Washington, D.C. – Yesterday the House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to the FY 2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) appropriations bill from Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) to increase the funding for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation (FAA/AST) by $1 million. Building on efforts led by Representative Jim Bridenstine (R-OK), Rep. Kilmer’s amendment improved on the good foundation established in the THUD Subcommittee’s draft bill, bringing FAA AST’s appropriations up to the full budget request. Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees’ FY 2017 THUD appropriations bills fully fund FAA AST at $19.8 million.
“The Commercial Spaceflight Federation applauds Congressman Kilmer, Congressman Bridenstine, and the members of the House Appropriations Committee for securing full funding for the Office of Commercial Space Transportation in their appropriations bill,” said CSF President Eric Stallmer. “Congressman Kilmer and Congressman Bridenstine are some of the most effective champions of pro-growth policies for the commercial space industry and we thank them for their continued leadership.”
The FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation plays a critical role in protecting public safety while also encouraging, facilitating, and promoting the U.S. commercial space transportation industry. Providing timely reviews and approvals of licenses and permits for the commercial space industry ensures public safety is protected while technological advances occur that benefit our economy and further our civil and national security space interests.
About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation
The Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is the leading voice for the commercial spaceflight industry. Founded in 2006, CSF and its 70+ members are laying the foundation for a sustainable space economy and democratizing access to space for scientists, students, civilians, and businesses. CSF members are responsible for the creation of thousands of high-tech jobs driven by billions of dollars in investment. Through the promotion of technology innovation, CSF is guiding the expansion of Earth’s economic sphere, bolstering U.S. leadership in aerospace, and inspiring America’s next generation of engineers and explorers.