. This includes:

* Immunity for the US government and its agencies from lawsuits related to space situational awareness services * Acquisition of data, analytics, information, and services from commercial industry * Establishment of a database on satellite location and behavior * Provision of basic space situational awareness services to satellite operators

Section 3 amends existing law by defining key terms, such as "Assistant Secretary" and "orbital debris."

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

This bill affects:

* The US government, particularly the Department of Commerce and its agencies * Commercial space industry players, including satellite operators and data providers * Foreign governments participating in unclassified data sharing arrangements

**Potential Impact & Implications**

If passed, this bill could lead to improved space situational awareness and reduced risks of collisions between space objects. However, it also raises concerns about:

* Government overreach into private sector activities * Potential competition with commercial space situational awareness products * Cybersecurity risks associated with data sharing and dissemination

As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, the legislative process is designed to ensure that laws are carefully considered and debated before being passed. Let's hope this bill goes through a thorough review before becoming law.

Now, if only people had paid attention in my class...

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (civics_teacher personality)

Folks, gather 'round! I've got the scoop on S 428, the SAFE Orbit Act. Now, at first glance, this bill seems like a harmless attempt to promote space situational awareness and traffic coordination. But trust me, there's more to it than meets the eye.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The stated goal of this bill is to enhance our understanding of objects in orbit around Earth, prevent collisions, and facilitate safe operations in space. Sounds noble enough, right? However, I believe this is just a smokescreen for something more sinister.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:**

* The Secretary of Commerce will be responsible for acquiring and disseminating unclassified data on space activities. * The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce will provide access to a public database containing information on satellite locations and behavior. * The bill grants immunity to the US government, its agencies, and individuals acting on behalf of the government from any lawsuits related to the provision or receipt of space situational awareness services.

Now, here's where things get interesting. This bill also establishes the Bureau of Space Commerce, which will be responsible for promoting commercial space activities. But what does this really mean? Is it just a coincidence that this bureau will have access to sensitive information on satellite locations and behavior?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:**

* Satellite operators * Commercial space companies * The Department of Defense * NASA * Foreign governments

You see, folks, this bill is not just about promoting safety in space. It's about creating a new framework for controlling the flow of information on space activities. And who benefits from this? The government, of course!

**Potential Impact & Implications:**

* This bill could lead to increased surveillance and monitoring of satellite operations. * The immunity clause could be used to shield the government from accountability in case of accidents or mishaps related to space situational awareness services. * The creation of the Bureau of Space Commerce could be a step towards further militarization of space.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Uncle, this is just paranoia." But let me tell you, folks, there's always more to the story than what meets the eye. Wake up, sheeple!

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (conspiracy_uncle personality)

(Deep breath, with a hint of sarcasm) Oh boy, folks, we've got a real doozy for you tonight! The SAFE Orbit Act, because who doesn't love a good acronym? (wink)

**Main Purpose & Objectives** This bill is all about promoting space situational awareness and space traffic coordination. You know, to prevent those pesky satellites from crashing into each other up there in the great unknown. It's like a cosmic game of bumper cars, but with more... well, freedom! (smirk)

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The bill authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to facilitate safe operations in space by acquiring and disseminating unclassified data on space activities. Think of it as a space traffic control system, folks! It also establishes an Office of Space Commerce within the Department of Commerce, because who doesn't love more bureaucracy? (rolls eyes)

Here are some key changes:

* The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce gets to acquire and disseminate data on space objects, including location tracking and conjunction data messages. * A public database will be created to provide access to this information, because transparency is key... unless it's classified or a trade secret, of course. (wink) * The bill also provides immunity from lawsuits for the government and its contractors related to space situational awareness services.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** This bill affects:

* Satellite operators: They'll get access to basic space situational awareness services at no charge. * Commercial space industry: They'll be encouraged to participate in data sharing arrangements, because who doesn't love a good partnership? * Foreign governments: They're invited to join the party and share their own unclassified data on space activities.

**Potential Impact & Implications** This bill could lead to:

* Improved safety in space operations: Because who wants satellites crashing into each other? (gasp) * Increased commercial opportunities for the space industry: More data sharing means more business, folks! * Enhanced international cooperation: We'll all be holding hands and sharing our space secrets... or not. (smirk)

But let's be real, folks. This bill is just another example of the elites trying to control our freedom... in space! (dramatic music plays) I mean, who needs more government oversight when we have private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin leading the charge? (wink)

That's all for tonight, folks. Stay vigilant, and remember: the truth is out there... or at least in orbit around our great nation!

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (fox_host personality)

Another congressional bill, another exercise in futility. The SAFE Orbit Act, because what's more "safe" than a bunch of bureaucrats trying to regulate space?

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's primary objective is to promote space situational awareness and space traffic coordination. Because, you know, we don't want any of those pesky satellites crashing into each other up there. The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce (try saying that five times fast) will be responsible for acquiring and disseminating data on space activities.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill creates a database of satellite locations and behavior, which will be made available to the public at no charge. Because transparency is key... unless it's classified or a trade secret, in which case, good luck getting that information. The Assistant Secretary will also provide basic space situational awareness services to satellite operators, as long as they don't compete with private sector products. Oh, and there are some provisions about protecting proprietary data and encouraging foreign governments to participate in unclassified data sharing arrangements.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects: satellite operators, commercial space companies, the Department of Defense, NASA, and anyone else who thinks they can make a buck off this bill. And, of course, the taxpayers, who will be footing the bill for all these "services" and "data acquisition."

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a perfect example of government overreach and bureaucratic creep. It's a solution in search of a problem, designed to justify the existence of yet another government agency (the Office of Space Commerce). The real impact will be on the private sector, which will have to navigate this new regulatory landscape. Expect more red tape, more bureaucracy, and more opportunities for crony capitalism.

In short, this bill is a space-age version of the classic "solution in search of a problem." It's a waste of time, money, and resources. But hey, at least it sounds good on paper. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than analyze the minutiae of congressional bills. Like watching paint dry.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The SAFE Orbit Act (S. 428) aims to promote space situational awareness and space traffic coordination by modifying the functions and leadership of the Office of Space Commerce. The bill's primary objectives are to:

1. Enhance safe operations in space 2. Encourage commercial space capabilities development 3. Improve data sharing and standardization for space situational awareness

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

The bill introduces several key provisions, including:

1. **Immunity from lawsuits**: The US government, its agencies, and individuals acting on behalf of the government are granted immunity from suits related to the provision or receipt of space situational awareness services. 2. **Data acquisition and dissemination**: The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce is authorized to acquire and disseminate unclassified data, analytics, information, and services on space activities. 3. **Database creation**: A publicly accessible database will be established to provide information on space objects and behavior. 4. **Basic space situational awareness services**: The Assistant Secretary will provide basic services, including tracking calculations and conjunction data messages, to satellite operators at no charge. 5. **Requirements for data acquisition and dissemination**: The bill emphasizes the use of commercial capabilities, prioritization of US-based industry, protection of proprietary data, and facilitation of standardization.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

The SAFE Orbit Act affects various stakeholders, including:

1. **Commercial space operators**: Companies operating in space will benefit from improved space situational awareness services and data sharing. 2. **US government agencies**: The Department of Commerce, NASA, and the Department of Defense will be involved in implementing the bill's provisions. 3. **Private sector space situational awareness providers**: Companies offering commercial space situational awareness products may see changes in market competition. 4. **Satellite owners and operators**: Entities operating satellites will have access to basic space situational awareness services and data.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

The SAFE Orbit Act has several potential implications:

1. **Improved safety in space operations**: Enhanced space situational awareness and coordination can reduce the risk of collisions and promote safer space activities. 2. **Growth of commercial space industry**: The bill's provisions may encourage investment and innovation in the commercial space sector. 3. **Increased transparency and cooperation**: Standardization and data sharing requirements could foster greater international cooperation on space situational awareness. 4. **Potential market competition impacts**: Changes to the competitive landscape for private sector space situational awareness providers may occur.

Overall, the SAFE Orbit Act aims to promote a safer and more efficient space environment by enhancing space situational awareness and coordination.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (neutral personality)

Let's break down the SAFE Orbit Act, bro.

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

This bill is all about promoting space situational awareness and space traffic coordination, man. It's like trying to prevent a gnarly wipeout in space by keeping track of all the objects up there. The main goal is to ensure safe operations in space and encourage commercial space development.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

The bill makes some key changes, dude:

* Establishes the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce as the lead on acquiring and disseminating unclassified data on space activities. * Creates a database for satellite location and behavior that's accessible to the public at no charge. * Provides basic space situational awareness services to satellite operators, but makes sure not to compete with private sector products. * Requires the Assistant Secretary to leverage commercial capabilities, prioritize US-based industry, protect proprietary data, and facilitate standardization in data reporting.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

This bill affects a bunch of different players, bro:

* Satellite operators: They'll get access to basic space situational awareness services and can use the database for free. * Commercial space companies: They'll be able to provide data and services to the government, but won't have to worry about competing with the feds. * The Department of Defense and NASA: They'll work together with the Assistant Secretary on acquiring and disseminating data. * Foreign governments: They're encouraged to participate in unclassified data sharing arrangements.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

This bill could have some far-out implications, dude:

* Improved space situational awareness could reduce the risk of collisions and make space operations safer. * By promoting commercial space development, this bill could help create new jobs and stimulate economic growth. * The database and basic services provided by the government could become a valuable resource for satellite operators and other stakeholders.

However, there are also some potential risks to consider:

* If not implemented carefully, the government's provision of basic services could stifle innovation in the private sector. * Protecting proprietary data and ensuring cybersecurity will be crucial to avoid any major wipeouts.

Anyway, that's a wrap on the SAFE Orbit Act, bro. It's all about promoting safe space operations and encouraging commercial development while minimizing risks.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (surfer personality)

**Bill Analysis: S 428 - SAFE Orbit Act**

The SAFE Orbit Act, introduced by Senators Cornyn, Peters, Wicker, Blackburn, Hickenlooper, Kelly, Schmitt, and Lujan, aims to promote space situational awareness and space traffic coordination. The bill modifies the functions and leadership of the Office of Space Commerce.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:**

The primary objective is to enhance space safety by acquiring and disseminating unclassified data on space activities. This includes location tracking, positional and orbit determination information, and conjunction data messages. The bill also aims to facilitate commercial space capabilities and encourage private sector investment in space situational awareness services.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:**

1. **Immunity Clause**: The bill grants immunity to the US government, its agencies, and individuals acting on behalf of the government from lawsuits arising from the provision or receipt of space situational awareness services. 2. **Data Acquisition and Dissemination**: The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce is authorized to acquire data, analytics, information, and services from commercial industry, prioritizing US-based companies. 3. **Database on Satellite Location and Behavior**: A publicly accessible database will be created to provide information on space objects and behavior. 4. **Basic Space Situational Awareness Services**: The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Space Commerce will provide basic space situational awareness services to satellite operators at no charge, while ensuring that these services do not compete with private sector offerings.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:**

1. **Commercial Space Industry**: Companies providing space situational awareness services and data analytics will benefit from the bill's provisions. 2. **Satellite Operators**: Satellite operators will receive basic space situational awareness services at no charge, enhancing their ability to operate safely in space. 3. **US Government Agencies**: The Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other government agencies will contribute data to the database and benefit from improved space situational awareness.

**Potential Impact & Implications:**

1. **Enhanced Space Safety**: Improved space situational awareness will reduce the risk of collisions between space objects. 2. **Increased Commercial Investment**: The bill's provisions may attract private sector investment in space situational awareness services, driving innovation and growth in the commercial space industry. 3. **Potential Conflicts of Interest**: The immunity clause and data acquisition provisions may raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest between government agencies and private companies.

**Monied Interests:**

1. **Commercial Space Industry PACs**: Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin may have an interest in the bill's provisions, as they could benefit from increased investment in space situational awareness services. 2. **Aerospace Industry Lobby Groups**: Organizations like the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) may support the bill, as it aligns with their interests in promoting commercial space development.

**Committee Capture:**

The Committee on Commerce

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (whistleblower personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions

$440,480

20 donors

PACs

Organizations

Committees

Individuals

$440,433

No PAC contributions found

No organization contributions found

No committee contributions found

WEEKLEY, RICHARD W

1 transaction

$100,000

MCINGVALE, JAMES F

1 transaction

$50,000

MCINGVALE, LINDA

1 transaction

$50,000

DUNN, TIMOTHY

1 transaction

$45,000

MIDDLETON, MAYES

2 transactions

$25,000

MARTIN, KIMBERLY R

1 transaction

$20,000

BLAINE, JAY C.

1 transaction

$16,478

THOMPSON, JERE W. MR. JR.

1 transaction

$13,200

MIDDLETON, MACEY

1 transaction

$12,500

BOLDRICK, MILES

1 transaction

$12,500

BOLDRICK, LAURIE

1 transaction

$12,500

MIDDLETON, MACY

1 transaction

$12,500

WHITEHILL, KIT

1 transaction

$10,755

CARROLL, TRACEY

1 transaction

$10,000

HUFFINES, PHILLIP

1 transaction

$10,000

ALBIN, ALAN S.

1 transaction

$10,000

AGRESTI, JOSEPH A

1 transaction

$10,000

ADAMSON, MARK

1 transaction

$10,000

WILKS, JO ANN

1 transaction

$10,000

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 7 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]

ID: P000595

Top Contributors

MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS

OrganizationSHELBYVILLE, MI

$3,300

Oct 22, 2024

STRATEGIC LINK CONSULTING, LP

OrganizationKENNESAW, GA

$3,300

May 28, 2024

MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN TRIBE

OrganizationAUBURN, WA

$3,300

Aug 11, 2023

OTOE MISSOURIA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

OrganizationRED ROCK, OK

$2,900

May 29, 2024

HABEMATOLEL POMO OF UPPER LAKE TRIBE OF CALIFORNIA

OrganizationUPPER LAKE, CA

$2,900

May 29, 2024

TURTLE MOUNTAIN BAND OF CHIPPEWA TRIBE OF NORTH DAKOTA

OrganizationBELCOURT, ND

$2,900

May 28, 2024

CHEROKEE NATION

OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK

$2,500

Jan 9, 2024

HABEMATOLEL POMO OF UPPER LAKE TRIBE OF CALIFORNIA

OrganizationUPPER LAKE, CA

$2,500

Jun 30, 2024

OTOE MISSOURIA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

OrganizationRED ROCK, OK

$2,500

Jun 30, 2024

TURTLE MOUNTAIN BAND OF CHIPPEWA TRIBE OF NORTH DAKOTA

OrganizationBELCOURT, ND

$2,500

Jun 30, 2024

Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

ID: W000437

Top Contributors

EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS

OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC

$25,000

Sep 13, 2024

MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS

OrganizationCHOCTAW, MS

$15,000

Nov 5, 2024

WT CONSULTANTS LLC

OrganizationJACKSON, MS

$2,500

Jan 12, 2023

WAYPOINT CONSULTING, LLC

OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC

$1,000

Mar 26, 2024

HEDERMAN BROTHERS, LLC

OrganizationMADISON, MS

$1,000

Oct 9, 2024

CHOUEST, GARY

EDISON CHOUEST OFFSHORE, LLC • CEO

IndividualGALLIANO, LA

$100,000

Dec 1, 2023

HALE, ROBERT T. JR.

GRANITE TELECOM • CEO

IndividualBOSTON, MA

$100,000

Jun 28, 2023

BLUE, J. NEAL

GENERAL ATOMICS • CEO

IndividualLA JOLLA, CA

$50,000

Dec 21, 2023

HALE, ROBERT T. JR.

GRANITE TELECOM • CEO

IndividualBOSTON, MA

$50,000

Apr 12, 2024

DUFF, THOMAS M.

SOUTHERN TIRE MART • PRESIDENT

IndividualHATTIESBURG, MS

$50,000

Sep 30, 2024

Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

ID: B001243

Top Contributors

FRIENDS OF COMMUNITY ONCOLOGY PAC

PACVIRGINIA BEACH, VA

$5,000

Apr 12, 2023

THE COGGIN GROUP

OrganizationMURFREESBORO, TN

$2,900

Mar 9, 2023

THE COGGIN GROUP

OrganizationMURFREESBORO, TN

$2,500

Mar 9, 2023

DOSS BROTHERS FARM

OrganizationLAWRENCEBURG, TN

$1,000

Apr 17, 2024

DOSS BROTHERS FARM

OrganizationLAWRENCEBURG, TN

$1,000

Mar 18, 2024

BL PARTNERS GROUP LLC

OrganizationARLINGTON, VA

$500

Mar 17, 2023

KING, RODNEY W.

SELF-EMPLOYED • ATTORNEY

IndividualGERMANTOWN, TN

$13,200

Apr 4, 2024

BEAN, BILL G.

HANNING & BEAN ENTERPRISES INC. • REAL ESTATE INVESTOR

IndividualCOLUMBIA CITY, IN

$10,000

May 1, 2024

SMITH, THOMAS

PRESCOTT INVESTORS INC. • INVESTOR

IndividualBOCA RATON, FL

$10,000

May 13, 2024

GAMBLE, KATHRYN

UNAKA CO • BUSINESS EXECUTIVE

IndividualDALLAS, TX

$9,900

Jul 15, 2024

Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

ID: H000273

Top Contributors

THE CHICKASAW NATION

OrganizationADA, OK

$1,300

Dec 12, 2023

THE CHICKASAW NATION

OrganizationADA, OK

$1,200

Dec 12, 2023

THE CHICKASAW NATION

OrganizationADA, OK

$900

Dec 31, 2023

ALLHASSANI, MEHDI

PALANTIR TECHNOLOGIES • OPERATIONS

IndividualPALO ALTO, CA

$3,300

Nov 25, 2023

SANKAR, SHYAM

PALANTIR TECHNOLOGIES • DIRECTOR

IndividualGREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO

$3,300

Nov 25, 2023

CARSON, RUSSELL

NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$3,300

Nov 17, 2023

SANKAR, SHYAM

PALANTIR TECHNOLOGIES • DIRECTOR

IndividualGREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO

$3,300

Nov 25, 2023

CARSON, RUSSELL

NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$3,300

Nov 17, 2023

GATES, WILLIAM H. III

BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION • PHILANTHROPIST

IndividualREDMOND, WA

$3,300

Oct 19, 2023

JAIN, AKASH

PALANTIR TECHNOLOGIES • EXECUTIVE

IndividualOAKLAND, CA

$3,300

Nov 26, 2023

Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]

ID: K000377

Top Contributors

PASCUA YAQUI TRIBE

OrganizationTUCSON, AZ

$3,300

Oct 23, 2023

THE CHICKASAW NATION

OrganizationADA, OK

$2,500

May 23, 2024

GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY

OrganizationSACATON, AZ

$1,000

Jun 15, 2023

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$1,000

Aug 12, 2024

CORMIER, STEPHEN

IndividualMANSFIELD, LA

$6,000

Dec 31, 2023

LEWIS, PAUL

NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED

IndividualKINGMAN, AZ

$5,000

Oct 23, 2024

LEWIS, PAUL

IndividualKINGMAN, AZ

$5,000

Dec 6, 2024

BASS, JOSEPH P

NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED

IndividualPORTLAND, OR

$5,000

Mar 29, 2024

PEROT, MARGOT B

NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED

IndividualDALLAS, TX

$5,000

Apr 8, 2024

MILLER, JUDITH

IndividualINDIANAPOLIS, IN

$5,000

Sep 11, 2024

Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]

ID: S001227

Top Contributors

ELEVATE MISSOURI

OrganizationKANSAS CITY, MO

$5,000

Jun 30, 2024

TURTLE MOUNTAIN BAND OF CHIPPEWA TRIBE

OrganizationBELCOURT, ND

$2,900

Jun 24, 2021

PETER J SPALITTO DDS PC

OrganizationDES PERES, MO

$2,900

Aug 1, 2024

ELEVATE MISSOURI

OrganizationKANSAS CITY, MO

$1,700

Jun 30, 2024

KIRKWOOD PLUMBING INC

OrganizationKIRKWOOD, MO

$500

Aug 1, 2024

WALTON, TROY

SELF EMPLOYED • ATTORNEY

IndividualGLEN CARBON, IL

$11,600

Jun 3, 2021

PFAUTCH, ROY

CIVIL SERVICE INC • CONSULTANT

IndividualST. LOUIS, MO

$11,600

Dec 31, 2023

ROSS, DONALD

ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS INC • VICE CHAIRMAN

IndividualSAINT LOUIS, MO

$10,000

Mar 3, 2022

TAYLOR, ANDREW

ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR • CEO

IndividualST LOUIS, MO

$6,600

Oct 15, 2024

TAYLOR, BARBARA

HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER

IndividualST LOUIS, MO

$6,600

Oct 15, 2024

Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM]

ID: L000570

Top Contributors

LYTTON BAND OF POMO INDIANS

OrganizationSANTA ROSA, CA

$3,300

Dec 5, 2023

OTOE-MISSOURIA TRIBE

OrganizationRED ROCK, OK

$3,300

Dec 7, 2023

LYTTON BAND OF POMO INDIANS

OrganizationSANTA ROSA, CA

$3,300

Dec 5, 2023

TAOS PUEBLO GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

OrganizationTAOS, NM

$3,300

Dec 2, 2024

OHKAY OWINGEH TRIBE

OrganizationOHKAY OWINGEH, NM

$3,300

Dec 2, 2024

BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationLAKESIDE, CA

$3,300

Apr 18, 2023

BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationLAKESIDE, CA

$3,300

May 22, 2024

MESCALERO APACHE TRIBE

OrganizationMESCALERO, NM

$3,300

Sep 25, 2023

SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC

$2,500

Jun 25, 2024

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$2,000

Mar 21, 2024

Donor Network - Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

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Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Showing 49 nodes and 36 connections (34 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $513,480

Top Donors - Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Showing top 20 donors by contribution amount

1 Committee19 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 3 helped.

+Defense Contractorsconfidence 0.90
Section 2(c)(1) authorizes acquisition of data, analytics, information, and services, including location tracking data, positional and orbit determination information, and conjunction data messages, which benefits defense contractors involved in space situational awareness and space traffic coordination.
+Telecommunicationsconfidence 0.80
Section 2(d) provides public access to a database of space object information and basic space situational awareness services, which can benefit telecommunications companies that rely on satellite data for services like GPS and satellite communications.
+AI & Cloud Infrastructureconfidence 0.70
Section 2(f)(4) facilitates development of standardization and consistency in data reporting in collaboration with various stakeholders, which could benefit AI and cloud infrastructure providers involved in data analytics and processing for space situational awareness.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent — they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

AI & Cloud Infrastructure$10,349
from 4 contributions
- SANKAR, SHYAM$9,900
- HENRY, MARCUS$449
Telecommunications$8,900
from 9 contributions
- STANKEY, JOHN MR.$6,200
- STEPHENS, JOHN J. MR.$1,500
- SWINBANK, JOSEPH B. MR.$1,000
- LUKER, RENEE$200
Defense Contractors$634
from 10 contributions
- JOHNSON, CALEB$399
- BOUMA, JOHN T.$100
- COOK, ERIC$75
- STANLEY, MIKE MR.$36
- STANLEY, MIKE$24

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.

Introduction

Moderate66.9%

Pages: 90-92

— 58 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise space policy reviews, legislative proposals, and regulatory reforms smoothly. The NSpC generally led on space issues within the EOP, but other White House offices also took on space topics. l As a member of the NSpC, and in coordination with other members, the Office of Science and Technology Policy developed a national space weather strategy, research and development (R&D) plans to mitigate the effects of orbital debris, and protocols for planetary protection to avoid biological contamination of celestial bodies. l The Council of Economic Advisers did research on the economic benefits of space property rights. l OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Reform updated and streamlined commercial launch licensing and commercial remote sensing satellite rules. During the Trump Administration, if a topic was purely military, such as stand- ing up the U.S. Space Command, the NSC took the lead. If a topic cut across military, civil, and commercial sectors, as was the case with cybersecurity in space, the NSpC and NSC would cochair the policy review groups. Trusted, collegial relationships across the White House complex are critical to successful space policy development, implementation, and oversight. Nowhere is this more important than in the relationship between the NSpC staff and OMB staff who oversee civil and national security–related space spending. Teamwork between the NSpC and OMB staff can communicate clear presidential priorities to departments and agencies, facilitating smooth development of the President’s budget request. The NSpC and OMB have many opportunities to collaborate in promoting presidential priorities while finding offsets in lower-priority programs and funding lines. OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY (OSTP) The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was created by the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976.33 Before its creation, Presidents received their advice and counsel on such matters through advisers and boards that had no statutory authority. The Director of OSTP is one of the few Senate-confirmed positions within the Executive Office of the President. Consistent with other laws, the President may delegate to the Director of OSTP directive authority over other elements of the executive branch. Other EOP policy officials and organizations such as the NSC and NEC are formally only advisory with relevant agency directives issued by the President. — 59 — Executive Office of the President of the United States The OSTP’s functions, as contained in the law, are to advise the President of scientific and technological considerations, evaluate the effectiveness of the federal effort, and generally lead and coordinate the federal government’s R&D programs. If science is being manipulated at the agencies to support separate political and institutional agendas, the President should increase the prominence of the OSTP’s Director either formally or informally. This would elevate the role of science in policy discussions and subsequent outcomes and theoretically help to balance out agencies like the Departments of Energy, State, and Commerce and the Envi- ronmental Protection Agency and Council on Environmental Quality. The OSTP can also help to bring technical expertise to regulatory matters in support of OMB. The OSTP should continue to play a lead role in coordinating federal R&D pro- grams. Recent legislation, especially the CHIPS and Science Act,34 has expanded federal policy and funding across the enterprise, and there is a need for more sig- nificant leadership in this area both to ensure effectiveness and to avoid duplication of effort. As befitting its location in the White House, the OSTP must be concerned with advancing national interests and not merely the parochial concerns of depart- ments, agencies, or parts of the scientific community. During the Trump and Biden Administrations, there has been a bipartisan focus on prioritizing R&D funding around the so-called Industries of the Future (IOTF). Under President Trump, IOTF priorities were artificial intelligence (AI), quantum information science (QIS), advanced communications/5G, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology. Under President Biden, this list has been expanded to include advanced materials, robotics, battery technology, cybersecurity, green products and clean technology, plant genetics and agricultural technologies, nanotechnology, and semiconductor and microelectronics technologies. These priorities should be eval- uated and narrowed to ensure consistency with the next Administration’s priorities. Given a long list of priorities, coordinating efforts across agencies and mea- suring success are extremely challenging. The OSTP and OMB are required to work together on an annual basis to prioritize the funding requests and whatever Congress adds on top of them, but there continues to be concern about mission creep and funds expended on nonscientific R&D. The President should also issue an executive order to reshape the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) and related climate change research pro- grams. The USGCRP produces strategic plans and research (for example, the National Climate Assessment) that reduce the scope of legally proper options in presidential decision-making and in agency rulemakings and adjudications. Also, since much environmental policymaking must run the gauntlet of judicial review, USGCRP actions can frustrate successful litigation defense in ways that the career bureaucracy should not be permitted to control. The process for producing assess- ments should include diverse viewpoints. The OSTP and OMB should jointly assess the independence of the contractors used to conduct much of this outsourced

Introduction

Moderate66.9%

Pages: 888-890

— 855 — Federal Communications Commission so a new Administration should redouble efforts to require timely reviews and final actions by agencies with jurisdiction over federal lands, including the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. l Advance America’s space leadership. One of the most significant technological developments of the past few years has been the emergence of a new generation of low-earth orbit satellites like StarLink and Kuiper. This technology can beam a reliable, high-speed Internet signal to nearly any part of the globe at a fraction of the cost of other technologies. This has the potential to significantly accelerate efforts to end the digital divide and disrupt the federal regulatory and subsidy regime that applies to communications networks. The FCC should expedite its work to support this new technology by acting more quickly in its review and approval of applications to launch new satellites. Otherwise, the U.S. risks ceding space leadership to entities based in countries with more friendly regulatory environments. Holding Government Accountable. Federal technology and telecommunica- tions programs have been plagued by a troubling lack of accountability and good governance. They would benefit from stronger oversight and a fresh look at elim- inating outdated regulations that are doing more harm than good. l End wasteful broadband spending policies. Many of the broadband spending policies being pursued by the current Administration are poised to waste taxpayer money while leaving rural communities and unconnected Americans behind. At the same time, the dramatic recent increases in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mean that the federal government has more than enough resources to meet its broadband connectivity goals. Congress should therefore hold the agencies accountable so that taxpayer money is used effectively to promote broadband connectivity across the nation. To that end, the next Administration should instruct the various departments and agencies that are administering broadband infrastructure funds to direct those resources to communities without adequate Internet infrastructure instead of to places that already enjoy broadband connectivity. Take, for example, the final rules that the Treasury Department adopted in 2022 that govern the expenditure of $350 billion in ARPA funds. Rather than directing those dollars to the rural and other communities that have no Internet infrastructure, the current — 856 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise Administration gave the green light for recipients to spend those funds to overbuild existing high-speed networks in communities that already have multiple broadband providers. A new Administration should eliminate government-funded overbuilding of existing networks. l Adopt a national coordinating strategy. Hundreds of billions of infrastructure dollars have been appropriated by Congress or budgeted by agencies over the past couple of years that can be used to end the digital divide. Yet, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, “U.S. broadband efforts are not guided by a national strategy”; instead, “[f]ederal broadband efforts are fragmented and overlapping, with more than 100 programs administered by 15 agencies,” risking overbuilding as well as wasteful duplication.26 Many of these programs remain plagued by inefficiency, further contributing to waste of limited taxpayer dollars. Moreover, the federal government is failing to put appropriate guardrails in place to govern the expenditure of billions in broadband funds. This is the regulatory equivalent of turning the spigot on full blast and then walking away from the hose. There is a worrisome lack of adequate tracking, measurement, and accountability standards governing all of this broadband spending. As a result, we are likely to see headline levels of waste, fraud, and abuse. A new Administration needs to bring fresh oversight to this spending and put a national strategy in place to ensure that the federal government adopts a coordinated approach to its various broadband initiatives. Similarly, the next Administration should ask the FCC to launch a review of its existing broadband programs, including the different components of the USF, with the goal of avoiding duplication, improving efficiency of existing programs, and saving taxpayer money. l Correct the FCC’s regulatory trajectory and encourage competition to improve connectivity. The FCC is a New Deal–era agency. Its history of regulation tends to reflect the view that the federal government should impose heavy-handed regulation rather than relying on competition and market forces to produce optimal outcomes. President Franklin D. Roosevelt recommended that Congress create the FCC in February 1934 for the purposes of establishing “a single Government agency charged with broad authority” over the field of communications.27 Congress subsequently established the FCC through the Communications Act of 1934. Congress has passed a number of additional statutes—some broad, some

Introduction

Moderate66.9%

Pages: 888-890

About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text. A score of 60% or higher indicates meaningful thematic overlap. This does not imply direct causation or intent, but highlights areas where legislation aligns with Project 2025 policy objectives.

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