[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INTRODUCTION OF THE SPACE COMMERCE ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2008

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
``Space Commerce Act of 2008.'' This legislation would modify the 
Technology Administration Act of 1998 and provide for the establishment 
of an Office of Space Commerce in the Department of Commerce. As 
chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee with jurisdiction 
over commercial space activities, I am introducing this bill as a 
courtesy to the Department, which requested it.
  While I think the legislation that I am introducing today requires 
review and potentially modification before it is ready to come back to 
this floor for further consideration, I believe that introducing the 
Department's proposed legislation will help us move forward in seeking 
the best ways to encourage the vitality of this growing industry. This 
bill will help stimulate discussion on what is the best approach to 
enhancing the development and competitive posture of America's 
commercial space sector. That discussion will help Congress craft the 
best path forward in addressing this important topic.
  I feel quite passionate about the important role that the commercial 
space sector plays--and will continue to play in the coming years--in 
ensuring the sustained vitality of the U.S. economy and its 
competitiveness in world markets. My home State of Colorado is home to 
some of the Nation's leading commercial space companies and is serving 
as an incubator for more every year. I am proud of that fact, and I am 
proud of the companies that are contributing so much to the nation's 
strength in civil, commercial, and military aerospace.
  As chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, I have seen 
firsthand the growing impact that the commercial space sector is 
having, both in enhancing the Nation's economic strength and improving 
the quality of life of all our citizens. Whether it is advancing U.S. 
geospatial applications, maximizing the benefits to be gained from U.S. 
space-based positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities, or 
numerous other endeavors, America's space commerce sector is leading 
the way, and I want to do all I can to see that that continues to be 
the case.
  That is why I believe it is important to fully examine how the 
Federal Government can best provide additional useful tools to help 
expand and develop the space commerce sector. We in Congress should do 
all we can to address space commerce policy issues and help encourage 
the growth of the U.S. commercial space sector. I look forward to 
hearing from all interested stakeholders as we move forward to fully 
examine this proposal.

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