Duval Times

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) along with U.S. Representatives Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA) have introduced the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2024. This bill aims to designate spaceports as eligible for tax-exempt municipal revenue bonds to incentivize investment in spaceport infrastructure.

Senator Rubio emphasized the importance of staying ahead in the race for space dominance and ensuring the United States bolsters its own capabilities. He stated, "In the race for space dominance, we cannot afford to fall behind. As adversaries like China continue to expand their presence in space, it’s imperative the United States takes decisive action to bolster our own capabilities. The Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2024 is a critical step towards ensuring our nation maintains its competitive edge."

Senator Luján highlighted the rapid investments in space infrastructure by adversaries and stressed the need for the U.S. to keep up. He expressed, "As our adversaries are quickly investing in space infrastructure, our country cannot fall behind. With spaceports in New Mexico and across the country, I’m proud to introduce this bill that creates pathways for public and private partnerships to ensure our country remains on the forefront of space innovation."

Congressman Dunn emphasized the importance of prioritizing the development of U.S. space infrastructure to stay competitive with global adversaries. He pointed out the need for spaceports to have similar opportunities as airports and seaports in receiving tax-exempt bonds to foster private-public partnerships and drive innovation and economic growth.

Congressman Carbajal, representing Vandenberg Space Force Base, underlined the significant increase in commercial space launches and the need for public-private revenue sources like municipal bonds to support the development of the space economy. He stated, "Opening public-private revenue sources like municipal bonds, which were a foundational tool to meeting our nation’s needs when our new frontiers were the ocean or the air, will help us meet this important moment in the development of our space economy."

The Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2024 aims to secure the U.S.'s position in space and ensure that the country remains at the forefront of space innovation amidst growing global competition.