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119-hr-5447119th Congress

SPACEPORT Act

Sponsored By: Representative Strong, Dale W. [R-AL-5]

Introduced

Summary

Space transportation infrastructure modernization grants would be refocused with stricter funding limits, clearer eligibility, and new reporting and interagency consultation rules to shape federal support for civil, national security, and commercial launch needs.

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  • State and local public agencies, airport authorities, and tax-support organizations would be explicitly eligible to apply for grants.
  • Grants would generally cover no more than 90 percent of a project's cost, with a waiver allowed if the Secretary determines it is in the national interest.
  • Project selection would weigh civil, national security, and commercial space transportation needs and consider impacts on launch and re-entry operations at Government launch ranges.
  • The Secretary of Transportation would have to develop specific selection criteria and consult with the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Commerce, and other appropriate agencies.
  • A comprehensive report to Congress would be required within 2 years, updated 6 years after enactment and every 4 years after that, covering demand, policy recommendations, long-term funding options, and international comparisons.
  • The bill would authorize up to $10 million per fiscal year for grants under this chapter.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Regular reports on U.S. space transport needs

If enacted, the Transportation Secretary would send Congress a report within 2 years on space transportation demand and needs. It would include policy and funding recommendations and review international markets and capabilities. The Secretary would consult Defense, NASA, Commerce, and others. Updates would be due no later than 6 years after enactment and then every 4 years.

Who can apply and how spaceport projects are picked

If enacted, the bill would define who counts as a public agency: a State or state agency, a political subdivision, an airport authority, or a tax‑support organization. The Transportation Secretary would set clear rules to pick projects. Reviews would look at civil, national security, and commercial space needs and the effect on government launch ranges. The Secretary would consult Defense, NASA, Commerce, and others, and would clarify how non‑Federal support is considered.

Yearly funding and 90% cap for spaceport grants

If enacted, the program could receive up to $10 million each year for spaceport grants. This is a cap and would still need future appropriations. Federal grants would generally cover no more than 90% of a project’s cost. Sponsors would need at least a 10% non‑Federal match unless the Transportation Secretary waives the cap for national interest reasons.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Strong, Dale W. [R-AL-5]

AL • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 9/17/2025

  • Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 9/17/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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