ASTRO Act

This bill lets federal agencies arrange safe rides for astronauts and other federal workers returning from space when they aren’t yet cleared to drive. Transportation can be used for medical checks, research, treatment, or other approved work tasks, with NASA’s Administrator signing off on the need.

NASA must report to Congress every year, starting within one year of the law taking effect. Each report lists every person who got a ride, describes the trip, shows the cost, and totals up how many rides were provided and the overall cost. The bill does not authorize any new money to do this.

• Who is affected: Astronauts and other federal employees returning from space
• What changes: Agencies can use government transportation for them before they’re cleared to drive; NASA must track and report each use, including names and costs, plus totals each year
• When: Reports start within one year of enactment and then annually; no new funding is provided