Frank Wolf Space Security Act

The Frank Wolf Space Security Act would prohibit U.S. federal funds from being used by NASA, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), or the National Space Council (NSpC) to develop or carry out any bilateral space or scientific activities with the People’s Republic of China or Chinese-owned companies unless a separate law enacted after the bill’s date specifically authorizes such activities. It also bars hosting official Chinese visitors at NASA facilities. The bill creates narrow exceptions: an activity may proceed if NASA/OSTP/NSpC, after consulting with the FBI, certifies that it poses no national security or economic security risk from technology transfer and does not involve interactions with officials linked to human rights violations. Certifications must be submitted to key congressional committees and the FBI at least 30 days before the activity, with details on purpose, agenda, participants, location, and timing. In short, the bill would significantly restrict U.S.–China space and science collaboration, imposing a high bar for any exception and increasing congressional and FBI oversight of any potentially sensitive activities.