Brian Babin: “Several weeks ago, we passed a NASA authorization bill that returns NASA to its core mission, human space flight. The…”

“Several weeks ago, we passed a NASA authorization bill that returns NASA to its core mission, human space flight. The bill before us, H.R. 2262, builds on that good work. We have many American businesses employing thousands of American workers right now. These businesses are pursuing their own space missions, both orbital and suborbital. Some of these entrepreneurs have plans to reach below low Earth orbit, such as taking the first steps toward missions to mine asteroids for precious metals. This landmark legislation will do more to secure America as the home of commercial space exploration than any other legislation that Congress has considered. These endeavors are a great complement to Federal investments in civil and military space initiatives. Let's face it, in any field, no American entrepreneur is going to invest billions of dollars of their own money where there is regulatory uncertainty. The SPACE Act of 2015 creates a regulatory framework and provides certainty for these privately financed endeavors to take the next steps. {time} 1100 This legislation will bolster thousands of high-tech American jobs, building a stronger economy, advancing technological leadership, and strengthening our Nation's industrial base. I want to recognize the hard work of our colleagues--Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Bill Posey, Dana Rohrabacher, and Jim Bridenstine.…”