Bills · HR 5447
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5447Science, Technology, Communications
SPACEPORT Act
INTRO SEP 17· LAST ACTION SEP 17
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
2BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to accelerate the modernization of America's space infrastructure, which is crucial for supporting a rapidly growing space economy and maintaining national security in space. By increasing the federal share of funding for spaceport projects, more facilities could be built or upgraded faster, making it easier and cheaper to launch satellites, conduct scientific missions, and support military operations in space.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more resilient and capable space launch sites, strengthening the U.S.'s position as a leader in space. Without it, the current funding structure and criteria might slow down necessary infrastructure improvements, potentially hindering the growth of commercial space companies, impacting defense capabilities, and making the U.S. less competitive globally in the space sector. It also ensures that the government regularly assesses the country's space transportation needs and strategizes for the future.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Increases the maximum federal share for space transportation infrastructure grants from 50% to 90% of project costs, and allows for a waiver to cover 100% of costs in the national interest.
This makes it significantly easier for states and local entities to fund large, expensive spaceport modernization projects by reducing their required contribution.
PROVISION 02
Expands the criteria for grant eligibility to explicitly consider civil, national security, and commercial space transportation needs, rather than just the government's needs.
This ensures grant funding supports a wider array of critical space activities, including those by private companies and defense initiatives.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes an increase in annual appropriations for these space transportation infrastructure grants from $500,000 to $10,000,000.
This provides a much greater pool of federal funding to support modernization efforts for spaceports across the country.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to develop specific criteria for evaluating projects and to consult with other federal agencies (like DOD and NASA) when making grant decisions.
This aims to create a more structured and coordinated approach to funding space infrastructure, aligning projects with broader national space policy.
PROVISION 05
Mandates the Secretary of Transportation to submit regular reports to Congress evaluating demand for space transportation, recommending policies, and assessing international capabilities.
This provides ongoing strategic analysis to inform future policy and investment decisions for U.S. space transportation infrastructure and competitiveness.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
R· Alabama
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
16
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 100%
DEM 1 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSSEP 17
Introduced in House
SEP 17
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5447
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 17, 2025
Last actionSep 17, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 17, 2025
House BillHR 5447Science, Technology, Communications
SPACEPORT Act
INTRODUCED SEP 17, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 17, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
