Press Releases

Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL-02) joined Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Ashley Moody (R-FL) to reintroduce bicameral and bipartisan legislation to incentivize investment in spaceport infrastructure. The Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act will provide spaceports like Vandenberg Space Force Base eligibility for tax-exempt municipal revenue bonds, which are typically used to attract private investment for critical infrastructure projects.

Currently, projects such as airports and docks qualify for these tax-exempt municipal revenue bonds. The Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act provides spaceports the same opportunities to garner needed investment for a rapidly evolving industry.

“We’re in the middle of a new space race and we need to give American spaceports the tools they need to maintain their competitive edge,” said Rep. Carbajal, senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Our bipartisan bill is an important step forward to improving public-private investments into our growing space industry and ensuring our country doesn’t fall behind our foreign competitors.”

Rep. Dunn said, “The United States must invest heavily in its space infrastructure to maintain our economic dominance and national security interests in space. Florida communities are eager to expand investments in space infrastructure, and Congress must be willing to facilitate these efforts. This bipartisan legislation will help secure our commercial and defense interests while paving the way for American dominance in space.”

Sen. Moody said, “I have seen firsthand how public and private entities can come together to make great strides in innovation on Florida’s Space Coast. It is vital to incentivize these partnerships and ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of the space industry to not only build upon Florida’s economic successes but protect national security interests as well. I am thankful for my colleagues that have joined me in introducing this important legislation and look forward to bolstering Florida’s position as the leader of space exploration.”

Sen. Luján said, “As our adversaries rapidly invest in space innovation and infrastructure, we must act decisively to maintain our leadership in space innovation. Strengthening investments in spaceports – like Spaceport America in New Mexico and others nationwide – is critical to this effort. That is why I’m proud to introduce this bill that creates pathways for public and private partnerships to ensure our country remains at the forefront of space innovation.”