IV
105TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. CON. RES. 267
Declaring a national commitment to the exploration, development, and use
of space.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
APRIL 29, 1998
Mr. WELDON of Florida (for himself, Mr. MCKEON, Mr. BOYD, Mr. GORDON,
Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. LAMPSON, Mr. DAVIS
of Virginia, and Mr.
ADERHOLT) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was re-
ferred to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee
on National Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within
the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Declaring a national commitment to the exploration,
development, and use of space.
Whereas the exploration, development, and use of space is
fundamental to the human need to imagine, invent, dis-
cover, explore, learn, grow, and thereby improve the
human condition;
Whereas the United States investment in space has pro-
foundly shaped our Nation through the latter half of the
20th century; has produced knowledge and technologies
that save lives and enhance our well-being; has created
economic opportunities that have helped our Nation to
flourish and prosper; and has generated a new under-
•HCON 267 IH
standing of our responsibility as stewards of the home
planet and our place in the universe; and
Whereas an aggressive national commitment by government,
industry, and the public to the continued exploration and
use of space will best serve individual citizens and our
collective society, and the continued exploration and use
of space is a top national priority: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the exploration, development, and use
of space is a vital bridge to a peaceful and prosperous
world. In times of tight budgets and difficult policy deci-
sions, visionary leadership is required to sustain and im-
prove our quality of life in the next century, and that vi-
sion must include the exploration and use of space as a
central component. Therefore, the Congress declares that
a national commitment should be made to the following
priorities in the commercial, civil, and national security
space efforts:
(1) Ensuring the existence of affordable and
technologically advanced launch capability to support
America’s space goals.
(2) Encouraging policies that promote private
investment in space products and services.
(3) Speeding transfer of Government-developed
technology to the private sector and enhancing the
availability of commercial satellite systems.
•HCON 267 IH
(4) Promoting Government purchase of com-
mercial, off-the-shelf space products.
(5) Increasing funding for the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration and other Govern-
ment civil space agencies.
(6) Ensuring a continuous and strengthened
human presence in space through the 21st century.
(7) Continuing to explore our universe to ad-
vance scientific discoveries and improve our under-
standing of the planet Earth.
(8) Funding space-related defense systems that
give our armed forces the greatest possible advan-
tage during times of national crisis or conflict.
(9) Sustaining a leadership position in space
national security by developing new and more effec-
tive technologies.
(10) Improving the cost efficiency and effective-
ness of our national defense through investment in
space-based communications, intelligence, and early
warning capabilities.
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