IV
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1159
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 18, 2024
Mr. Sorensen (for himself and Mr. Lucas) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the longstanding partnership between USDA and NASA and encouraging further interagency collaboration.
Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) mission to sustain life with limited resources is directly mutually beneficial to the conservation techniques required to ensure a thriving agriculture industry, clean water, and quality air for all;
Whereas the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) scientific expertise in agricultural production, resource conservation, food security and safety, as well as forests and working lands is vital to feeding the Nation;
Whereas NASA and the USDA have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the collaboration between the two agencies, including efforts to improve agricultural and Earth science research, technology, agricultural management, and the application of science data and models to agricultural decision making;
Whereas NASA provides the USDA with global estimates of surface and root-zone soil moisture from a variety of satellite-based platforms and model simulations, and in turn, NASA relies on USDA measurement networks and research for development, calibration, and validation of satellite algorithms and potential products; and
Whereas NASA’s unique advanced satellites are key to identifying trends in land use, and the deployment of smart-agriculture technologies, including precision agriculture which is a vital tool for farmers to implement efficient practices that preserve natural resources, minimizes operating and input costs, and boosts the food supply chain: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
acknowledges the beneficial symbiotic relationship between NASA and the USDA as each executes missions to measure and monitor the environment, conduct agricultural research, and extend data and information to improve agricultural predictions and decision making;
recognizes that NASA and the USDA will strengthen their longstanding partnership on furthering education, communication, professional development, and outreach activities to inspire the youth in America to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and agriculture; and
encourages further interagency collaboration to support the thousands of family farmers and ranchers that provide food, fuel, and fiber to our global economy.