Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera), the ranking member, and Chairmen Smith and Babin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a supporter and cosponsor of H.R. 2809. The United States has the best aerospace industry in the world. In order to stay number one, we need to provide certainty to American industry so it can attract investment and continue innovating to push our country forward. We are at a time where we have the opportunity to set the standard of how to regulate space activities so there is a level playing field for our American industry. That is why we need a certification process, as provided in the bill, to ensure compliance with the Outer Space Treaty. This process will reduce uncertainty and create a clear path to certification and to the launch of new spacecraft. I have heard from stakeholders still discussing where to place this new authority. This legislation placed that authority in the Office of Space Commerce. Others have suggested the Office of Space Transportation at the FAA. I hope this discussion continues and we reach a consensus as we continue through the legislative process with the Senate. The second part of this bill makes important reforms for the remote sensing industry. Satellite imagery or space images are also known as the remote sensing industry, and it is changing the way we see the Earth and enabling businesses of all types to find new opportunities.…”