Posted: Sat, Jan 31, 2004, 8:50 PM ET (0150 GMT)
The House of Representatives passed this week a bill that would give NASA greater flexibility in hiring and retaining employees. The House passed the NASA Work Force Flexibility Act of 2003 (S.610 and HR 1085) on a voice vote Wednesday, two months after the Senate passed the bill. The legislation gives NASA additional authority to attract new employees and retain existing ones. The act gives NASA to power to provide increased pay and other benefits to employees the agency deems to have critical skills. The bill also creates a "Scholarship for Service" program that provides up to $10 million in financial aid to college students in exchange for working for NASA after graduation. The bill goes on to President Bush for his signature.

Related Links:

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•  NASA press release
•  House Science Committee press release