Affirming United States-Australia Cooperation on Space Research, Exploration, and Utilization

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution.

Let me thank Mr. Castro for introducing this measure underscoring the importance of U.S.-Australia bilateral cooperation in space. I am grateful for his leadership in bringing this next-generation issue to our attention in the House.

The United States and Australia already share deep bonds of cooperation:

We are treaty allies;

We share intelligence as Five Eyes partners;

We are engaged on a range of issues around the world, from defense, to trade, to development;

We share a deep cultural connection rooted in our common values of democracy and openness;

And, of course, this is a friendship quite literally forged in blood. Americans and Australians have fought and perished side by side in every war since World War I.

In July, the U.S.-Australia relationship entered its 100th year, and we celebrated together ``100 Years of Mateship.'' We are already thinking about our cooperation over the next 100 years, and the U.S.- Australia partnership in space research, exploration, and utilization will surely be a key area.

The days are gone when human activity in space was limited to great powers competing with one another. Today, with telecommunication and weather satellites floating overhead, space plays a major role in the day-to-day lives of people all over the world.

Of course, not all countries interested in space exploration share our interests and values when it comes to space. That is why we want to ensure that the values that have underpinned the U.S.-Australia partnership are also carried into our collaboration in the space domain.

This resolution reaffirms those values and the importance of this forward-looking partnership. I am pleased to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ENGEL.

Let me again thank Mr. Castro for putting forward this timely and important resolution. He has been a valued leader on policy on Asia and policy in Australia.

As we look to the future of U.S.-Australia relations over the next 100 years, I am confident that our countries will be able to expand our close collaboration in the critical domain of space exploration and research.

This resolution commends the Government of Australia for constituting the Australian Space Agency, which lays the foundation for our bilateral cooperation in space. It also underscores America's interests in prioritizing space cooperation in the years to come and in doing it with a good friend in Australia.

I support the passage of this resolution. I encourage my colleagues to do the same, and I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source