Latest news with #CAPECanaveralAct
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida's Space Coast is clear choice for NASA HQ, Sen. Moody says in letter to Trump
The Brief Florida political leaders have sent a letter to President Donald Trump encouraging the relocation of NASA's headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Florida's Space Coast. NASA's lease is set to expire in 2028, and $500 million has been proposed for a new facility in the nation's capital. The Florida leaders argue relocating to the Sunshine State provides myriad benefits, including lower costs, less red tape, a world-class workforce, and private and public partners. CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Sen. Ashley Moody and every member of Florida's delegation have sent a letter to President Donald Trump encouraging his administration to consider relocating NASA's headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Florida's Space Coast. What we know Moody is sponsoring a new initiative called the "Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently at Canaveral (CAPE Canaveral) Act"to try and relocate NASA's headquarters to Florida's Space Coast. In a recent letter, Moody and every member of Florida's delegation addressed the Trump administration, encouraging them to consider the relocation. They said the change is a "unique opportunity to reshape its (NASA's) future for the better." NASA's lease is set to expire in 2028, and $500 million has been proposed for a new facility in the nation's capital. The Florida political leaders say relocating to the Sunshine State provides myriad benefits, including lower costs, less red tape, a world-class workforce, and private and public partners. The political leaders said relocating to Florida would: Save taxpayer dollars: Florida's construction and utility costs are significantly lower than Washington's, eliminating the need for wasteful spending on a new D.C.-based HQ. Embed NASA within the space industry: SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and others already operate in Florida. NASA leadership must be where innovation happens. Enhance efficiency and streamline operations: A move to Florida will break NASA free from Washington's stagnation and refocus it on results-driven leadership. Leverage a world-class workforce: Florida boasts 140,000 aerospace workers and top-tier engineering programs that will fuel the next era of space exploration. Ensure global connectivity: Florida's major airports and seaports provide seamless access to Washington and beyond. Click to open this PDF in a new window. What they're saying The political leaders said relocating NASA's headquarters to Florida will cultivate a new age in American space achievement. "Washington's bureaucratic environment has hindered NASA's efficiency, while Florida is the undisputed leader in space operations," the letter says. "In 2024 alone, Florida hosted 93 launches—more than Communist China and Russia combined. Additionally, more-and-more splashdown operations are occurring at the Gulf of America, spurring more investments across Florida. With Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and a booming commercial space industry, Florida is the clear choice for NASA's new HQ." The political leaders also argued that America's leadership in space is not guaranteed. "China's space industry, technology and ambition is advancing rapidly, and we cannot afford complacency," they said. "Moving NASA headquarters to Florida will reduce costs, drive innovation and solidify America's dominance in space. We urge your administration to make this move a priority." By the numbers The Space Force has projected a total of 107 launches from Florida for the entirety of 2025. As of June 13, there have already been 50 orbital rocket launches from Florida's Space Coast this year. This pace is faster than the record set in 2024, when the 50th launch didn't occur until July 8. The Space Coast set a new record in 2024 with 93 launches from all providers. With SpaceX's continued pace, more launches from United Launch Alliance and the debut of Blue Origin's New Glenn, the Space Force believes it could support as many as 156 launches in 2025. Local perspective The Space Coast is a region in Florida around the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Florida's Space Coast, particularly Cape Canaveral, is an ideal location for rocket launches due to its eastward location, proximity to the equator and minimal risk to populated areas. The Florida Space Coast has a population of just over 568,000 people. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information gathered from previous reporting and information shared by Sen. Ashley Moody in a press release on June 11, 2025.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sen. Rick Scott urges Trump to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida
On Tuesday, Senator Rick Scott made a pitch to relocate NASA Headquarters from D.C. to Florida's Space Coast. He sent this letter, signed by the entire Florida Delegation, to the Trump Administration asking the President to consider the move. But this afternoon, NASA Watch Founder Keith Cowing told me it's unlikely. He told us, 'I've read the letter, and everybody signed it. Who's a Republican from Florida. They want to move with the Florida because a lot of space people work there. That are isolated from the political environment in DC. Okay, well, you have a big political environment down there. So, I own the lobbyists. Well, they'll just set up new offices. It'll take years.' In his letter, said the lease on Headquarters is expiring, and there's a 500-million plan for a new facility in the National Capitol Region. Scott says Space Florida has build to suit options. He called the state the undisputed leader in space operations and talked about leveraging a world-class workforce. Dr. Don Platt, an Associate Professor of Space Systems at Florida Tech said, 'We do have to remember that the people that work in NASA headquarters are people that interface with Capitol Hill. They interface with budgets, national space policy. They do not build rocket engines. They do not program software. Not engineers, they're more likely to be someone with a business background or a master's in management or finance or any of those areas.' Platt also said that if the Trump administration really was contemplating an HQ move for NASA, several states would be vying for that prize. Scott's letter follows the introduction of the CAPE Canaveral Act earlier this year. Scott co-sponsored the bill, which calls for the relocation of NASA headquarters from D.C. to Brevard County. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Miami Herald
21-03-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Florida's senators are right. Move NASA from Washington to Cape Canaveral
Florida may soon be home to NASA's headquarters — that is, if U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody get their way. Last week, Scott and Moody introduced legislation titled Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently at Canaveral Act, or the CAPE Canaveral Act, to move the headquarters of NASA to the Space Coast from Washington. The move makes total sense. Since 1981, Florida has been the proud home of numerous space shuttle launches. Kennedy Space Center, which conducts research and development for the next era of space exploration, is located here. Cape Canaveral, the coastal geographic area, is deeply intertwined with the development of America's space program, starting back in the 1950s. Since 2015, Elon Musk's space technology company, SpaceX, also has had launch sites at both Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. Cape Canaveral was initially chosen as the site for the space center because the surrounding area was undeveloped, and the climate allowed for year-round operations. Cape Canaveral is expected to see over 150 rocket launches this year alone. The infrastructure, talent and private-sector ecosystem are already here — so why shouldn't the agency's leadership be here too? It makes operational sense. Supporters of the move include Rob Long, president of Space Florida, the aerospace economic development agency for the state, who said in Florida Today last month that moving NASA headquarters to Florida 'makes a lot of sense, if you think about it. Every NASA program that goes into space — (except) probably a handful of exceptions — has to come through Kennedy Space Center anyway to get to orbit. And so, why not move the headquarters here?' Critics argue NASA should keep its headquarters in Washington to help ensure funding. But proximity to the nation's capital is hardly a guarantee of funding — just ask the Department of Education. Moving the headquarters isn't about abandoning Washington. It's about bringing those who work in the headquarters closer to the heart of the space program. Decision-makers should be where the action is, not hundreds of miles away in a half-empty building — NASA's current D.C. headquarters has seen occupancy rates as low as 15%. The current lease in Washington is set to expire in 2028, and despite rumors, NASA has said it is 'not building a new headquarters.' Aside from the symbolism of moving NASA's headquarters to the Sunshine State, this would be strategic, focusing on operational efficiency. When Moody introduced the bill earlier this month, she called Florida 'the gateway to space,' and said the proposal would save tax dollars, 'encourage collaboration with private space companies, and tap into Florida's talented workforce to spur further innovation.' Florida's past has been about space, and its future should be, too. Just this week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the completion of the NASA Causeway Bridge near Titusville, which was built to accommodate wider, heavier cargo and support the growing needs of space program activities. 'Florida is committed to building the infrastructure the space industry needs to keep growing, and with these new bridges, Florida is more ready than ever to become home to NASA's new headquarters,' DeSantis said. The Sunshine State has the infrastructure, the workforce and the track record to support NASA's next chapter. From rocket trails in the sky to a great business climate on the ground, Florida is where much of the space mission already happens. It's time to align the agency's leadership with its launch point and bring NASA home to Florida. Mary Anna Mancuso is a member of the Miami Herald Editorial Board. Her email: mmancuso@
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Republicans unveil bill relocating NASA headquarters to Florida
Republican Florida Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody introduced a bill Friday proposing the NASA headquarters, currently in Washington, be moved to Florida. Titled Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently at Canaveral Act, referred to as the CAPE Canaveral Act, the legislation would relocate the NASA headquarters to Florida's Space Coast in Brevard County. The region houses the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Scott's office called Florida 'a common sense choice' for the new headquarters. 'There's no better place for NASA's headquarters than Florida's Space Coast, where our nation's brightest minds innovate and help America reach for the stars,' Scott said in a statement. 'Moving to Florida will not only save Americans' tax dollars, it will enhance efficiency and streamline operations in this important industry with proximity to private-sector partners and a top-tier workforce ready to help America reach its space exploration goals,' he added. Echoing the sentiment, Moody said Florida is the leader in space exploration and aerospace innovation, adding that 'establishing NASA's headquarters within the Space Coast will bridge the bureaucracy gap from the top down and bring stakeholders together.' 'Florida is the gateway to space and this commonsense proposal would save taxpayers money, encourage collaboration with private space companies, and tap into Florida's talented workforce to spur further innovation,' she added. Scott and Moody are not the only lawmakers calling for the relocation of NASA's headquarters to their state with the building's lease set to expire in 2028. On Tuesday, a group of Ohio lawmakers in Congress pushed for NASA headquarters to be moved from Washington, D.C., to Cleveland. The lawmakers wrote a letter to Vice President Vance, who is from Ohio, and Jared Isaacman, President Trump's pick to lead NASA, that moving the space agency's HQ would serve as 'a significant opportunity to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility.' The letter was signed by Ohio GOP Reps. Max Miller, Troy Balderson, Mike Carey, Warren Davidson, Jim Jordan, Dave Joyce, Bob Latta, Michael Rulli, Dave Taylor and Mike Turner as well as Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur. Ohio Sens. Bernie Moreno (R) and Jon Husted (R) also signed the letter. These efforts come as the Trump administration has sought to transform various federal agencies and departments, cutting spending and reducing the government workforce. The administration has also indicated it would like to sell some federal buildings. In other office moves, Small Business Administration head Kelly Loeffler signaled she would move several offices out of 'sanctuary cities,' arguing that existing locations are bad for small business communities and not complying with federal immigration law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Senator proposes moving NASA headquarters to Florida, cites 'government waste'
The Brief Sen. Ashley Moody introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act in hopes of moving NASA's headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Florida's Space Coast. Supporters argue it would save taxpayer money and improve efficiency. Critics, though, say the proposed move could weaken coordination with federal agencies and policymakers. WASHINGTON - Sen. Ashley Moody, a Republican from Florida, has introduced legislation to move NASA's headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Florida's Space Coast. The proposal, called the CAPE Canaveral Act, aims to save taxpayer money by relocating NASA's central operations to a region known for space exploration and private aerospace development. Dig deeper The current NASA headquarters in Washington is reportedly only 15% occupied, with Sen. Moody arguing that moving to Cape Canaveral would improve efficiency and foster collaboration with private space companies. Sen. Rick Scott, also from Florida, is co-sponsoring the bill, emphasizing that Florida's skilled workforce and proximity to rocket launch sites make it an ideal location. What they're saying Supporters, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, say the move would reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and better align NASA's leadership with on-the-ground operations at the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. READ: Tampa Bay Rays nix stadium deal Space Florida CEO Rob Long called the proposal "a cost-effective solution" that would streamline operations and boost innovation. "Florida is the leader in space exploration and aerospace innovation. Establishing NASA's headquarters within the Space Coast will bridge the bureaucracy gap from the top down and bring stakeholders together," Sen. Moody said Thursday in a news release. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The other side However, critics argue that moving NASA headquarters from the nation's capital could weaken coordination with federal agencies and policymakers. Some space policy experts point out that Washington's location offers easy access to lawmakers and international partners, which is crucial for maintaining global space leadership. Additionally, the cost of relocating employees and operations could outweigh potential savings. The legislation has yet to gain traction in Congress, where it may face pushback from those concerned about breaking long-standing institutional ties to Washington. Cape Canaveral is already home to major space industry players, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, and houses vital military space operations. Advocates believe the region's existing infrastructure makes it a practical choice, while skeptics caution against making such a major change without fully considering the long-term impacts. The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Matthew McClellan. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
