Senator Ashley Moody recently celebrated her Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act becoming law, marking a legislative win for Florida’s Space Coast and the future of the U.S. in space.
The Senator said the bill ensures that Florida and the U.S. remain leaders in space exploration and innovation.
“It is of vital importance both to our national security interests and economic success that the United States remains the leader in the space industry,” Republican Florida Senator Ashley Moody said. “In this modern-day space race, it is imperative that the U.S. remain ahead of the People’s Republic of China, and this law is a critical step to ensure our space program has the resources and support it needs. I’ve seen firsthand how public and private entities are coming together on Florida’s Space Coast to make bold advances in innovation. We know the formula that works, and this law supercharges it.”
The space industry has grown exponentially in the last decade, and it has become increasingly clear that spaceports are critical to the strength and security of this nation. The Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act levels the playing field by treating spaceports just like airports and seaports making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt.
“Thank you to Sen. Ashley Moody for the tremendous work on this issue and for recognizing that spaceports are not just launchpads, they are economic engines and strategic assets,” said Rob Long, president and CEO, Space Florida. “America now officially recognizes that space transportation is on equal footing with other modes of transportation. This is a long-overdue policy change that will bring more private capital investment into the development of space infrastructure, reduce costs and accelerate the growth of a more competitive, resilient, and innovative aerospace economy.”
“The EDC applauds Senator Ashley Moody’s leadership on this important bipartisan issue to strengthen America’s Spaceports,” President and CEO Lynda Weatherman of the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast said. “This forward-looking legislation will unlock critical funding for space as a recognized mode of transportation; spurring investment in infrastructure to bolster and strengthen America’s leadership.”
“It is an honor to recognize the leadership of Senator Moody in advancing the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act,” P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., President, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University said. “This bipartisan bill will strengthen America’s position in space innovation by fostering public-private partnerships and supporting investment in Florida’s space industry. Thanks to Senator Moody’s efforts, Florida remains at the forefront of space exploration and development, preparing the next generation of explorers who will shape our future beyond the stars.”
Earlier this Congress, Florida Senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott introduced the Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently (CAPE) at Canaveral Act, known as the CAPE Canaveral Act, directing the relocation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) headquarters to Florida’s Space Coast.
