Space's Instrument of American Authority: The ISS

The Trump Administration's proposed 2026 federal budget has set the stage for a significant shift in the U.S.'s space exploration priorities, with a focus on human exploration and the Artemis program aimed at lunar and Martian missions [1][4]. The proposed budget allocates over $8 billion for these activities, but it comes at a cost - a 24% reduction in NASA's total budget, from $24.8 billion in FY 2025 to $18.8 billion in FY 2026 [1][4]. This cut extends to other areas such as science missions, research, and education programs.

This budget adjustment, while supporting human exploration, raises concerns about the sustainability of capabilities for low-Earth orbit (LEO) presence and the International Space Station (ISS) program. The potential reduction in funding for science and operations could limit broader operational and technological support, including Earth science and other research missions that complement LEO activities [1][4].

However, the Senate Appropriations Committee is pushing back against these cuts, aiming to maintain NASA’s funding closer to previous levels (around $24.9 billion) and protecting science missions from termination [2][3]. The Senate's position suggests the capability to sustain human presence in LEO and ISS operations through adequate funding and mission support.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is actively involved in promoting American space interests. In December 2024, the Chamber led its first-ever space sector business mission to the United Arab Emirates, engaging top Emirati government officials and business leaders about opportunities for American companies in the booming space economy [2]. In February 2025, the Chamber launched the Space Leadership Council in collaboration with commercial technology providers for the space economy [3].

Maintaining the ISS and supporting its transition to Commercial Low-Earth Orbit (CLDs) is essential for the continued security, prosperity, and leadership of the United States in space operations. Embracing commercial technologies can enable the ISS to transition into the next frontier of American space leadership, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth [3]. The ISS, a mission-critical asset, improves national security posture, drives economic growth, and advances scientific discovery [4].

In conclusion, the proposed budget could strain NASA's ability to support the ISS and maintain a sustained human presence in LEO by slashing funding critical to science and operations beyond flagship Mars and lunar exploration. However, strong bipartisan resistance in Congress, particularly from the Senate, aims to preserve funding levels that would help sustain these key capabilities [1][2][3][4].

The proposed 2026 federal budget focuses on human exploration and the Artemis program, while cutting NASA's total budget by 24%, potentially impacting science missions, research, and education programs.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is actively advocating for American space interests, leading a business mission to the United Arab Emirates in December 2024 and launching the Space Leadership Council in February 2025.
Maintaining the International Space Station (ISS) is crucial for the U.S.'s continuing leadership in space operations, encouraging economic growth, national security, and scientific discovery.
The Senate Appropriations Committee is resisting the budget cuts, aiming to preserve NASA's funding and safeguard science missions from termination.
Embracing commercial technologies can facilitate the ISS's transition into the next phase of American space leadership, opening up avenues for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth.
The ISS is a mission-critical asset, with significant implications for the U.S. economy, national security, and scientific advancements. The proposed budget cuts could strain NASA's capacity to sustain human presence in Low-Earth Orbit and support the ISS, raising concerns about its continuation.