On the recordMay 21, 2015
Today I rise to offer an amendment to support and facilitate innovation in cutting-edge American enterprises. My amendment will expand the eligibility for experimental permits for reusable rockets to include reusable launch vehicles. Experimental permits currently have three uses: the research and development of new test designs, concepts, equipment, or operating techniques; to show compliance with requirements as part of the process for obtaining a license; or to train crews before they receive a license for launch or reentry. However, the FAA currently does not have the ability to grant experimental permits for launch vehicles. {time} 1130 Under current law, they are restricted to granting permits for reusable suborbital rockets. This can require industry and the Federal Government to go to extraordinary lengths to find ways to conduct tests. In some cases, there is no alternative for testing. Expanding access to these permits will help innovators develop new and important technologies right here in America. These permits will create new opportunities for American businesses and will help harness the tremendous potential of our space exploration industry. I want to thank Chairman Lamar Smith, Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson, and their staffs for their assistance with this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
