Democrats Oppose the Space Act Over Not Being Able to Sue

Today in Washington, D.C. - May 22, 2015
The House will reconvene this afternoon at 2:30 Pm for a few minutes and then adjourn until 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 26, 2015.
Yesterday the House passed:
H.R. 2496 (Unanimous Consent) — "To extend the authorization for the replacement of the existing Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, to make certain improvements in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, and for other purposes."
H.R. 2262 (284 - 133)— The Space Act: "To facilitate a pro-growth environment for the developing commercial space industry by encouraging private sector investment and creating more stable and predictable regulatory conditions, and for other purposes."

The ARRA News Service yesterday addressed the passage of the Space Acy but not the particulars concerning the opposition vote. While 48 Democrats joined the majority of Republicans in passing this bill, 130 Democrats led by minority leaders Nancy Pelosi opposed the bill. Summarising Pelosi objections to the Space Act presented in the Congressional Record. Pelosi focus was on attorneys not being able to sue over deaths and injuries resulting in initial development and establishment of commercial space flights. The ARRA News editor, Dr. Bill Smith, having been involved with the manufacture of jet aircraft, noted a parallel to the space industry. "When one voluntarily elects to strap their body to a rocket, they do so with full knowledge that they may not return safely to earth. Thus, the pioneers electing to pilot or to travel commercially in space, must head the words Caveat Emptor: 'Let the buyer beware.' No one is forcing anyone to travel in Space! And no one at this time can initially guarantee you a 100% safe return to Earth. Russia and the United States were "self" immune from law suits and successfully launched people into space and returned them successfully. However, there also were tragic deaths. Development of commercial space travel is now possible and its developers will be motivated, unlike the government, to reap the rewards of their success. Developers in the United States should not be denied the ability to develop, test and implement this new potential form of travel. The government can join the in their usual negative efforts of regulating and taxing such ventures one they are successful."

The Senate reconvened at 9:30 AM today and resumed consideration of H.R. 1314, the vehicle for the Trade Promotion Authority bill. Senators continue to work on an agreement to vote on more amendments to the TPA bill and to consider bills on surveillance (H.R. 2048 and S. 1357) and a two-month extension of highway funding.

Votes on amendments to H.R. 1314, final passage of H.R. 1314, cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 2048 and on the motion to proceed to S. 1357 are all possible today are tomorrow.

Yesterday, the Senate voted 62-38 to invoke cloture on the Hatch substitute amendment to H.R. 1314, which contains the TPA language. Also yesterday, the Senate voted unanimously to confirm district judge nominees for Utah and southern Texas.

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Tags: House, Space Act, Democrats objections, immunity from lawsuits, commercial space travel,  Bill Smith, editor, Senate, TPA To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks!