On February 6, 2018, Representative John Culberson (R-TX-7) and Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA-6) announced their plan to launch a new, bipartisan Planetary Science Caucus in the United States House of Representatives. The caucus is of particular interest to the astrobiology community, as it will promote efforts specifically relevant to the field. This includes supporting efforts to:

  • ‘“Find life in our lifetimes” by advancing federal policies that support the search for life in our solar system and beyond.’

Additional points include:
  • “Raise awareness of the benefits of federal investment in space science, technology, exploration, and STEM education, which grows jobs and boosts the nation’s economy.”

  • “Support private industry, academic institutions, and nonprofits that research and explore space.”

A request to register the Congressional Planetary Science Caucus as a Congressional Member Organization for the 115th Congress has been made. A press release from the office of John Culberson is available at: https://culberson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398896.

The Planetary Science Caucus will also be open to members of the Senate. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) are included as original members. Additional members in the House of Representatives include: Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL), Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL), Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA).

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Congressional Caucus for Earth and Space Sciences Gets Launched (EOS)