Today, Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced H.R. 3766, the “One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act” with Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK), Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics’ Chairwoman Kendra Horn and Subcommittee Ranking Member Brian Babin (D-TX). This bill would require that all licenses issued by the U.S. government for space operations have requirements concerning preservation of the Apollo landing sites. The bill also contains a sense of Congress that the U.S. should negotiate a binding international agreement to protect the Apollo 11 landing site and similar sites. The One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act is the House companion to S. 1694 introduced by Senators Gary Peters and Ted Cruz.
“On the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, it is only fitting to recognize humankind’s achievements in space by preserving the lunar sites American astronauts first walked upon during the Apollo missions,” saidChairwoman Johnson. “As our nation and others look to return to the Moon, we must preserve these sites for the historical, archeological, and inspirational value they hold.”
“As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission this week, The One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act is an opportunity to recognize and appropriately maintain the historic Apollo landing sites,” said Ranking Member Lucas. “We have a responsibility to balance maintenance of these sites for future generations with the right to freely explore and use space. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make changes required to expedite the approval of this important legislation.”
