ensure America – not China or any other adversary – remains the leader in space exploration
Keep working to pass bills ensuring the United States remains a leader in space exploration.
Occurrences
Evidence
In his retirement announcement, Webster said he would 'keep working to get bills over the finish line' so America 'remains the leader in space exploration' and the United States can set standards that protect its technological advantages.
The House Science Committee reported that H.R. 7273, the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, 'Passed by Full Committee' on February 4, 2026, and said the bill 'reaffirms America’s leadership in space' by advancing exploration and related technologies.
GovInfo lists H.R. 6638, the Space Resources Institute Act, as introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; the last action date shown is December 11, 2025.
Assessments
Webster materially advanced space-leadership legislation during the same federal term, including H.R. 7273 passing the House Science Committee on February 4, 2026, and H.R. 6638 being introduced and referred. However, the evidence does not show that the relevant bills passed Congress or became law, and Webster himself described the agenda on April 28, 2026 as still needing to get bills over the finish line. Because he remains in office and the outcome may still occur, the promise is best treated as unresolved rather than never or delivered.