Senator Schmitt Secures Major Wins to Strengthen American Dominance in Space, Counter Communist China

U.S. SENATE - U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) secured key provisions to promote American dominance in space and counter Communist China's malign influence were included in the NASA Authorization Act, which passed the Senate Commerce Committee this week.

"Leadership in space will shape the global economy, underpin our national security strategy, drive technological innovation, and is the ultimate strategic high ground. As the space race with Communist China intensifies, Congress must ensure the United States maintains its edge and preserves American dominance in space. This comprehensive bill sets the stage for decades of continued American leadership by countering China's ambitions, enhancing U.S. presence from low Earth orbit to deep space, and, for the first time, establishing a permanent base on the Moon. I was glad to see several of my provisions included in the bill and look forward to seeing the package move to the Senate floor," said Senator Schmitt.

Senator Schmitt Secured the Following Provisions to:

1. Strengthen Boeing St. Louis Space Program: Clarifies language to smoothen the transition to the next generation of NASA training jets (Boeing's T-7 Red Hawk), which will be manufactured in St. Louis.
2. Improve Nuclear Energy in Space: Adds improvements to strengthen nuclear provisions in the bill. By enhancing our development and demonstration of space nuclear power and propulsion systems, the US will be one step closer toward sustaining a permanent presence on the Moon and supporting future missions deeper into space, including Mars.
3. Enhance U.S. Low Earth Orbit Economy: Unlocks the low-orbit economy by directing NASA to support and fund uncrewed platforms for commercial and research use in low Earth orbit.
4. Boost U.S.-Taiwan Relations & Promote Space Exploration: Helps the United States counter threats from China and addresses current gaps in NASA's ability to cooperate with Taiwan's space efforts, including satellite programs, space exploration initiatives, and atmospheric and weather research.

Highlights from the NASA Authorization Act:

1. Establishes a permanent Moon base to allow sustainable, long-term human presence on the lunar surface.
2. Fully funds all major NASA activities.
3. Establishes a pathway for a commercial low-Earth orbit economy.
4. Explores new, more powerful rescue capabilities for returning astronauts.
5. Directs NASA to continue developing space exploration efforts under the Artemis Moon exploration program.

###