With SpaceX completing its Crew Dragon mission to the International Space Station (ISS), Florida’s two U.S. senators backed a resolution “congratulating the men and women at SpaceX and NASA for the successful mission and applauding the United States’ domestic capability to send American astronauts to the ISS from American soil.”
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduced the resolution which both U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Rick Scott, R-Fla., cosponsored.
“American astronauts reached the International Space Station after leaving American soil in an American spacecraft for the first time in nearly a decade. 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,” Cruz said.
“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. 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,” Rubio said on Wednesday.
“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. 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,” Scott said.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, also cosponsored the resolution.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.