November 18, 2015 6:10 PM

Aerospace bill could boost industry in Texas

Texas used $15 million in incentives to lure Space X to Brownsville; Democrats express safety concerns

The commercial aerospace business bill headed to Pres. Barack Obama’s desk this week could be a significant boost to the Texas aerospace industry.

Congressman Lamar Smith shepherded the bill through its final reconciling voice vote on Monday. Smith, who chairs the Committee on Science, Space & Technology, called the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act the biggest overhaul since the act was originally passed three decades ago, in 1984.

“H.R. 2262 keeps America at the forefront of aerospace technology, promotes American jobs, reduces red tape, promotes safety, and inspires the next generation of explorers,” Smith said. “It provides the boost America’s private space partners need as they lead the world into the future.”