Tallahassee Sun

Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D., Congressman Salud Carbajal, Senator Marco Rubio, and Senator Ben Ray Luján have come together to introduce the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2024. The purpose of the bill is to amend the tax code to allow spaceports to receive tax-free bonds, similar to airports and seaports.

Congressman Dunn emphasized the importance of prioritizing the development of space infrastructure to stay competitive with other nations, stating, "Given the global instability, the U.S. must make the development of our space infrastructure a priority to remain competitive with our adversaries."

Congressman Carbajal, representing Vandenberg Space Force Base, highlighted the significant increase in commercial space launches and the need for public-private revenue sources like municipal bonds to support the space economy, saying, "Opening public-private revenue sources like municipal bonds will help us meet this important moment in the development of our space economy."

Chairman Gallagher reiterated the urgency of the bill in light of China's and Russia's investments in their space economies, emphasizing the need for American businesses to lead in space. "This act allows American businesses to use municipal bonds to expand American space launch capacity at spaceports. We want American innovation leading the charge in space, not the Chinese Communist Party," he stated.

Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida, commended the efforts of the legislators involved in advancing this policy, noting the importance of the strategic policy change in accelerating space infrastructure development and boosting the economy. He expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for moving this critical financial and national security policy forward.

The Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2024 aims to ensure that the United States maintains its competitive edge in space and encourages investment in space infrastructure and technological advancements.