CONTACT: Brian Chase
(202) 225-3671
bchase@hr.house.gov

Representative Weldon welcomes Senator Graham's commercial space efforts

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - U.S. Representative Dave Weldon (R-Palm Bay), Vice Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, issued the following statement in advance of Senator Bob Graham's (D-FL) December 10 appearance at the Spaceport Florida Authority:

I want to commend Senator Graham for introducing the Commercial Space Act in the Senate. This bill, similar to a House version, is crucial to helping our emerging commercial space industry, and it is especially important for Florida since we face ever-tougher competition both domestically and abroad. Not only does this bill bring our commercial space launch laws up to modern standards, but it looks ahead to commercial opportunities on the Space Station, and encourages the government's purchase of commercial space services and data whenever possible. We are well on our way to accomplishing these goals now that both Chambers have bills before them.

In addition, the Senate version of the bill has several appealing features over the House version, most notably requiring the Department of Defense to seriously assess how it supports our commercial space launch industry. We must take a long, hard look at the Air Force's role in commercial space. Indeed, the Air Force has already begun to do just that, particularly in recognition that most space launch activity at our two national ranges have shifted overwhelmingly to commercial operations. Only through a comprehensive study of our nation's space launch infrastructure can we remain competitive.

The State of Florida, through the Spaceport Florida Authority, is at the cutting edge of commercial space operations, and I believe we offer a model to the nation that demonstrates how state and local governments can take an active role in the exploration and development of space. These are exciting times, and I look forward to working with Senators Graham and Mack, as well as the rest of our federal and state delegations, as we ensure Florida maintains its aerospace leadership role into the 21st century.