U.S. Congress
On National Security | Space Force taken to task in 2023 defense legislation
Congress is warning the Space Force against complacency, encouraging it to embrace innovative ways of doing business in areas like space launch and use of commercial space services.
Air Force looking at next steps on Space Command basing decision
“We're all hoping to move forward with a final decision as quickly as we can," Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said regarding the relocation of U.S. Space Command
On National Security | Congress’ failure to pass a 2022 budget is especially detrimental to the Space Force
Budget crises aside, the Space Force will have to overcome its lack of size by pushing innovative ideas and showing new approaches in the acquisition of space technologies.
Lawmakers ask House appropriators to add $50 million for DoD ‘tactically responsive launch’
A bipartisan group of lawmakers in a letter Jan. 31 asked House defense appropriators to add $50 million to the Pentagon’s 2022 budget for tactically responsive space launch.
Former NASA administrator Bridenstine endorses candidate in Virginia congressional race
Former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine is wading into one of Virginia’s congressional races, backing a Republican candidate with a background in national security space.
Lawmakers: Declassification would help boost public support for U.S. space programs
Rep. Adam Schiff: 'Sometimes when you keep things classified that don't need to be, you breed a lot of public conspiratorial thinking'
HASC to scrutinize Space Force budget: Satellites have to be ‘easier to defend’
The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said he expects to see a shift in U.S. military spending away from large satellites to a “more survivable infrastructure” of smaller spacecraft.
Op-ed | Space Settlement Act should guide Nelson’s NASA tenure
As chair of the NASA oversight committee in the House in 1988, Bill Nelson presided over the adoption of the Space Settlement Act, a visionary declaration of Congress that could and should be a guiding theme as he takes on the top NASA leadership position.
On National Security | Defense contractors forced into uneasy role in wake of Capitol riot
As the fallout from the Jan. 6 deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol continues, the crisis has forced a reckoning of sorts in a sector of American industry that typically steers clear of political controversy.
Foust Forward | “Pro-space” lawmakers on wrong side of history after Capitol riot
The uncomfortable truth now facing the space community, in the days after the horrific events at the Capitol Jan. 6, is that some of the most prominent Republican supporters of space in Congress are on the wrong side of history.
Foust Forward | Seeking small victories in space policy
As the House and Senate struggle with pandemic relief and other spending bills, there seems little opportunity for anything space-related to get through Congress.
FCC stands by Ligado decision as lawmakers step up criticism
The FCC pushed back on new criticism from the Senate and House Armed Services Committees.
Space Force proposes ‘alternative acquisition system’ with less red tape
The U.S. Space Force is asking for changes in the rules that currently are in place for buying new weapon systems.
HASC joins critics of FCC’s Ligado decision, FCC denounces ‘baseless fear mongering’
The House Armed Services Committee said the FCC's approval of Ligado’s proposal disregards federal law.
Op-ed | NASA: Need Another Space Assignment?
While the National Space Council has laid out a clear path to a prosperous American future in space and NASA leadership have embraced ambitious goals with quick and efficient plans, the NASA Authorization Act of 2020 would return American spaceflight beyond low Earth orbit to governmental control.
OP-ED | For the United States, a second race to the moon is a second-rate goal
The United States has two choices: compete with developing nations in a new race to the moon, one it could possibly lose; or do what President John F. Kennedy did after the U.S. lost the early rounds of the space race to the Soviet Union — set a more distant goal.
House Armed Services Committee exploring several paths to a Space Force
Thornberry's letter to DoD: "It is important for us to understand the benefits and challenges of a full range of options.”
Military space needs independent voice, says HASC Chairman Thornberry
Congress this month will decide whether there should be a "space corps" separate from the Air Force.
Buzz Aldrin and Greg Autry: It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to run NASA
Finding another James Webb to run NASA was no easy task. President Trump considered several excellent candidates, some of whom we personally admire, but in the spirit of Webb’s leadership, U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine is the president’s nominee for NASA administrator.
Space Corps proposal becoming flashpoint in DoD budget negotiations
Rep. Mike Rogers says Air Force "better shape up or they’ll figure out who is in charge here," while Gen. David Goldfein says "now’s not the time to build seems and segregate and separate."
