Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) recently introduced legislation that would streamline regulations and increase innovation in the emerging field of commercial spaceflight.
The Suborbital and Orbital Advancement and Regulatory Streamlining Act would reduce the number of bureaucratic hurdles the commercial spaceflight industry would need to clear, enabling it to innovate rapidly and generate jobs.
“I introduced legislation to help ensure that the commercial spaceflight industry has a clear path ahead as it continues to innovate and generate high-quality American manufacturing jobs,” McCarthy said. “I have seen firsthand how the talented people of East Kern County have grown this industry through technological advancement, and this legislation will help ensure they are not hindered in creating jobs here locally.”
Rep. Bill Posey (R-Fla.) joined McCarthy as a cosponsor of the SOARS Act. Posey serves on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. Before entering public service, Posey worked at the Kennedy Space Center as part of the Apollo Program
“A new generation of American space entrepreneurs are eager to provide services to NASA and meet other new demands for space exploration,” Posey said. “Unfortunately, bureaucratic barriers are hindering the development of a robust commercial program in the United States which is critical to maintaining our leadership in space and our national security. Our bill is a big step in streamlining FAA regulations and establishes demonstration projects for space companies supporting launch activities to safely move forward.”