Legislation would establish assistant secretary of defense for space

Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) recently introduced H.R.4720, legislation that would establish an assistant secretary of defense for space.

The position would be responsible for the growth and expansion of the United States Space Force and would report to the secretary of defense.

“As China and Russia develop military capabilities in space, from laser weapons to anti-satellite missiles, establishing this position is a critical step to ensure our Nation’s security in space,” Green said. “The Pentagon has warned us repeatedly of the advancing threat of Chinese and Russian weapons that target U.S. space systems, stating earlier this year that China’s lasers could be ready to disable American satellites by 2020.”

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

In June, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced a companion bill, S.1771, in the Senate. Under the bill, the assistant secretary would be the top civilian adviser on space operations and space conflict matters. The position would oversee all space administrative matters relating to the organization, training, and equipping of space forces and would assist the secretary in the development and supervision of policy, program planning, and execution of space operations.

The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services.