Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott recently authored an op-ed for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, emphasizing Florida's pivotal role in American space exploration and leadership. In his piece, Senator Scott highlighted the historical significance of Florida’s Space Coast as a center for innovation and its continued importance in maintaining U.S. dominance in space.

“Since the birth of our nation’s space program, the eyes of the world have turned to Florida’s Space Coast to watch America’s brightest minds reach for the stars,” Scott wrote. He underscored that while contemporary space endeavors may not capture public attention as they once did, their importance to national security remains undiminished.

Scott criticized past federal administrations for what he described as insufficient support for NASA and private space enterprises, which he believes led to job losses and strategic disadvantages. “Floridians know too well the devastating impacts of the Obama administration’s weak leadership and a lack of federal support for both NASA and America’s private space industry,” he stated.

During his tenure as Governor of Florida, Scott claims to have invested over $230 million in spaceport projects on the Space Coast, creating thousands of aerospace jobs. He argued that this investment was crucial despite limited backing from Washington at that time.

He also called for stronger federal involvement in supporting commercial space industries. “Today, the commercial space industry is a critical partner in our efforts to strengthen U.S. space leadership and it must be championed at every level of government,” said Scott.

Scott mentioned his legislative efforts including co-sponsoring the American Space Commerce Act and advocating for the Licensing Aerospace Units to New Commercial Heights (LAUNCH) Act. These bills aim to reduce regulatory barriers and enhance self-reliance within the U.S. space sector, promising more jobs and bolstered national security through American-made advancements.

The senator warned against complacency given global competition from nations like China and Russia: “America’s adversaries... are actively working to outpace the United States and claim ownership of space.”

In conclusion, Scott reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Florida's role in advancing U.S. interests in space: “We are at a critical crossroads in our work to protect U.S. national security... I will continue to fight for Florida.”

Read Senator Rick Scott's full op-ed in the Daytona Beach News-Journal HERE.

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