The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“INTRODUCTION OF THE SPACE COMMERCE ACT OF 2008” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1819 on Sept. 17, 2008.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF THE SPACE COMMERCE ACT OF 2008
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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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