Click image above to view Senator
Moody’s remarks
MERRITT
ISLAND, Fla.—Senator
Ashley Moody today announced her Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act has become law at an event on Florida’s
Space Coast marking a major legislative win for Floridians and the future of
the U.S. in space. The bill, introduced in May, ensures that Florida and the
U.S. remain leaders in space exploration and innovation. The space industry has
grown exponentially in the last decade, and it has become increasingly clear
that spaceports are critical to the strength and security of this nation. The Secure
U.S. Leadership in Space Act simply levels the playing field by treating spaceports
just like airports and seaports making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt.
Senator
Ashley Moody said, “It
is of vital importance both to our national security interests and economic
success that the United States remains the leader in the space industry. In
this modern-day space race, it is imperative that the U.S. remain ahead of the
People’s Republic of China, and this law is a critical step to ensure our space
program has the resources and support it needs. I’ve seen firsthand how public
and private entities are coming together on Florida’s Space Coast to make bold
advances in innovation. We know the formula that works, and this law
supercharges it.”
Rob Long, president and CEO, Space
Florida said, “Thank
you to Sen. Ashley Moody for the tremendous work on this issue and for
recognizing that spaceports are not just launchpads, they are economic engines
and strategic assets. America now officially recognizes that space
transportation is on equal footing with other modes of transportation. This is
a long-overdue policy change that will bring more private capital investment
into the development of space infrastructure, reduce costs and accelerate the
growth of a more competitive, resilient, and innovative aerospace economy.”
President and CEO Lynda Weatherman of
the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast said,
“The EDC applauds Senator Ashley Moody’s leadership on this important
bipartisan issue to strengthen America’s Spaceports. This forward-looking
legislation will unlock critical funding for space as a recognized mode of
transportation; spurring investment in infrastructure to bolster and strengthen
America’s leadership.”
P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., President,
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
said, “It is an honor to
recognize the leadership of Senator Moody in advancing the Secure U.S.
Leadership in Space Act. This bipartisan bill will strengthen America’s
position in space innovation by fostering public-private partnerships and
supporting investment in Florida’s space industry. Thanks to Senator Moody’s
efforts, Florida remains at the forefront of space exploration and development,
preparing the next generation of explorers who will shape our future beyond the
stars.”
Read more about
the bill here.
See Senator
Moody’s full remarks here.
Additionally,
earlier this Congress, Senator Moody introduced the Consolidating Aerospace
Programs Efficiently (CAPE) at Canaveral Act, known as the CAPE Canaveral Act, directing the relocation of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) headquarters to Florida’s
Space Coast.
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