NDAA
HASC strategic forces draft bill presses DoD on space procurements, use of commercial tech
The Strategic Forces markup challenges DoD's acquisition strategy for satellite-based communications and is critical of the Space Development Agency.
Senate Armed Services advances NDAA, Space Force acquisition reforms not included
The SASC markup of the 2021 NDAA includes several Space Force provisions but none on acquisition reforms.
Political fight continues over Air Force launch services procurement
A May 29 letter signed by 28 lawmakers asks the Air Force to not cave to pressure to add a third provider in the Phase 2 launch services procurement.
Senate Armed Services Committee to conduct ‘paper hearings’ during pandemic
SASC is "committed to continuing congressional oversight and data collection necessary to drafting the NDAA."
Trump signs defense bill establishing U.S. Space Force: What comes next
"Today marks a landmark achievement as we officially inaugurate the newest branch or our military, the U.S. Space Force," said Trump.
Space Force proponents in Congress warn Air Force: ‘We will watch you like a hawk’
Reps. Jim Cooper and Mike Rogers were the original proponents of a space service. It was not Trump's idea.
NDAA conference agreement establishes U.S. Space Force, directs major overhaul of space acquisitions
The NDAA also establishes an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy as the senior civilian in the Office of the Secretary of Defense
Air Force leaders enthused as Space Force legislation heads to House floor
Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett: "It is time for us to move forward with the Space Force.”
HASC Chairman: Legislation to create a Space Force in 2020 ‘still possible but by no means guaranteed’
Chairman Adam Smith said House-Senate divide is deepening over the establishment of a Space Force
Pentagon presses case for Space Force amid political uncertainty
There are lingering concerns about the potential cost of a new military branch.
White House pushes back on Senate language on Space Force, missile defense satellites
The White House is unhappy with the Senate language because it doesn’t give DoD full legal authority to establish a space service.
Top SASC Democrat sees momentum building for a space force
Sen. Jack Reed: “I think within a year, next year at this time, we’ll have a Space Force."
Thornberry: Pentagon will not have its way in space force legislation
Whatever the final language that comes out of conference, it will likely not include many of the items that DoD has asked for.
Space Force legislative talks at impasse over personnel issues, cost concerns
The House and Senate voted in support of a space service to be nested inside the Air Force, but much still remains unresolved.
House passes NDAA, keeps HASC chairman Smith’s space launch reforms alive
Proposed changes to the National Security Space Launch program that Smith introduced in the HASC version of the NDAA made it into the House bill.
White House challenges HASC Space Corps language, strongly objects to space launch provisions in NDAA
On the National Security Space Launch program, the administration “strongly objects” to HASC language “as it would increase mission risk for the nation’s national security satellites.”
Air Force preparing for space reorganization as Senate advances NDAA
Air Force officials see growing support for space on Capitol Hill and DoD despite ongoing leadership changes.
Smith to continue to press for change in national security space launch program
Smith so far has not been happy with the Air Force’s response to his concerns about the launch program.
House Armed Services’ space launch legislation revised in 11th-hour deal
The amended language retained two key provisions that help SpaceX and Blue Origin, and removed two others that were opposed by ULA.
Machinists union mobilizing to defeat HASC chairman’s space launch legislation
A bipartisan amendment to strike Smith’s space launch provisions is expected to be offered by Colorado lawmakers Lamborn and Crow.
