Chairman Cruz: Successful Rocket Launch Advances U.S. Leadership in Space

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, America took a major step forward in what Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has called the "second space race" as NASA launched Artemis II, the first crewed mission to circumnavigate the Moon in more than fifty years. The successful launch moves the United States one step closer to setting foot on the Moon again by 2028.

Chairman Cruz said: "Artemis II is more than a mission; it's a message to the world that the United States will lead this era of space exploration. I am incredibly proud of astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, whose courage and spirit of discovery will inspire generations and reaffirm our nation's commitment to pushing the boundary of what is possible.

"While today's success is historic, it is important to remember that we are not the only nation with eyes on the Moon, as China is advancing its own space ambitions. I have been very clear: we cannot afford to finish as a runner-up. It's vital for American economic and national security interests that we retain the high ground in space, and I'm confident that with sustained discipline and innovation, America will win the second space race.

"During my time as chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, we've secured massive, long-term funding for NASA and advanced a bipartisan reauthorization of NASA's programs that includes building a permanent American base on the Moon. I look forward to continuing to work with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman to achieve this critical goal."

Last month, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously advanced the NASA Authorization Act of 2026, landmark legislation to secure American dominance in the new space race. Cruz led the successful effort in Congress to secure $10 billion in long-term funding for NASA in last year's Working Families Tax Cut Act, commonly referred to as the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

###