the Space RACE Act would: Create a National Institute for Space Research , a federally controlled but independently operated entity designed to coordinate and advance U.S. microgravity research in LEO using next-generation space platforms after the retirement of the ISS;
Create a National Institute for Space Research to coordinate and advance U.S. microgravity research in low Earth orbit using next-generation space platforms after the retirement of the International Space Station.
Occurrences
Evidence
On November 19, 2025, Senator Ben Ray Luján, along with Senators John Cornyn, John Hickenlooper, Roger Wicker, and Mark Kelly, introduced the Space Research And Continuing Exploration (RACE) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to establish a National Institute for Space Research to coordinate and advance U.S. microgravity research in low Earth orbit using next-generation space platforms after the retirement of the International Space Station (ISS).
On March 4, 2026, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously passed the NASA Authorization Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation authorizes $24.7 billion for Fiscal Year 2026 and $25.3 billion for Fiscal Year 2027 for NASA. It includes provisions to establish a permanent Moon base and extends the International Space Station's operations while supporting future commercial space stations. However, it does not specifically mention the creation of a National Institute for Space Research as proposed in the Space RACE Act.
On December 19, 2024, Senators Maria Cantwell, Ted Cruz, Kyrsten Sinema, Eric Schmitt, Ben Ray Luján, and Roger Wicker introduced the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2024. This legislation provides $25.4 billion in funding for Fiscal Year 2025 and sets guidance for NASA's programs, including space exploration and technology development. It does not include provisions for establishing a National Institute for Space Research.
On March 11, 2025, Senators Ted Cruz, Maria Cantwell, Jerry Moran, Gary Peters, Tammy Duckworth, Eric Schmitt, and Ben Ray Luján introduced the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill sets priorities for NASA programs, advances American leadership in space exploration, and supports the development of a U.S.-led low-Earth orbit economy. It does not include provisions for establishing a National Institute for Space Research.
On June 5, 2025, Senators Mark Kelly, John Cornyn, Ben Ray Luján, and Rick Scott introduced the Licensing Aerospace Units to New Commercial Heights (LAUNCH) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to streamline the application process for commercial space launches and the licensing of private remote sensing space systems or satellites. It does not address the creation of a National Institute for Space Research.
On September 19, 2025, Senators John Hickenlooper, John Cornyn, Ben Ray Luján, and Roger Wicker reintroduced the Spaceport Project Opportunities for Resilient Transportation (SPACEPORT) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration's Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching grant program to support the development of commercial spaceports. It does not include provisions for establishing a National Institute for Space Research.
S.3198, the Space RACE Act, was introduced on November 19, 2025 and the latest action is that it was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bill title and text state it is a bill to establish the National Institute for Space Research.
The bill text says, "Not earlier than January 1, 2026, and subject to appropriations, the Administrator may establish a National Institute for Space Research," and ties termination of the ISS National Laboratory and related cooperative agreement to ISS research operations ending.
Assessments
Sen. Luján sponsored and materially advanced the proposal by introducing S.3198 (Space RACE Act) on Nov 19, 2025, which would establish a National Institute for Space Research. The bill was read and referred to the Senate Commerce Committee but was not enacted; subsequent relevant legislation (the NASA Authorization Act of 2026) did not include the institute. Because he made a serious bipartisan legislative effort but the institute was not created or authorized into law as of the available evidence, the promise was not delivered.
Senator Ben Ray Luján made a clear, specific legislative effort by introducing the Space RACE Act in 2025, which directly targeted the creation of a National Institute for Space Research as promised. However, subsequent space-related legislation advanced in the Senate (such as the NASA Authorization Act of 2026 and various transition acts) did not include this provision, and there is no evidence the institute concept was enacted or implemented. The effort was significant and on-topic but did not result in delivery.
Senator Ben Ray Luján made a clear campaign promise to create a National Institute for Space Research. During his term, he introduced the Space RACE Act, which specifically aimed to fulfill this promise by establishing the institute. However, no legislation creating such an institute was enacted. Other major space-related bills he supported or co-sponsored did not include this provision. Thus, the specific outcome was not delivered, but he made a serious legislative attempt.