With the support of U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., last week, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., introduced the “NASA Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act.”
The bill would extend NASA’s enhanced use lease (EUL) authority for two years to December 31, 2023.”
Other backers of the proposal include U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif.
“NASA’s current EUL authority is set to expire at the end of this year. NASA uses this EUL authority to lease underutilized areas on its properties to other federal agencies, academic institutions, state and local governments, and private partners in space exploration, raising revenue for the agency,” Rubio’s office noted.
“America’s future relies on the continued growth and success of our space sector,” Rubio said. “Ensuring that NASA can continue to generate revenue through leasing its underutilized properties is common sense. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, which would reduce the burden on taxpayers and support America’s space industry.”
“As the home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida has made countless and invaluable contributions to America’s superiority in space,” Scott said. “The NASA Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act of 2021 will strengthen our global competitiveness in the space industry, help maintain facilities and improve mission effectiveness. I urge my colleagues to support this good bill.”
The bill was sent to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee last week. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. House.
