    [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 36 (Monday, February 24, 2025)]
    [House]
    [Pages H757-H761]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                SPACE DOMINANCE

      The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
    January 3, 2025, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Haridopolos) is
    recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.

                                 General Leave

      Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
    Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
    remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special
    Order.
      The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
    gentleman from Florida?
      There was no objection.
      Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues, in fact, the
    freshmen Members of Congress, to reach far beyond party lines, beyond
    State borders, and even beyond our planet. It affects every American,
    shaping our economy, our security, and our future. I am talking about
    space.
      As President Trump said, you can't be number one on Earth if you are
    number two in space. I am going to yield to our senior Member of the
    freshman class this year, Vince Fong.
      Congressman Fong represents the 20th District of California. He is on
    the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as the Science
    Committee, specifically serving on the Space and Aeronautics Committee.
    He proudly represents the Central Valley of California.
      Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Fong).
      Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from Florida
    (Mr. Haridopolos) for leading this Special Order today about the
    importance of America leading in aerospace and aviation.
      My district in California encompasses a number of military, space,
    and aerospace facilities, including Naval Air Station Lemoore, Edwards
    Air Force Base, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, NASA Armstrong
    Flight Research Center, and the Mojave Air and Space Port.
      We are known for our innovation and research and continuing to push
    the boundaries of space exploration and our rich legacy in this
    industry.

                                  {time}  2030

      Dating back to almost a century ago, Chuck Yeager became the first
    person to break the sound barrier in 1947 as a test pilot for what is
    now Edwards Air Force Base.
      During World War II, the Mojave Air & Space Port was used as a
    training facility for the United States Marine Corps, and the Naval Air
    Weapons Station China Lake was established for research, testing, and
    evaluation of military weapons.
      In the 1950s, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center was the location
    where many of the technologies for Project Apollo were tested,
    including where the lunar landing research vehicle was flown in the
    1960s in preparation for the historic American Moon landing.
      With a deep, embedded history in the aerospace industry, my region
    continues to defy odds, make historic discoveries, and innovate for the
    future.
      As we see our foreign adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran
    increasing their space technology efforts, it is critical that we stay
    ahead of the curve to ensure we stay at the cutting edge of
    technologies.
      This is one of the reasons why I introduced the Making Advancement in
    Commercial Hypersonics Act, also known as the MACH Act. This
    legislation authorizes the establishment of the MACH program at NASA
    and allows NASA to support scientific experiments through high-speed
    flights.
      In order to stay competitive in hypersonics technology, we must fully
    utilize public-private partnerships, like I have in my district, to
    advance this necessary technology. East Kern County is making great
    strides not only for our community but also for our Nation.
      The MACH program builds on successes we have already seen in
    commercial spaceflight and lays the groundwork for urgent, necessary
    advancements to keep our competitive edge as a nation.

    [[Page H758]]

      The MACH legislation was included in the NASA Reauthorization Act of
    2024 and passed the House last Congress. I look forward to this
    reintroduced legislation passing and getting signed into law this
    Congress so we can continue to innovate and grow in America.
      In addition to national defense efforts, the aerospace industry
    continues to assist with our emergency responses in our Nation.
      Earlier this year, we saw wildfires devastate my home State of
    California. Unfortunately, this is something that we know all too well
    in my community. Wildfires continue to ravage every part of California.
    Unfortunately, fire season is now all year long, and we must take
    advantage of the technologies available to try to fight these terrible
    tragedies.
      The Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations Act, also
    known as the ACERO Act, which I introduced earlier this year,
    authorizes NASA to leverage the use of drones to fight wildfires. This
    project is especially helpful when there is low visibility, heavy
    smoke, or unsafe conditions for our firefighters to fly. This piece of
    legislation is lifesaving not only to help stop these wildfires, which
    have devastated communities, but also to assist our brave firefighters.
      There are not enough thanks to give to our selfless firefighters and
    first responders in times of natural disaster. We should help them
    fight these fires by passing legislation to give them additional tools.
      The aerospace industry does so much for our country, from assisting
    in national defense to helping in natural disasters to improving the
    way we travel. As we continue to innovate and grow, it is crucial to
    acknowledge the many advancements we continue to make.
      Our work is just getting started in space as a Nation, and here in
    Congress we are committed to seeing strides of advancement to make our
    Nation dominant in new and advancing technology.
      As we look to the future, I see my district continuing to make
    history in the aerospace industry with its innovation and exploration
    efforts.
      Recently in my district, Boom Supersonic completed the first
    successful civil supersonic flight at Mojave Air and Space Port, making
    supersonic flight technology usable for all Americans.
      In addition, in December, Stratolaunch made history with its first
    fully reusable hypersonic flight test of the Talon-A 2 vehicle off the
    coast of Vandenburg, which took off from the Mojave Air and Space Port,
    signifying a new era of hypersonic flight technology, where traveling
    at faster speeds may soon become a reality.
      These important advancements for America show that my community will
    continue to be a national leader in the aerospace industry.
      I again commemorate all of the great work being done in my community.
    The Nation thanks you. We have more advancements ahead being developed
    in California's aerospace valley. I look forward to a future of growth
    and innovation with California's 20th Congressional District in the
    forefront.
      Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, next we have, from the great State of
    Alaska, the at-large Member from Alaska, Congressman Nick Begich, who
    is on the Natural Resources Committee, the Transportation and
    Infrastructure Committee, as well as the Committee on Science, Space,
    and Technology.
      Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Begich).
      Mr. BEGICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an issue of
    national importance: Our commitment to space exploration and Alaska's
    vital role in securing America's presence in space.
      Space exploration drives innovation, strengthens our economy, and
    enhances national security. The investments we make today will shape
    our future strength and prosperity as a Nation.
      Alaska, the Last Frontier, is well positioned to play a key role in
    our Nation's space operations. Alaska's unique geographic position
    gives it a crucial edge in space surveillance, missile defense,
    satellite communications, and launch capabilities.
      With a high-latitude polar launch capability and vast, remote
    terrain, my State offers unparalleled advantages for both government
    and commercial space initiatives. The Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska,
    or PSCA, on Kodiak Island is at the forefront of these efforts as a
    premier launch site that plays a critical role in America's space
    strategy.

      Alaska's geostrategic location in the Arctic makes it an
    indispensable asset in America's national defense and global power
    projection. As the closest U.S. State to both Russia and China, Alaska
    provides unparalleled access to the Arctic, a region rapidly growing in
    economic and military significance.
      With shifting ice patterns opening new maritime routes, control over
    Arctic air and sea lanes is critical to maintaining U.S. strategic
    interests. Alaska's military installations, missile defense systems,
    and space infrastructure collectively form a cornerstone of national
    security, ensuring America's readiness in this increasingly contested
    region.
      The Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska is one of four of the country's
    few fully operational, federally licensed spaceports capable of
    delivering payloads to orbit. Managed by the Alaska Aerospace
    Corporation, its remote location provides a strategic advantage,
    reducing risks to populated areas and offering access to vital polar
    and Sun-synchronous orbits. This capability is essential for Earth
    observation, climate monitoring, missile defense, and reconnaissance
    missions.
      Unlike other launch sites in the lower 48, Alaska's spaceport
    benefits from minimal air traffic congestion and robust launch windows,
    enabling greater efficiency and mission success.
      This spaceport is designed to be highly adaptable and can accommodate
    a wide range of launch vehicles, from small satellites to larger
    payloads. Its infrastructure includes multiple launch pads, a state-of-
    the-art range control center, and cutting-edge telemetry capabilities.
    Furthermore, the PSCA is a key contributor to economic development in
    Alaska, creating jobs, fostering technological advancements, and
    attracting investment from domestic and international space companies.
      The Alaska Aerospace Corporation was established in 1991 by the
    Alaska Legislature and has been instrumental in advancing the State's
    role in space operations. As the operator of the PSCA, Alaska Aerospace
    provides critical infrastructure and space launch capabilities that
    support both government and commercial launches, reinforcing our
    Nation's ability to remain at the forefront of space innovation.
      Additionally, Clear Space Force Station near Fairbanks is pivotal in
    space situational awareness and missile defense. This facility is
    crucial for tracking objects in orbit, ensuring that America maintains
    a vigilant eye on potential threats and space debris that could
    endanger critical infrastructure. These efforts are vital to protecting
    our Nation's interests and maintaining a leading presence in space.
      The potential benefits of Alaska's growing space sector align with
    our Nation's security and technological advancement initiatives. The
    Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska holds an incredible opportunity for
    dominance in space. The industry in my State has created many high-
    paying jobs in engineering, aerospace technology, and infrastructure.
      These positions offer competitive salaries and career stability,
    attracting top talent and fostering a skilled workforce in Alaska.
    Moreover, the increased investment in space operations has generated
    economic ripple effects, benefiting local businesses, housing markets,
    and service industries.
      Alaska's role in space operations is poised for even more significant
    expansion. The State's infrastructure is uniquely positioned to support
    the next wave of advancements in space travel, including reusable
    launch vehicles, hypersonic testing, and deep-space exploration.
      As commercial companies like SpaceX continue to push the boundaries
    of what is possible, Alaska stands ready to provide essential launch
    services that will further our Nation's ambitions beyond Earth's orbit.
      Reducing dependence on foreign space infrastructure is a matter of
    national security and economic sovereignty. For too long, the United
    States has relied on foreign launch

    [[Page H759]]

    services and satellite capabilities, leaving critical assets vulnerable
    to geopolitical uncertainty. Increasing the use of Alaska's space
    infrastructure will ensure that our national security interests,
    commercial enterprises, and scientific missions remain independent and
    protected from foreign influence.
      Mr. Speaker, we cannot discuss the future of space without
    acknowledging the transformative impact of private industry. Companies
    like SpaceX and other commercial aerospace pioneers have revolutionized
    space travel by making launches more affordable and frequent. With its
    strategic location and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Alaska offers
    an ideal partner for these enterprises. The Pacific Spaceport Complex-
    Alaska provides the logistical support, safety advantages, and launch
    capabilities to advance commercial expansion and national security
    objectives.
      As global competition in space intensifies, our ability to support
    our Nation's space-based assets has never been more crucial. We must
    continue to invest in these capabilities, expand our launch
    infrastructure, and ensure that our space assets in Alaska remain at
    the cutting edge of technology. Whether it is weather forecasting,
    global communications, or national defense, our reliance on space
    assets grows every day. The work done in Alaska ensures that America
    remains a leader in this critical domain.
      Mr. Speaker, space is the next great frontier, and America cannot
    afford to fall behind. We must continue to invest in our space
    infrastructure, foster private-sector innovation, and recognize
    Alaska's strategic significance in maintaining international
    leadership.
      Let us, in this 119th Congress, reaffirm our commitment to space
    exploration, national security, and economic prosperity, ensuring that
    Alaska and the United States remain the undisputed leaders in this
    critical domain.

      Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Begich for his
    thoughtful words.
      I next will introduce the Congressman from the Third Congressional
    District in Utah. Congressman Kennedy is one of the few legislators in
    Washington who has both a medical degree and a law degree. He is a
    former Utah State Senator, he is the proud father of eight, and he will
    speak tonight on the issue of space and its importance in his district.
      Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Kennedy).
      Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the
    gentleman from Florida, our new chairman of the Subcommittee on Space
    and Aeronautics, for inviting me to join him tonight. I am excited to
    join him as a new member on the subcommittee and highlight Utah's
    exciting role in the future of space exploration.
      When we think of iconic American places associated with NASA, Houston
    and Cape Canaveral come to mind, but I am here to tell you tonight, Mr.
    Speaker, that Utah should be added to that list. While Utah has played
    a pivotal role in the history of NASA since the dawn of the space age
    in the mid-20th century, we are fast moving into a starring role.
      We stand at the crossroads of an exciting new era in space
    exploration. Utah, known for our pioneering spirit, is poised to play a
    critical role in shaping the future of space. From producing cutting-
    edge technology to visionary companies, Utah is helping propel humanity
    into the next frontier.
      Utah is also the proud home of the Dugway Proving Ground in the west
    desert, which has become a prime landing location for returning space
    missions.
      I want to highlight one of the most pivotal players in Utah's
    contribution to space exploration, Northrop Grumman, which has more
    than an 80-year history in the State. The global aerospace and defense
    leader has become a cornerstone of America's space ambitions.
      Northrop Grumman's state-of-the-art facilities in Utah are central to
    the development of solid rocket boosters for some of the most ambitious
    missions we have ever embarked upon. These boosters are key to
    propelling spacecraft, like NASA's Space Launch System, which is set to
    carry astronauts deeper into space than ever before, including the
    planned missions to the Moon under the Artemis program and eventually
    to Mars.
      The combined economic footprint of Utah's space-related businesses,
    along with those in the aerospace, defense, and advanced materials
    sectors, already account for 20 percent of our annual GDP, and the
    space segment is among the fastest growing within that combined
    category, according to Aaron Starks, former chief revenue officer for
    World Trade Center Utah and now 47G's president and CEO. He said: ``I
    think and firmly believe that Utah's future will be shaped more by this
    industry than any other.''
      Northrop Grumman's solid rocket boosters are integral to the success
    of space programs that will shape the future of exploration. These
    powerful boosters provide the thrust necessary to lift spacecraft into
    orbit, and their innovation is a testament to Utah's growing influence
    in space technology. The company's Utah facilities, including those in
    Promontory, have been producing these boosters for decades, and they
    are renowned for their precision, reliability, and power. With the
    capabilities of these solid rocket boosters, missions that were once
    the stuff of dreams are becoming a reality.
      In January of last year, two of Northrop Grumman's extended, 63-inch-
    diameter Graphite Epoxy Motors, more commonly known as GEM 63XL solid
    rocket boosters, helped power the inaugural flight of United Launch
    Alliance's Vulcan rocket in the first certification mission.

                                  {time}  2045

      The GEM 63XL boosters are the longest monolithic, single-cast solid
    rocket boosters ever manufactured and flown. The boosters delivered
    more than 900,000 pounds of thrust, nearly two-thirds of the vehicle's
    total thrust at liftoff.
      It is not just about technology. It is about what this technology
    enables. Northrop Grumman's advancements in propulsion have opened up
    incredible possibilities for deep-space exploration, including human
    missions to the Moon and Mars, asteroid mining, and future scientific
    discoveries beyond our current cognitive capabilities.
      Each launch of a rocket booster is not just a moment of technological
    achievement; it is a step closer to answering the big questions about
    our place in the universe and the potential for future generations to
    reach the stars.
      Utah is developing a future built on innovation and collaboration.
    The State is becoming a hub for aerospace innovation, with new startups
    and established companies like Northrop joining the effort to advance
    technologies that will transform space travel. Whether it is satellite
    development, propulsion systems, or mission planning, Utah is becoming
    a vital piece of the puzzle.
      Northrop Grumman has sought to form partnerships and tap into
    expertise in Utah's colleges and universities, and the company has
    worked with students and faculty at the University of Utah, Weber State
    University, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, and
    Bridgerland Technical College in Logan.
      Top-tier research institutions Brigham Young University, the
    University of Utah, and Utah State University are preparing the next
    generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators who will take the
    torch from us and continue driving humanity's exploration of space.
      With these resources, the State's workforce is uniquely positioned to
    lead in areas that complement Northrup Grumman's work, creating a
    synergy that ensures the continued success of space missions.
      Utah State University boasts one of the longest histories of
    connections to space technologies with the establishment of Electro-
    Dynamics Laboratories in 1959. It would later join forces with the
    University of Utah's Upper Air Research Laboratory to form the Logan-
    based Space Dynamics Laboratory in the early 1980s.
      Utah universities have also been big contributors to the NASA-
    sponsored BIG Idea Challenge to power the Artemis program forward. The
    2024 BIG Idea team was from Brigham Young University, and they
    developed an untethered and modular inflatable robot for lunar
    operations.
      In 2023, we had a BIG Idea team from the University of Utah that won
    first place overall as the Artemis Award

    [[Page H760]]

    Winner with their development of the ``Production of Steel from Lunar
    Regolith through Carbonyl Iron Refining'' project.
      As the space industry continues to grow and evolve, Utah is at the
    heart of it all, leading through ingenuity, collaboration, and
    unwavering dedication to the future.
      Mr. Speaker, I say to my good friend from Florida that his Space
    Coast district might be where the rockets are launched, but they
    wouldn't get off the ground without Utah's ingenuity.
      As we look toward the stars and the limitless possibilities of the
    cosmos, it is clear that Utah's contribution to space exploration will
    be integral. From Northrop Grumman's groundbreaking solid rocket
    boosters to the innovation happening across our State, Utah is not only
    playing a role in the future of space exploration, but it is helping to
    define it.
      The work that is being done here today will shape the course of
    humanity's future and space for generations to come. Together, we are
    laying the foundation for the next great leap in human exploration.
      Mr. Speaker, I again thank the gentleman from Florida for this
    Special Order tonight. I greatly look forward to working with him to
    make sure NASA is in a position to return to the Moon and take the next
    step of planting the Stars and Stripes on Mars.
      Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his kind
    words and, more importantly, his efforts in Utah to promote the
    industry and make sure we have American dominance in space.
      As was mentioned, I am proud to be the new chairman of the
    Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. It is not only imperative to our
    district but to the Nation for so many different reasons.
      I think the chart behind me is really telling the story about America
    today. Just a few short years ago, we ceded space dominance to other
    nations. We actually had to get a ride to space from, of all people,
    our former adversary, Russia. Here we are today, as you look at this
    graph, with, last year alone, 155 launches into space, 93 from the
    Kennedy Space Center in my home district. We are well on our way toward
    space dominance, and we are not slowing down.
      In 2025 alone, 26 additional flights have left our skies and, of
    course, are orbiting around our world today, providing the
    telecommunications necessary not only for commercial use but for
    military use, as well, to make sure that our men and women are
    protected when GPS is essential.
      Tonight, we will have yet another launch into the sky as SpaceX is
    propelling this movement forward.
      As we recognize, space is important for our economy, infrastructure,
    and national defense. It enables modern life, from powering GPS
    communications to weather forecasting, artificial limb technology,
    solar cells, fire-resistant fabrics, and even medical imaging and
    biotechnology.
      Space is research and development, and space is a return on
    investment. The latest estimates have a 10-1 return for taxpayers when
    we lead the world in space and innovative technology.
      We have been in this space race before. Everyone can ask their
    parents, or maybe a few of us in the Congress, to know that 1969 was a
    life changer for so many people. When you ask those folks alive in 1969
    what it was like to see a man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, making that
    famous proclamation, it was a game changer. We proved that anything is
    possible here in America. We moved forward from that with shuttle
    technology and, more recently, with some of the amazing advancements
    with SpaceX.

      We are in a new space race today, unfortunately, with another
    communist dictatorship, that being China. The question is: Will we win
    that space race once again? I am confident we will do so for one simple
    reason: Our President is confident we can accomplish this.
      Remember, our President literally created the Space Force. He is a
    true believer. Back in 2019, he created the Space Force because he knew
    that space dominance would allow us to not only improve technologically
    but make sure that our men and women in the military are protected.
      We are confident that Artemis II, which is scheduled to go off in
    early 2026, will propel us to the Moon once again and beyond. We like
    to say: From the Lagoon to the Moon and Beyond. That is our slogan back
    in the Eighth District of Florida, and we are confident that that will
    be a reality.
      It is about leadership. It is about job security. It is about
    economic security. It is about military security and making sure that
    we make the next innovations and reach the next frontier. Dominance
    means not just military, but it also means jobs and a brighter future
    for so many.
      When you talk about jobs in the space industry, it is not a job to so
    many; it is a career. The dedicated folks at NASA are moving forward
    with these new technologies. They are working hand-in-hand in public-
    private partnerships with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket
    Lab, Boeing, L3Harris, and so many others, along with Northrop Grumman,
    to make sure that we are dominant in space so that we do not take
    second place in space and lose that technological dominance, which is
    so necessary to win this latest cold war.
      Just a few years ago, we were playing catch-up. As I mentioned
    before, we were literally relying on the Russians to get our men and
    women off to the space station. Now, since 2016, we have moved forward,
    and as this graph shows behind me, we are once again space-dominant. It
    is again the great American comeback, and we are moving beyond it
    today.
      In just a few weeks, we will see the SpaceX Dragon making sure that
    our men and women on the space station are returned back to Earth. More
    and more companies are developing space technologies so we can have
    satellites and space infrastructure, keeping ahead of our global
    competitors.
      We cannot be complacent. Just because we lead today does not mean it
    is permanent. We must defend ourselves against China and Russia, which
    are not standing still. They are major competitors, and they are making
    important investments in trying to militarize space, despite the treaty
    from 1967. We must innovate. We must invest. We must push forward to
    keep our strong position today.
      Sadly, China especially does not play by the rules. Just a few years
    ago, they literally on purpose created a collision that has led to so
    much space debris around our Earth today. We must use our technology
    for missile detection, surveillance and reconnaissance, and global
    communications to stay ahead of this communist dictatorship.
      Fortunately, the U.S. Space Force, which, as I mentioned, was
    established in 2019, maintains our dominance and ensures that we are
    going to develop hypersonic defense, space-based missile interceptors,
    and AI-driven surveillance to keep us ahead of those adversaries. We
    cannot afford to fall behind because the price of inaction is just too
    high.
      The economy of space has also grown dramatically over the last few
    years. In 2022 alone, it added $132 billion to the U.S. GDP. It is
    projected that, by 2040, it will be over $1 trillion, creating 350,000
    private-sector jobs across multiple fields, including launch
    technicians, software developers, engineers, researchers, construction,
    and manufacturing everything from satellites to heat shields.
      Space is not only a source of innovation but also a pillar of the
    American economy, fueling growth in both high-tech and blue-collar
    industries, as I mentioned.
      Small businesses are also benefiting from this emergence. Just a few
    weeks ago, I had the honor of visiting a small company called Eta
    Space. It is a company in my district that employs 20 people, but they
    are having a massive impact on the changing space world. They developed
    a satellite that will experiment with cryogenic fuels in orbit, a key
    technology for orbit refueling. This innovation will pave the way for
    long-distance space travel, making missions to Mars and beyond more
    viable and more cost effective.
      I might mention, as a member of the Financial Services Committee,
    which our Speaker is today, as well, this is an example of community
    banks. It was a community bank that allowed Eta Space to get the
    financing they needed to put this project together and lead the
    technological development we need to go to Mars in the future. Despite
    their small size, they are launching

    [[Page H761]]

    their satellite this year, a testament to the power of American
    ingenuity.
      These public-private partnerships are key. It is not just a
    government program. Companies like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Blue Origin
    have dramatically reduced launch costs and are saving taxpayers
    billions. These firms work alongside NASA and the Department of
    Defense, proving that the private industry of America can be a powerful
    force in advancing the United States' space leadership. Their success
    creates jobs, strengthens our national security, and keeps America at
    the forefront of the global space race.
      Commercial space is the free market revolution. If you haven't
    already done so, read the recent book by Isaacson about Elon Musk. He
    basically looked at NASA, saw some of the challenges they faced after
    the Apollo program, the cancellation of our shuttle program, and even
    the challenges we face in the ARIES program, which was canceled, the
    Constellation program, which was canceled, and the X-33 program, and he
    said we can do it better at a better cost and win the space race.
    Commercial space is the future as they work in partnership with NASA.

                                  {time}  2100

      Before SpaceX, launch costs were prohibitively high with a single
    mission costing hundreds of millions of dollars.
      The Falcon 9 rocket, with its reusable booster system, has slashed
    costs by a factor of 10. This cost reduction has made space more
    accessible, spurring new industries, as I mentioned before, like
    satellite internet, space-based manufacturing, and even orbital
    tourism.
      There are more players and more innovation. The Blue Origin New Glenn
    rocket launched recently; Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, future
    markets--space manufacturing, asteroid mining, and orbital energy
    production are all emerging technologies.
      When these companies compete and innovate, they drive down costs for
    everyone and, more importantly, will have on-Earth benefits.
      One of the issues that people have asked me about is this issue of
    rural broadband. For those who don't know, this is a program that has
    been allocated over $40 billion so that everyone, not just a select few
    in higher urban areas, can enjoy high-speed internet access. This
    program, which is allocated over $40 billion, is one which takes time,
    because as everyone knows who is in business, you need to get the
    permits. It takes a while to get the rights-of-way purchased, and it
    takes a while to lay that cable for high-speed internet access.
      With the new Starlink system which SpaceX is launching up now, this
    can be not only at lower cost but, more importantly, can get to market
    faster so that every American can enjoy the access to high-speed
    internet. It will save us billions so that we can not only pay down the
    debt but also afford the tax cuts which Americans deserve.
      In conclusion, we are in the golden age of American spaceflight. We
    are witnessing a true renaissance of space exploration where the future
    is literally being built today.
      I don't know what is next. There are stories about mining asteroids
    for rare-earth metals to support global industries; large commercial
    space stations that can replace the ISS and host research; permanent
    human habitation on the Moon laying the foundation for deeper space
    travel; and the human exploration and the settlement of Mars, an
    achievement that will truly define this century.
      These are not science fiction novels. These are active projects by
    American companies, American scientists, and American engineers
    bringing in the golden age of American spaceflight.
      In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, the urgency of action is now. America's
    leadership in space is hard-earned, but it is not guaranteed. Our
    economy, our technological future, and our national security all depend
    on continued space investment.
      Congress must act to ensure that the United States remains the leader
    in the final frontier. This is our moment. If we invest in space today,
    then we will be stronger, safer, and more prosperous for generations to
    come.
      As I conclude, as the President said well: You can't be number one on
    Earth if you are not number one in space.
      Mr. Speaker, I especially thank Congressman Fong, Congressman Begich,
    and Congressman Kennedy for joining me tonight.
      Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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