Lawmakers establish Space & Aeronautics Caucus

U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (R-TX) and Charlie Crist (D-FL) are espousing the benefits of establishing the Space & Aeronautics Caucus for the 117th Congress, noting the effort seeks to explore several important matters of policy.

Caucus endeavors would include domestic activities in low-Earth orbit (LEO), including International Space Station (ISS) operations LEO commercialization; space situational awareness and space transportation management; space regulatory framework; earth science and planetary science; aeronautics; safety and transparency across American civil, commercial, and military space; international collaboration and cooperation in space; and domestic competitiveness in space and combating foreign threats.

“I am excited to co-chair this Caucus with Congressman Charlie Crist,” Weber said. “This bipartisan space caucus will promote awareness and hopefully encourage members and their staff to engage more closely on these issues. My district is home to 75 percent of the Johnson Space Center workforce, the home of mission control and human spaceflight. I am looking forward to thoughtful discussions on space policy both in the Caucus and on the House Science Committee this Congress.”

Crist said he is proud to join Weber in establishing the bipartisan Caucus to keep space exploration and development at the forefront of the conversation in Congress.

“From Kennedy Space Center to our thriving aerospace industry, Floridians are deeply proud of the role our state plays in advancing America’s goals in space,” he said. “This Caucus will allow my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to engage in the renewed excitement Americans across the country are experiencing as our nation reasserts its leadership in space and reaches new heights in exploration!”