Contact: Ross Tullis | 202.330.1743

Bryan & College Station, July 1– Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) announced today that House Appropriations Subcommittees included in their FY 2023 reports $5.6 million for a Space Research Hub ($4 million) and Electric Power Program for the Texas A&M System ($1.6 million).

$4 Million for Space Research Hub at Texas A&M to Advance Space Force

The $4 million Space Research Hub grant is for an advanced technology development project designed to assist the U.S. Space Force in meeting its long-term science and technology goals. Funding will go specifically to the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, and this is the second year that Sessions secured funding for the project.

“This project will be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it advances national space power though command and control; advanced technology; intelligence and state-of-the-art force protection,” Sessions said. “Texas A&M University has a world renowned faculty working in each of these areas, and is ready and eager to do this work. Forming a Space Research Hub at Texas A&M University to take advantage of these assets will dramatically accelerate the development of national space power.”

The funds are in the Appropriations Subcommittee FY 23 report language at Sessions request; both the Subcommittee Chair Betty McCollum (D-MN4) and Vice Chair Ken Calvert (R-CA42) supported Sessions’ request.

$1.6 million for A&M Transportation Institute Funding to Prepare the Texas Power Grid for Vehicle Electrification

This $1.6 million grant for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute will be used to strengthen the Texas electric distribution grid in preparation for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

“As electric vehicles become more widely accepted and used, they will have an even greater impact on our electric grid in Texas,” Sessions pointed out. “Therefore, it is of utmost importance that  large-scale electric vehicle adoption is done correctly to avoid the difficulties and hardships associated with grid failures.”

The funds are in the Appropriations Subcommittee FY 23 report language at Sessions request; both the Subcommittee Chair David Price (D-NC4) and Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL25) supported Sessions’ request.

Texas A&M System Chancellor Sharp Applauds Sessions’ Efforts

Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp said. “We appreciate Congressman Sessions’ work in advancing several priorities for the A&M System in the FY 2023 House appropriations process. If funded, these priorities will further bolster the A&M System’s status as a national leader in research.”

Sessions concluded. “I want to thank the Chairs and the Vice Chairs for supporting these funds in the Bryan/College Station area, since it will also benefit the overall workforce and economy in the district,”

Sessions secured 12 of 15 projects he requested for Texas 17 in the FY 2023 Appropriations Subcommittee reports. While the bills must still pass the full committee; the House and Senate, Appropriations bills are annually “must-pass” legislation.

###