On January 10, the House passed, by voice vote, H.R. 321, the Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA), would establish a facilitated outreach program among retired astronauts, scientists, engineers, and young women to support young girls in attaining opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
The legislation would require the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to propose programs to encourage women and girls to study STEM and pursue careers in aerospace.
During the 114th Congress, the House approved the bill in March 2016 (see The Source, 3/25/16); the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved the measure in September (see The Source, 9/23/16).
