Posted: Thu, Nov 6, 2003, 8:16 PM ET (0116 GMT)
A member of the US Senate introduced legislation Wednesday that would establish a permanent commission to oversee NASA and ensure it carries out the recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB). The National Space Commission Act, introduced by Sen. Fritz Hollings (D-SC), would establish a National Space Commission composed of 12 people from industry and academia. The permanent commission would initially advise the President and Congress on plans to return the shuttle to flight, accelerate development of the Orbital Space Plane, and changes in NASA's culture. By September 2005 the commission would be required to "produce a report on broader questions about the future of space". The bill currently has six co-sponsors, all fellow Democrats, including Massachusetts Senator and presidential candidate John Kerry. The bill is different from one introduced last month in the House by Rep. Ralph Hall (D-TX), which would call upon the National Academies of Science and Engineering to create a committee to review NASA's adherence to the CAIB's recommendations.

Related Links:

•  Orlando Sentinel article
•  Sen. Hollings press release
•  Draft copy of legislation