Committee on Science F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR., CHAIRMAN Ralph M. Hall, Texas, Ranking Democrat www.house.gov/science/welcome.htm October 18, 2000 Press Contacts: Jeff Lungren (Jeff.Lungren@mail.house.gov) Jeff Donald (Jeffrey.Donald@mail.house.gov) (202) 225-4275 HOUSE PASSES BIPARTISAN COMMERCIAL SPACE BILL Bill Enhances U.S. Commercial Space Competitiveness By Extending Launch Indemnification WASHINGTON, D.C. - With broad bipartisan support, the House yesterday passed H.R. 2607, the Commercial Space Transportation Competitiveness Act, by a voice vote. The bill now goes to the President for final approval. H.R. 2607 extends launch indemnification to the U.S. commercial launch industry for four more years, through the end of 2004. The federal government first decided to indemnify commercial launch companies against catastrophic losses as a means of rebuilding a launch industry that was critical for national security. In addition, the bill authorizes funds for the Offices of Advanced Space Transportation and Space Commerce in the Departments of Transportation and Commerce. The bill's sponsor, Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Dana Rohrabacher, (R-CA) said, "Passage of H.R. 2607 signals continued congressional support of a highly competitive launch industry in today's global market. This legislation enables the U.S. Government to maintain a stable business environment so that the private sector can become more competitive. Moreover, by directing the Administration to examine more innovative legal approaches for indemnification, we begin a new chapter in U.S. space development in the 21st Century." House Science Committee Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., (R-WI) added, "By extending commercial launch indemnification, this bill helps build a solid foundation for commercial launch companies. This foundation enhances our national security by encouraging private firms to invest in improving U.S. space launch capabilities and maintaining U.S. competitiveness with launchers from Europe, Russia, the Ukraine and China. I hope the President will quickly sign this important bipartisan legislation into law." Science Committee Ranking Minority Member Ralph M. Hall, (D-TX) said, "The Commercial Space Competitiveness Act was the top legislative priority for the American space launch industry. It is in our Nation's interest that we continue to be world leaders in the launch industry. This bill provides the framework of support and incentives the industry indicates they need to keep their premier status. I am pleased that the Science Committee could play a central role in moving this legislation to completion." Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Minority Member Bart Gordon, (D-TN), also an original co-sponsor of the bill, noted, "The key achievement of this bill is an extension of the commercial space indemnification provisions. Those provisions, first enacted in 1988, have provided a highly effective risk-sharing system that has helped our launch industry compete with the world. Since their enactment 12 years ago, these provisions haven't cost the taxpayer one dollar in claims." ### 106-164 Jeff Donald Deputy Communications Director House Science Committee 2320 Rayburn House Office Building 202-225-4275 (phone) 202-226-3875 (fax)