Bills · S 2888
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2888Science, Technology, Communications
SPACEPORT Act
INTRO SEP 18· LAST ACTION SEP 18
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to improve the physical infrastructure needed for space launches and re-entries in the United States. As commercial space activity booms and national security interests in space grow, the existing spaceport infrastructure might not be sufficient. By expanding who can get federal funding and allowing greater federal investment in these projects, the bill could accelerate the development of new and improved spaceports.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more resilient and capable space transportation systems, making it easier and potentially cheaper to launch satellites or conduct other space missions. If it doesn't pass, the current, more limited funding and eligibility rules would remain, potentially slowing down critical infrastructure improvements needed to keep pace with the rapidly evolving global space industry and ensure the U.S. remains a leader in space exploration and commerce. It also ensures a more coordinated national approach to space infrastructure planning by requiring inter-agency consultation and regular assessments of national and international space capabilities.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Expands the definition of "public agency" to include airport authorities and other tax-supported organizations, making them eligible for space transportation infrastructure grants.
This broadens the pool of entities that can receive federal funding to build or improve space launch and re-entry facilities.
PROVISION 02
Allows the Secretary of Transportation to waive the 90% funding limit for project grants if determined to be in the national interest, potentially allowing 100% federal funding.
This gives the government more flexibility to fully fund crucial space infrastructure projects when deemed nationally important.
PROVISION 03
Modifies project eligibility criteria to explicitly consider civil, national security, and commercial space transportation needs, and requires the Secretary to develop specific evaluation criteria and consult with other agencies (DoD, NASA, Commerce).
This ensures grant decisions align with broader national space policy goals and are made with input from key government stakeholders.
PROVISION 04
Mandates a comprehensive report within two years, with subsequent updates every four years, evaluating space transportation demand, policy recommendations, funding options, and international capabilities.
This establishes a regular process for assessing the state of U.S. space transportation and identifying future needs and strategies.
PROVISION 05
Authorizes up to $10,000,000 to be appropriated annually for these space transportation infrastructure modernization grants.
This sets a potential funding level for the grant program, indicating the financial commitment for improving space infrastructure.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
D· Colorado
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
36
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSSEP 18
Introduced in Senate
SEP 18
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2888
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 18, 2025
Last actionSep 18, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 18, 2025
Senate BillS 2888Science, Technology, Communications
SPACEPORT Act
INTRODUCED SEP 18, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 18, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
