Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) and other members of the House GOP Freshmen class a special order on the House floor prior to the Congressional recess to promote investment in the space industry.
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NewsTranscript
00:00Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days
00:05in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic
00:10of this special order.
00:12Without objection.
00:13Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues, in fact, the freshman members of the Congress,
00:21to reach far beyond party lines, beyond state borders, and even beyond our planet.
00:27It affects every American, shaping our economy, our security, and our future.
00:32I'm talking about space.
00:35As President Trump said, you can't be number one on earth if you're number two in space.
00:42So I'm going to yield from our senior member of the freshman class this year, Vince Fong.
00:48Congressman Fong represents the 20th District of California.
00:52He is on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as the Science Committee,
00:57basically serving on the Space Committee, and he proudly represents the Central Valley
01:00of California.
01:01And I yield to Congressman Fong.
01:05Thank you, Congressman Fong.
01:06Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend, Tom Porter, for leading this special order today
01:12about the importance of America leading in aerospace and aviation.
01:17My district in California encompasses a number of military, space, and aerospace facilities,
01:23including Naval Air Station Lemoore, Edwards Air Force Base, Naval Air Weapons Station
01:29China Lake, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, and the Mojave Air and Spaceport.
01:34We are known for our advancements in aerospace technology, innovation and research, and continuing
01:40to push the boundaries of space exploration and our rich legacy in this industry.
01:45Dating back to almost a century ago, Chuck Yeager became the first person to break the
01:50sound barrier in 1947 as a test pilot for what is now Edwards Air Force Base.
01:57During World War II, the Mojave Air and Spaceport was used as a training facility for the United
02:02States Marine Corps, and the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station was established for research
02:08and testing and evaluation of military weapons.
02:10In the 1950s, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center was the location where many of the
02:15technologies for Project Apollo were tested, including where the Lunar Landing Research
02:21Vehicle was flown in the 1960s in preparation for the historic American moon landing.
02:26With a deep embedded history in the aerospace industry, my region continues to defy odds,
02:32make historic discoveries, and innovate for the future.
02:36As we see our foreign adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran increasing their space technology
02:41efforts, it is critical that we stay ahead of the curve to ensure we stay at the cutting
02:47edge of technologies.
02:48This is one of the reasons why I introduced the Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics
02:52Act, also known as the MOC Act.
02:55This legislation authorizes the establishment of the MOC program at NASA and allows NASA
03:00to support scientific experiments through high-speed flights.
03:04In order to stay competitive in hypersonic technology, we must fully utilize public-private
03:09partnerships like I have in my district to advance this necessary technology.
03:14East Kern County is making great strides not only for our community, but also for our nation.
03:20The MOC program builds on successes we have already seen in commercial spaceflight and
03:24lays the groundwork for urgent, necessary advancements to keep our competitive edge
03:29as a nation.
03:30The MOC legislation was included in the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and passed the
03:35House last Congress.
03:36I look forward to this reintroduced legislation to pass and get signed into law this Congress
03:41so we can continue to innovate and grow in America.
03:44In addition to national defense efforts, the aerospace industry continues to assist with
03:48our emergency responses in our nation.
03:51Earlier this year, we saw wildfires devastate my home state of California.
03:56And unfortunately, this is something that we know all too often and too well in my community.
04:02Wildfires continue to ravage every part of California.
04:05Unfortunately, fire season is now all year long, and we must take advantage of the technologies
04:10available to try to fight these terrible tragedies.
04:13The Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations Act, also known as the ACERO Act,
04:18which I introduced earlier this year, authorizes NASA to leverage the use of drones to fight
04:23wildfires.
04:25This project is especially helpful when there is low visibility, heavy smoke, or unsafe
04:29conditions for our firefighters to fly.
04:32This piece of legislation is life-saving not only to help stop these wildfires, which
04:36have devastated communities, but also to assist our brave firefighters.
04:40There are not enough thanks to give to our selfless firefighters and first responders
04:45in times of natural disaster.
04:47We should help them fight these fires by passing legislation to give them additional tools.
04:52The aerospace industry does so much for our country, assisting in national defense, helping
04:57in natural disasters, to improving the way we travel.
05:00As we continue to innovate and grow, it is crucial to acknowledge the many advancements
05:04that we continue to make.
05:06Our work is just getting started in space as a nation, and here in Congress we are committed
05:10to seeing strides of advancements to make our nation dominant in new and advancing technology.
05:16As we look to the future, I see my district continuing to make history in the aerospace
05:21industry with its innovation and exploration efforts.
05:24Recently in my district, Boom Supersonic completed the first successful civil supersonic
05:31flight at Mojave Air and Spaceport, making supersonic flight technology usable for all
05:36Americans.
05:37In addition, in December, Stratolaunch made history with its first fully reusable hypersonic
05:43flight test of the Talon A-2 vehicle off the coast of Vandenberg, which took off from the
05:48Mojave Air and Spaceport, signifying a new era of hypersonic flight technology where
05:54traveling at faster speeds may soon become a reality.
05:58These important advancements in America show that my community will continue to be a national
06:03leader in the aerospace industry.
06:05I again want to commemorate all of the great work being done in my community.
06:10The nation thanks you, and we have more advancements ahead being developed in California's Aerospace
06:15Valley.
06:16I look forward to a future of growth and innovation with California's 20th Congressional District
06:22in the forefront.
06:23Mr. Speaker, I yield back.
06:24Thank you, Congressman Fong.
06:27And next we have, from the great state of Alaska, the at-large member from Alaska, Congressman
06:33Nick Begich, who is on the Natural Resources, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,
06:38as well as the Science and specifically the Space Subcommittee.
06:42And I yield to the Congressman from Alaska.
06:48Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
06:49I rise today to highlight an issue of national importance, our commitment to space exploration
06:55and Alaska's vital role in securing America's presence in space.
07:01Space exploration drives innovation, strengthens our economy, and enhances national security.
07:07The investments we make today will shape our future strength and prosperity as a nation.
07:13Alaska, the last frontier, is well positioned to play a key role in our nation's space operations.
07:21Alaska's unique geographic position gives it a crucial edge in space surveillance, missile
07:26defense, satellite communications, and launch capabilities.
07:32With a high-latitude polar launch capability and vast remote terrain, my state offers unparalleled
07:38advantages for both government and commercial space initiatives.
07:43The Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska, or PSCA, on Kodiak Island is at the forefront of these
07:50efforts as a premier launch site that plays a critical role in America's space strategy.
07:57Alaska's geostrategic location in the Arctic makes it an indispensable asset in America's
08:02national defense and global power projection.
08:05As the closest U.S. state to both Russia and China, Alaska provides unparalleled access
08:11to the Arctic, a region rapidly growing in economic and military significance.
08:17With shifting ice patterns opening new maritime routes, control over Arctic air and sea lanes
08:21is critical to maintaining U.S. strategic interests.
08:25And Alaska's military installations, missile defense systems, and space infrastructure
08:30collectively form a cornerstone of national security, ensuring America's readiness in
08:36this increasingly contested region.
08:40The Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska is one of four of the country's few fully operational,
08:46federally licensed spaceports capable of delivering payloads to orbit.
08:51Launched by the Alaska Aerospace Corporation, its remote location provides a strategic advantage,
08:57reducing risks to populated areas and offering access to vital polar and sun-synchronized
09:02orbits.
09:03This capability is essential for Earth observation, climate monitoring, missile defense, and reconnaissance
09:09missions.
09:10Unlike other launch sites in the lower 48, Alaska's spaceport benefits from minimal air
09:15traffic congestion and robust launch windows, enabling greater efficiency and mission success.
09:23This spaceport is designed to be highly adaptable and can accommodate a wide range of launch
09:28vehicles, from small satellites to larger payloads.
09:32Its infrastructure includes multiple launch pads, a state-of-the-art range control center,
09:36and cutting-edge telemetry capabilities.
09:39Furthermore, the PSCA is a key contributor to economic development in Alaska, creating
09:44jobs, fostering technological advancements, and attracting investment from domestic and
09:49international space companies.
09:52The Alaska Aerospace Corporation was established in 1991 by the Alaska Legislature and has
09:57been instrumental in advancing the state's role in space operations.
10:01As the operator of the PSCA, Alaska Aerospace provides critical infrastructure and space
10:06launch capabilities that support both government and commercial launches, reinforcing our nation's
10:12ability to remain at the forefront of space innovation.
10:16Additionally, Clear Space Force Station near Fairbanks is pivotal in space situational
10:23awareness and missile defense.
10:25This facility is crucial for tracking objects in orbit, ensuring that America maintains
10:29a vigilant eye on potential threats and space debris that could endanger critical infrastructure.
10:36These efforts are vital to protecting our nation's interests and maintaining a leading
10:40presence in space.
10:42The potential benefits of Alaska's growing space sector align with our nation's security
10:46and technological advancement initiatives.
10:49The Pacific Spaceport's complex, Alaska, holds incredible opportunity for dominance
10:54in space.
10:55The industry in my state has created many high-paying jobs in engineering, aerospace
11:00technology, and infrastructure.
11:03These positions offer competitive salaries and career stability, attracting top talent
11:08and fostering a skilled workforce in Alaska.
11:11Moreover, the increased investment in space operations has generated economic ripple effects
11:16benefiting local businesses, housing markets, and service industries.
11:21Alaska's role in space operations is poised for even more significant expansion.
11:25The state's infrastructure is uniquely positioned to support the next wave of advancements in
11:30space travel, including reusable launch vehicles, hypersonic testing, and deep space exploration.
11:37As commercial companies like SpaceX continue to push the boundaries of what is possible,
11:42Alaska stands ready to provide essential launch services that will further our nation's ambitions
11:47beyond Earth's orbit.
11:51Reducing dependence on foreign space infrastructure is a matter of national security and economic
11:56sovereignty.
11:57For too long, the United States has relied on foreign launch services and satellite capabilities,
12:02leaving critical assets vulnerable to geopolitical uncertainty.
12:06Increasing the use of Alaska's space infrastructure will ensure that our national security interests,
12:12commercial enterprises, and scientific missions remain independent and protected from foreign
12:17influence.
12:19We cannot discuss the future of space without acknowledging the transformative impact of
12:24private industry.
12:26Companies like SpaceX and other commercial aerospace pioneers have revolutionized space
12:31travel by making launches more affordable and frequent.
12:35With its strategic location and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Alaska offers an ideal partner
12:39for these enterprises.
12:41The Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska provides the logistical support, safety advantages,
12:46and launch capabilities to advance commercial expansion and national security objectives.
12:52As global competition in space intensifies, our ability to support our nation's space-based
12:58assets has never been more crucial.
13:01We must continue to invest in these capabilities, expand our infrastructure, and ensure that
13:05our space assets in Alaska remain at the cutting edge of technology.
13:10Whether it is weather forecasting, global communications, or national defense, our reliance
13:15on space assets grows every day.
13:18Work done in Alaska ensures that America remains a leader in this critical domain.
13:25Space is the next great frontier, and Alaska cannot afford to fall behind.
13:30We must continue to invest in our space infrastructure, foster private sector innovation, and recognize
13:36Alaska's strategic significance in maintaining international leadership.
13:41Let us, in this 119th Congress, reaffirm our commitment to space exploration, national
13:47security, and economic prosperity, ensuring that Alaska and the United States remain undisputed
13:54leaders in this critical domain.
13:57Thank you, and I yield back.
13:59Thank you, Congressman Baggett, for your thoughtful words.
14:03I next would like to introduce the congressman from the 3rd Congressional District in Utah.
14:09Congressman Kennedy is one of the few legislators in Washington who has both a medical degree
14:13and a law degree.
14:15He is a former state senator from Utah, and he is a proud father of eight, and he is recognized
14:21to speak tonight on the issue of space and the importance in his district.
14:26Congressman Kennedy, you're recognized.
14:32Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the gentleman from Florida, our new chairman of the Space
14:37and Aeronautics Subcommittee, for inviting me to join him tonight.
14:41I'm excited to join him as a new member on the subcommittee and highlight Utah's exciting
14:45role in the future of space exploration.
14:49When we think of iconic American places associated with NASA, Houston and Cape Canaveral come
14:54to mind, but I'm here to tell you tonight, Mr. Speaker, that Utah should be added to
14:59that list.
15:01While Utah has played a pivotal role in the history of NASA since the dawn of the space
15:05age in the mid-20th century, we are fast moving into a starring role.
15:10We stand at the crossroads of an exciting new era in space exploration.
15:14Utah, known for our pioneering spirit, is poised to play a critical role in shaping
15:18the future of space.
15:20From producing cutting-edge technology to visionary companies, Utah is helping propel
15:25humanity into the next frontier.
15:28Utah is also the proud home of the Dugway Proving Grounds in the West Desert, which
15:32has become a prime landing location for returning space missions.
15:36I want to highlight one of the most pivotal players in Utah's contribution to space exploration,
15:42Northrop Grumman, which has a more than 80-year history in the state.
15:46The global aerospace and defense leaders become a cornerstone of America's space ambitions.
15:52Northrop Grumman's state-of-the-art facilities in Utah are central to the development of
15:56solid rocket boosters for some of the most ambitious missions we've ever embarked upon.
16:02These boosters are key to propelling spacecraft like NASA's Space Launch System, which is
16:07set to carry astronauts deeper into space than ever before, including the planned missions
16:12to the moon under the Artemis program and, eventually, to Mars.
16:16The combined economic footprint of Utah's space-related businesses, along with those
16:21in the aerospace, defense, and advanced materials sectors, already account for 20 percent of
16:26our annual GDP, and the space segment is among the fastest-growing within that combined category
16:32according to Aaron Starks, former Chief Revenue Officer for World Trade Center Utah, and now
16:3747G's president and CEO.
16:40Quote, I think and firmly believe that Utah's future will be shaped more by this industry
16:46than any other, unquote, is what he said.
16:49Northrop Grumman's solid rocket boosters are integral to the success of space programs
16:54that will shape the future of exploration.
16:56These powerful boosters provide the thrust necessary to lift spacecraft into orbit, and
17:02their innovation is a testament to Utah's growing influence in space technology.
17:07The company's Utah facilities, include those in Promontory, have been producing these boosters
17:13for decades, and they are renowned for their precision, reliability, and power.
17:18With the capabilities of these solid rocket boosters, missions that were once the stuff
17:22of dreams are becoming a reality.
17:26In January of last year, two of Northrop Grumman's extended-length, 63-inch-diameter graphite
17:31epoxy motors, more commonly known as GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters, helped power the inaugural
17:40flight of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket in the first certification mission.
17:46The GEM 63XL boosters are the longest monolithic, single-cast solid rocket boosters ever manufactured
17:53and flown.
17:54The boosters delivered more than 900,000 pounds of thrust, nearly two-thirds of the vehicle's
18:00total thrust at liftoff.
18:02But it's not just about technology.
18:05It's about what this technology enables.
18:07Northrop Grumman's advancements in propulsion have opened up incredible possibilities for
18:12deep space exploration, including human missions to the moon and Mars, asteroid mining, and
18:19future scientific discoveries beyond our current cognitive capabilities.
18:24Each launch of a rocket booster is not just a moment of technological achievement.
18:29It is a step closer to answering the big questions of our place in the universe and
18:33the potential for future generations to reach the stars.
18:37Utah is developing a future built on innovation and collaboration.
18:41The state is becoming a hub for aerospace innovation, with new startups and established
18:47companies like Northrop alike joining the effort to advance technologies that will transform
18:53space travel.
18:55Whether it's satellite development, propulsion systems, or mission planning, Utah is becoming
19:00a vital piece of the puzzle.
19:03Northrop Grumman has sought to form partnerships and tap into expertise in Utah's colleges
19:08and universities, and the company has worked with students and faculty at the University
19:12of Utah, Weber State, Utah State, Brigham Young University, and Bridgerland Technical
19:18College in Logan.
19:20Top-tier research institutions, Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, and Utah
19:25State University are preparing the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators who
19:30will take the torch from us and continue driving humanity's exploration of space.
19:35With these resources, the state's workforce is uniquely positioned to lead in areas that
19:41complement Northrop Grumman's work, creating a synergy that ensures the continued success
19:46of space missions.
19:49Utah State University boasts one of the longest histories of connections to space technologies
19:53with the establishment of the Electrodynamics Laboratories in 1959.
19:59It would later join forces with the University of Utah's Upper Air Research Laboratory to
20:03form the Logan-based Space Dynamics Laboratory in the early 1980s.
20:09Utah universities have also been big contributors to the NASA-sponsored Big Ideas Challenge
20:14to power the Artemis program forward.
20:17The 2024 Big Idea team was from Brigham Young University, and they developed an untethered
20:22and modular inflatable robot for lunar operations.
20:26In 2023, we had a Big Idea team from the University of Utah, which won first place overall as
20:31Artemis Award winner with their development of production of steel from lunar regolith
20:36through carbonyl iron refining project.
20:40As the space industry continues to grow and evolve, Utah is at the heart of it all, leading
20:45through ingenuity, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to the future.
20:51So Mr. Speaker, I say to my good friend from Florida, the Space Coast District might be
20:54where the rockets are launched, but they wouldn't get off the ground without Utah's ingenuity.
21:00As we look forward to stars and the limitless possibilities of the cosmos, it's clear that
21:05Utah's contribution to space exploration will be integral.
21:09From Northrop Grumman's groundbreaking solid rocket boosters to the innovation happening
21:13across our state, Utah is not only playing a role in the future of space exploration,
21:18it is helping to define it.
21:20The work that is being done here today will shape the course of humanity's future in space
21:24for generations to come.
21:26Together, we are laying the foundation for the next great leap in human exploration.
21:31I again thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding me the time tonight.
21:35I greatly look forward to working with him to make sure NASA is in a position to return
21:39to the moon and take the next step of planting the stars and stripes on Mars.
21:44I yield back.
21:45Thank you, Congressman Kennedy, for your kind words and, more importantly, your efforts
21:48in Utah to promote the industry and make sure we have American dominance in space.
21:54As was mentioned, I am proud to be the new chairman of the subcommittee on space.
21:59It is not only imperative to our district, but for the nation for so many different reasons.
22:04The chart behind me, I think, is really telling the story about America today.
22:08Just a few short years ago, we ceded space dominance to other nations.
22:12We actually had to get a ride to the space from, of all people, our former adversary,
22:17Russia.
22:18And here we are today, as you look at this graph.
22:20Last year alone, 155 launches from into space, and 93 from my home district, where the Kennedy
22:30Space Center is located.
22:31We are well on our way towards space dominance, and we are not slowing down.
22:37In 2025 alone, 26 additional flights have left our skies and are, of course, orbiting
22:43around our world today, providing the telecommunications necessary, not only for commercial use, but
22:50for military use as well, to make sure that our men and women are protected when GPS is
22:55essential.
22:56And tonight, we will have yet another launch into the sky as SpaceX is propelling this
23:02movement forward.
23:03As we recognize that space is important for our economy, infrastructure, and national
23:09defense, it enables modern life, powering GPS communications, weather forecasting, artificial
23:16limb technology, solar cells, fire-resistant fabrics, and even medical imaging and biotechnology.
23:24Space is research and development, and space is a return on investment.
23:30The latest estimates have a 10-to-1 return for taxpayers when we lead the world in space
23:36and innovative technology.
23:40And we've been in this space race before.
23:43Every one of you asked your parents, or maybe even a few of us in the Congress, know that
23:471969 was a life-changer for so many people.
23:51When you ask those folks alive in 1969 what it was like to see man on the moon, Neil Armstrong,
23:59making that famous proclamation, it was a game-changer.
24:02We proved that anything is possible here in America.
24:06And we moved forward from that with shuttle technology and more recently some of the amazing
24:10advancements with SpaceX.
24:13But we are in a new space race today, unfortunately with another communist dictatorship, that
24:19being China.
24:21The question is, will we win that space race once again?
24:24I am confident we will do so for one simple reason.
24:28Our president is confident we can accomplish this.
24:31Remember, our president literally created the Space Force.
24:36He is a true believer, and back in 2019 he created the Space Force because he knew that
24:41space dominance would allow us to not only improve technologically, but make sure that
24:46our men and women in the military are protected.
24:49And we are confident that Artemis II, which is scheduled to go off in early 2026, will
24:54propel us to the moon once again and beyond.
24:58We like to say, from the lagoon to the moon and beyond.
25:01That is our slogan back in the 8th District of Florida.
25:04And we are confident that that will be a reality.
25:09It is about leadership, it is about job security, it is about economic security, and it is about
25:13military security and making sure that we make the next innovations and reach the next
25:19frontier.
25:20And dominance means not just military, but it also means jobs and a brighter future for
25:25so many.
25:26You know, when you talk about jobs in the space industry, it's not a job to so many,
25:30it is a career.
25:32The dedicated folks at NASA are moving forward with these new technologies, they are working
25:37hand-in-hand in public-private partnerships with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocketdyne,
25:43Boeing, L3Harris, and so many others, along with Northrop Grumman, to make sure that we
25:48are dominant in space so that we do not take a second place in space and lose that technological
25:54dominance which is so necessary that we win this latest Cold War.
26:00You know, just a few years ago, we were playing catch-up.
26:02As I mentioned before, we were literally relying on the Russians to get our men and women off
26:08to the space station.
26:09But now, since 2016, we have moved forward, and as this graph again shows behind me, we
26:15are once again space dominant.
26:17It is, again, the great American comeback, and we are moving beyond today.
26:24And in just a few weeks, we'll see the SpaceX Dragon, making sure that our men and women
26:29on the space station are returned back to Earth, and more and more companies are developing
26:34space technologies so that we can have satellites and space infrastructure, keeping ahead of
26:38our global competitors.
26:41But we cannot be complacent.
26:43Just because we lead today does not mean it's permanent.
26:47And we must defend ourselves against China and Russia, who are not standing still.
26:53They are major competitors, and they are making important investments in trying to militarize
26:58space, despite the treaty from 1967.
27:02We must innovate, we must invest, and we must push forward to keep our strong position today.
27:08Sadly, China especially does not play by the rules.
27:12Just a few years ago, they literally, on purpose, created a collision which has led to so much
27:18space debris around our Earth today.
27:21We must use our technology for missile detection, surveillance and reconnaissance, and global
27:27communications to stay ahead of this communist dictatorship.
27:31Fortunately, the U.S. Space Force, as I mentioned, which was established in 29, maintains our
27:37dominance and ensures that we're going to develop hypersonic defense, space-based missile
27:43interceptors and AI-driven surveillance to keep us ahead of those adversaries.
27:48We cannot afford to fall behind because the price of inaction is just too high.
27:56The economy of space has grown also dramatically over the last few years.
27:59In 2022 alone, $132 billion to the U.S. GDP.
28:06And as projected by 2040, it will be over $1 trillion.
28:12350,000 private sector jobs across multiple fields, including launch technicians, software
28:20developers, engineers and researchers, construction, manufacturing, everything from satellites
28:26to heat shields.
28:28Space is not only a source of innovation but also a pillar of the American economy, fueling
28:36growth in both high-tech and blue-collar industries, as I mentioned.
28:41And small businesses are also benefiting from this emergence.
28:45Just a few weeks ago, I had the honor of visiting a small company called Ada Space.
28:50It is a company in my district, employs 20 people, but they are having a massive impact
28:56on the changing space world.
28:58They developed a satellite that will experiment with cryogenic fuels in orbit, a key technology
29:03for orbit refueling.
29:05This innovation will pave the way for long-distance space travel, making missions to Mars and
29:09beyond more viable and more cost-effective.
29:14And I might mention as being a member of the Financial Services Committee, which our speaker
29:17is today as well, this is an example of community banks.
29:23This was a community bank that allowed Ada Space to get the finance that they needed
29:27to put this project together and lead the technological development we need to go to
29:32Mars in the future.
29:35So despite their small size, they are launching their satellite this year, a testament to
29:40the power of American ingenuity.
29:43So these public-private partnerships are key.
29:45It's not just, quote, a government program.
29:48Companies like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Blue Origin have dramatically reduced launch costs and
29:54are saving taxpayers billions.
29:56These firms work alongside NASA and the Department of Defense, proving that the private industry
30:02of America can be a powerful force in advancing the United States' space leadership.
30:09Their success creates jobs, strengthens our national security, and keeps America at the
30:14forefront of the global space race.
30:19Commercial space is the free market revolution.
30:22If you haven't already done so, read the recent book by Isaac Sen about Elon Musk.
30:27He basically looked at NASA, saw some of the challenges they faced after the Apollo program
30:32and the cancellation of our shuttle program, and even the challenges we face in the Ares
30:37program, which was canceled, the Constellation program, which was canceled, the X-33 program,
30:42and he said, we can do it better at a better cost and win the space race.
30:48Commercial space is the future as they work in partnership with NASA.
30:53Before SpaceX, launch costs were prohibitively high and with a single mission causing hundreds
30:58of million dollars.
31:00The Falcon 9 rocket, with its reusable booster system, has slashed costs by a factor of 10.
31:08Space cost reduction has made space more accessible, spurring new industries, as I
31:12mentioned before, like satellite internet, space-based manufacturing, and even orbital
31:18tourism.
31:20More players, more innovation, such as Blue Origin, as this new Glenn rocket launched
31:26recently, rocket labs, electron rocket fuel futures markets, space manufacturing, asteroid
31:33mounting, orbital energy production, are all emerging technologies.
31:38And when these companies compete, innovate, they drive down costs for everyone, and more
31:44importantly, will have on-Earth benefits.
31:47And one of the issues that people have asked me about is this issue of rural broadband.
31:51For those who don't know, this is a program that's been allocated over $40 billion so
31:56that everyone, not just a select few in higher urban areas, can enjoy high-speed internet
32:01access.
32:02This program, which is allocated over $40 billion, is one which takes time, because
32:08as everyone knows who's in business, you need to get the permits, it takes a while to get
32:12the right-of-ways purchased, it takes a while, of course, to lay that cable for high-speed
32:17internet access.
32:18Well, with the new Starlink system, which SpaceX is launching up now, this can be not
32:23only a lower cost, but more importantly, can get to market faster so that every American
32:28can enjoy the access to high-speed internet, and it will save us billions so that we can
32:34not only pay down the debt, or afford the tax cuts which Americans deserve.
32:40So in conclusion, we are in the golden age of American spaceflight.
32:45We are witnessing a true renaissance of space exploration where the future is literally
32:50being built today.
32:52I don't know what's next.
32:53There's stories about mining asteroids for rare earth metals to support global industries.
32:58Large commercial space stations that can replace the ISS and host research.
33:04Permanent human habitation on the moon, laying the foundation for deeper space travel.
33:09The human exploration and the settlement of Mars, an achievement that will truly define
33:14this century.
33:16These are not science fiction novels.
33:18These are active projects by American companies, American scientists, and American engineers
33:25bringing in the golden age of American spaceflight.
33:28So in conclusion, Mr. Speaker, the urgency of action is now.
33:35America's leadership in space is hard-earned, but it is not guaranteed.
33:40Our economy, our technological future, and our national security all depend on continued
33:46space investment.
33:48Congress must act to ensure that the United States remains the leader in the final frontier.
33:55This is our movement.
33:56If we invest in space today, we will be stronger, safer, and more prosperous for generations
34:02to come.
34:03And so as I conclude, as the President said well, you can't be number one on Earth if
34:09you're not number one in space.
34:12So thank you, Mr. Speaker.
34:14I appreciate the opportunity.
34:15I especially want to thank Congressman Fong, Congressman Bagich, and Congressman Kennedy
34:19for joining me tonight.
34:22And with that, Mr. Speaker, I have a motion.
34:27The question is on the motion.
34:32What is the gentleman's motion?
34:33Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.
34:37Those in favor say aye.
34:38Aye.
34:39Aye.
34:40Aye.
34:41Aye.
34:42Aye.
34:43Aye.
34:44Aye.