ICYMI: Sen. Cruz: We Must Continue America’s Leadership in Space

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) delivered the following statement this morning at an executive session of the Senate Commerce Committee. The Cruz-Nelson-Peters Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act was reported out of committee for consideration by the full U.S. Senate.

Full text below and video available above.

“Today we build upon the Commercial Space Launch Act that was first signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 and last amended in 2004,” said Sen. Cruz. “Since becoming the Chairman of the Space, Science, and Competitiveness subcommittee I have made it a priority to carry forth President Reagan’s vision of producing a stronger and more efficient launch capability for the United States that will contribute to continued American leadership in space.

“Thanks to the leadership and bipartisan support of Ranking Member Nelson, Ranking Member Peters, Senator Rubio and Senator Gardner we have produced a bill for this committee’s consideration and that was just adopted by this committee that all of us can be proud of, and that has received support from 20 organizations in the space industry. Our legislation reflects the needs of a changing and growing industry and aims to encourage the competitiveness of the U.S. commercial space industry while recognizing the vital role the private sector plays along with NASA. I commend the committee and I commend the Chairman for this bipartisan legislation moving forward.”

The bill extends the International Space Station (ISS) until 2024 and ensures stability for the continued development and growth of the U.S. commercial space sector.  Below is additional background on the bill, including comments from numerous organizations that have gone on the record to support the legislation:

Space Community Applauds Cruz-Nelson-Peters Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act

Sen. Cruz and Ranking Member Nelson Introduce U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act 

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