Washington D.C. Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bi-partisan, bicameral U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act (CSLCA, or H.R. 2262 as amended), which represents one of the most significant modernizations of commercial space policy and regulatory legislation since the original Commercial Space Launch Act (CSLA) was enacted in 1984. CSF applauds Majority Leader McCarthy (R-CA), Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX), and Representatives Brian Babin (R-TX), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Frank Lucas (R-OK), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Bill Posey (R-FL), Steve Knight (R-CA), Randy Hultgren (R-IL), Jim Bridenstine (R-OK), Steven Palazzo (R-MS), Randy Weber (R-TX), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), and Donna Edwards (D-MD) for their leadership and vision in contributing to, cosponsoring, or advancing this much-needed and comprehensive legislation.

This bill is a fair and equitable compromise that resulted from months of hard work and negotiations among Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate to harmonize language from the House-passed SPACE Act of 2015 with provisions from S. 1297, the Senate’s commercial space legislation. It reflects Majority Leader McCarthy and Chairman Smith’s vision for commercial spaceflight, while addressing issues raised by Democratic leaders during deliberations on the bill.

Today the House passed this compromise bill by voice vote, indicating broad support for this legislation across the political spectrum. This new legislation sets the stage for the continued growth and expansion of the space transportation industry, while enabling rapid advances in safety for spaceflight participants. It also promotes investments in new commercial space applications, promising future spaceflight capabilities that will benefit all Americans.

“The members of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation commend Majority Leader McCarthy, Chairman Smith, as well as all their cosponsors, and all of their staff for the many contributions and the perseverance in advancing this bi-partisan legislation that will ensure America remains the leading force in the economic development of space, from safe and reliable space transportation for cargo and humans, to the exploration and utilization of space resources,” CSF President Eric Stallmer said. “CSF looks forward to the President signing this critical bill into law.”

About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation

The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s member companies, which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers, and service providers, are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering.

For more information please visit www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Jane Kinney at jane@commercialspaceflight.org or at (469) 879 – 9503.