H.R. 2984: Astronaut Safe Temporary Ride Options Act

This bill, titled the Astronaut Safe Temporary Ride Options Act or the ASTRO Act, aims to amend certain regulations regarding the transportation of federal employees returning from space missions. It specifically focuses on offering safe transportation options for these individuals, particularly when they need to undergo medical research, monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment related to their space travel, and before they have received medical clearance to operate a vehicle. The key points of the bill are as follows:

Key Provisions

• Transportation Authorization: The bill modifies existing laws to explicitly allow federal officers or employees returning from space missions to receive transport for medical reasons associated with space travel. This includes cases when medical clearance to operate motor vehicles has not yet been granted.
• Reporting Requirements: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is required to submit an annual report detailing the transportation provided under this new provision. This report must be submitted to several congressional committees and include:
• A description of the transportation provided,
• The names of the personnel transported,
• The costs associated with this transportation,
• The total number of transportation instances, and
• The total cost of such transportation.
• No Additional Funding: The bill stipulates that no additional funds will be authorized for carrying out the amendments made by this Act. This means that any costs related to the implementation of this legislation must be managed within existing budgets.

Purpose

The main purpose of this legislation is to ensure that astronauts and other personnel returning from space have access to necessary medical transport options. It seeks to enhance safety and health monitoring post-mission, recognizing the unique challenges that space travel poses to human health.

Implementation Timeline

If enacted, NASA would need to initiate the reporting process within a year after the bill becomes law. The annual reports would help ensure transparency and accountability regarding the transportation of federal employees in this context.

Relevant Companies

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