Rubio, Cruz, Cornyn, Scott Introduce Resolution Commending SpaceX and Nasa's Mission to the International Space Station

Press Release

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Rick Scott (R-FL) in introducing a resolution congratulating the men and women of SpaceX and NASA for the successful Crew Dragon launch and mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and applauding the United States' domestic capability to send American astronauts to the ISS from American soil.

"The successful landing of American astronauts, launched on an American spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on the International Space Station is a victory for the United States and a remarkable achievement in space exploration," Rubio said. "The Crew Dragon launch demonstrates America's continued leadership in the space industry, something that every American should take pride in. I commend NASA, SpaceX, and the astronauts that achieved this great accomplishment, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the United States remains a strong leader in the space industry, with a robust commercial sector, for decades to come."

"American astronauts reached the International Space Station after leaving American soil in an American spacecraft for the first time in nearly a decade," Cruz said. "That is no small feat, and is a powerful reminder of our country's strength and ingenuity. The Crew Dragon launch was years in the making, and would not have been possible without the bipartisan commitment to advancing our interests in space and a strengthening of our commercial space sector. When we work together, we can reach new heights, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that this launch marks the beginning of a new era of America's leadership in space."

"Texas continues to build on its legacy of leadership in human space exploration thanks to the work of NASA's Johnson Space Center, SpaceX, and our vibrant aerospace community," Cornyn said. "I applaud all those who worked on this successful mission reasserting our nation's ability to send Americans safely into space, and I look forward to future innovations from NASA's partnership with the commercial space industry."

"I'm proud to join my colleagues to introduce a resolution in recognition of this historic launch and the limitless future of our space exploration," Scott said. "The space industry has long been an important and iconic part of Florida's history and economy, and I look forward to continuing our work to make sure America and Florida remain the leader in space exploration."

Senator Rubio, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, is a leading advocate for American space leadership and the development of a robust commercial space sector. In June 2020, Senator Rubio introduced the bipartisan, bicameral American Space Commerce Act.