Washington D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy today hailed the passage of legislation (H.R. 6586) that will help ensure the continued development of the American commercial spaceflight  industry:

“I commend the House’s swift action today to extend commonsense space liability provisions for entrepreneurs engaging in commercial space launch activities that will ensure continued robust innovation in the commercial space sector,” said Congressman McCarthy. “Our area is a leader in the commercial space industry in California and the country, which is why I was pleased to co-author this important bill with Space and Aeronautics Chairman Steven Palazzo and bring this legislation to the floor for a vote.  This legislation will help innovative commercial space companies - like those located right here in Eastern Kern and the Antelope Valley - prosper and create new American jobs that will keep  our country on the cutting edge of space travel.”

Industry leaders agree that this action will lead to further innovation, technological advancement and job creation:

Mojave Air and Space Port Chief Executive Officer Stuart Witt - "The House of Representatives took an important step today to protect a core American industry that provides high-tech jobs across the country," said Stuart Witt, CEO and General Manager of the Mojave Air and Space Port and Chairman of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. "This extension of a provision expiring at the end of the year will allow American space launch companies to compete on the world market and ensure that we maintain the robust launch industry necessary for national security and economic growth."

President & CEO of Virgin Galactic George Whitesides – “Virgin Galactic thanks Congressman McCarthy and the co-sponsors of this bill for their efforts to strengthen US competitiveness in the worldwide launch market, and support the growing American commercial space industry.”