Affirming United States-Australia cooperation on space research, exploration, and utilization.

Bill: 115-hres-1052
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20]
Introduced: 2018-09-06
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Asia

Australia

Canada

Congressional tributes

Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad

Europe

European Union

International organizations and cooperation

Japan

Oceania

Research administration and funding

Space flight and exploration
Latest action: action_date: 2018-11-13
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Summaries:
action_date: 2018-09-06
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>Commends the Australian government for constituting the Australian Space Agency.</p> <p> Recognizes the value of U.S.-Australia cooperation on space research, exploration, and utilization.</p> <p>Supports international cooperation on space research, exploration, and utilization as being in the U.S. national interest.</p>

tv_txt: IV 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1052 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 6, 2018 Mr. Castro of Texas (for himself, Ms. Stefanik , Mr. Courtney , and Mr. Gallagher ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Affirming United States-Australia cooperation on space research, exploration, and utilization.

Whereas the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Australia are treaty allies; Whereas United States and Australia defense cooperation extends back 100 years, to the Battle of Hamel in World War I; Whereas the Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty, also referred to as the ANZUS Treaty, has formed the framework of the United States-Australia alliance since 1951; Whereas the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultation, also referred to as AUSMIN, has contributed to a deeper partnership between the two nations; Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) notes that, The United States and Australia have been cooperating in civil space for more than 50 years ; Whereas the United States Apollo missions and subsequent space science and exploration conducted by the United States benefitted greatly from the partnership with our Australian allies; Whereas Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the surface of the Moon were relayed to Houston through the Honeysuckle Creek site in Australia; Whereas NASA also notes that, The Canberra complex is an integral component of NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN), the world’s largest and most sensitive scientific telecommunications system ; Whereas the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) is one of NASA’s largest tracking and communication facilities outside the United States; Whereas, on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, Australian Ambassador to the United States Joe Hockey and Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot signed a 25-year agreement for continued cooperation on space cooperation, including on space tracking; Whereas the United States and Australian governments have jointly committed to expanding Space Situational Awareness (SSA); Whereas United States-Australia cooperation on SSA is critical to maximize defense capabilities, monitoring environmental changes, avoiding space congestion and collisions, and protecting against exploitation from the growing counter-space capabilities of our adversaries; Whereas, on September 24, 2017, the Government of Australia under Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull committed to creating the Australian Space Agency, with operations beginning on July 1, 2018; and Whereas the Australian Space Agency commenced operations on July 1, 2018: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) commends the Australian Government in constituting the Australian Space Agency; (2) recognizes the value in United States-Australia cooperation on space research, exploration, and utilization, including on terrestrial research, commercial activities, and human and robotic space exploration; (3) supports international cooperation on space research, exploration, and utilization and other forms of space diplomacy as being in the national interest of the United States; (4) encourages the Department of State to support and facilitate international cooperation with Australia on space research, exploration, and utilization through diplomatic efforts, including through the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) forum and multilateral initiatives with Japan, Canada, the European Union, and other partners of both the United States and Australia; and (5) supports deeper cooperation with our Australian allies in contributing each country’s unique strengths and resources to mutual prosperity and security.

tv_txt: IV 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1052 In the House of Representatives, U. S., November 13, 2018 RESOLUTION Affirming United States-Australia cooperation on space research, exploration, and utilization.

Whereas the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Australia are treaty allies; Whereas United States and Australia defense cooperation extends back 100 years, to the Battle of Hamel in World War I; Whereas the Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty, also referred to as the ANZUS Treaty, has formed the framework of the United States-Australia alliance since 1951; Whereas the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultation, also referred to as AUSMIN, has contributed to a deeper partnership between the two nations; Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) notes that, The United States and Australia have been cooperating in civil space for more than 50 years ; Whereas the United States Apollo missions and subsequent space science and exploration conducted by the United States benefitted greatly from the partnership with our Australian allies; Whereas Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the surface of the Moon were relayed to Houston through the Honeysuckle Creek site in Australia; Whereas NASA also notes that, The Canberra complex is an integral component of NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN), the world’s largest and most sensitive scientific telecommunications system ; Whereas the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) is one of NASA’s largest tracking and communication facilities outside the United States; Whereas, on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, Australian Ambassador to the United States Joe Hockey and Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot signed a 25-year agreement for continued cooperation on space cooperation, including on space tracking; Whereas the United States and Australian governments have jointly committed to expanding Space Situational Awareness (SSA); Whereas United States-Australia cooperation on SSA is critical to maximize defense capabilities, monitoring environmental changes, avoiding space congestion and collisions, and protecting against exploitation from the growing counter-space capabilities of our adversaries; Whereas, on September 24, 2017, the Government of Australia under Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull committed to creating the Australian Space Agency, with operations beginning on July 1, 2018; and Whereas the Australian Space Agency commenced operations on July 1, 2018: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) commends the Australian Government in constituting the Australian Space Agency; (2) recognizes the value in United States-Australia cooperation on space research, exploration, and utilization, including on terrestrial research, commercial activities, and human and robotic space exploration; (3) supports international cooperation on space research, exploration, and utilization and other forms of space diplomacy as being in the national interest of the United States; (4) encourages the Department of State to support and facilitate international cooperation with Australia on space research, exploration, and utilization through diplomatic efforts, including through the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) forum and multilateral initiatives with Japan, Canada, the European Union, and other partners of both the United States and Australia; and (5) supports deeper cooperation with our Australian allies in contributing each country’s unique strengths and resources to mutual prosperity and security.

Karen L. Haas, Clerk.