The clear path is to get the Space RACE Act (or its House companion) passed.
Drive passage of the Space RACE Act (or a House companion) so the National Institute for Space Research has a clear mandate and a path to appropriations. Build a coalition of researchers and other credible messengers to show the institute is needed to avoid a post-ISS research gap and stay competitive as Tiangong operates. Use must-move space or defense vehicles if needed so the bill doesn’t get lost.
Why this works
- Once law, the institute’s creation is guaranteed and can draw budget in appropriations; enshrines long-term national commitment.
Sierra Club
AdvocacyExploring, enjoying, and protecting the planet
The Sierra Club, founded in 1892 by John Muir, is one of the oldest and largest grassroots environmental organizations in the U.S. With chapters in every state, the Sierra Club engages in a range of activities to protect the environment: it lobbies for strong environmental legislation (from climate action to wildlife protection), runs grassroots campaigns to move beyond fossil fuels, leads outdoor outings to connect people with nature, and occasionally takes legal action to enforce environmental laws. The Sierra Club also has an active political program endorsing and campaigning for pro-environment candidates through its PAC.
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow Sierra Club uses funding
- Map the committee path for Senate Bill 3198 and identify sponsors and procedural steps needed to advance.
- Recruit testimony from astronauts, scientists, and other messengers described in the cause materials.
- Make a continuity case tied to the ISS transition and the risk of a research gap.
- Pursue attachment to larger authorization or defense vehicles if a standalone bill stalls.
- Coordinate an appropriations narrative for initial funding to stand up the institute.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Legislative path mapped
Near termCommittee targets, sponsors, and vehicle options are identified.
- 2
Coalition testimony assembled
Near termBriefs and testimony are ready for hearings.
- 3
Committee advancement achieved
This sessionThe Space RACE Act advances out of committee.
- 4
Initial funding authorization secured
After committee actionFunding authority is included or approved for stand-up.