Brian Babin: “I include in the Record an op-ed that I wrote in January called ``A one-stop-shop for private space exploration.'' [Jan.…”

“I include in the Record an op-ed that I wrote in January called ``A one-stop-shop for private space exploration.'' [Jan. 22, 2018] A One-Stop-Shop for Private Space Exploration (By U.S. Rep. Brian Babin) In the inaugural meeting of the reconstituted National Space Council, Vice President Mike Pence called for an overhaul of how the U.S. regulates commercial space activities. The potential of a robust economy in space will ``unlock new opportunities, new technologies, and new sources of prosperity,'' Pence said. The American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act (H.R. 2809), recently passed by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, accomplishes the vice president's goals. This bill places authority over private sector space activities in the agency best equipped to foster economic growth, the Commerce Department. The bipartisan legislation streamlines regulatory processes, limits government intrusion, promotes American innovation and investment, protects national security and satisfies our Outer Space Treaty obligations. As chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee's space subcommittee, and as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have the unique perspective of overseeing both of these agencies. Because of this perspective, I believe placing this responsibility at the Commerce Department is a good long-term decision for the United States and the space industry.…”