Latest news with #CAPECanaveralAct
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
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sen. Ashley Moody proposes relocation of NASA headquarters
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WFLA)— Senator Ashley Moody proposed legislation to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida's Space Coast. The Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiency at Canaveral Act was brought to legislation proposing the relocation of NASA headquarters. NASA is expected to rebuild its headquarters in Washington, but the current building was filled at only 15 percent capacity which is an example of nonsensical government waste, a press release from Senator Ashley Moody said. '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. 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. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we must ensure that any new building will be filled with employees, not empty like we have been seeing in Washington the last four years. Let's pass the CAPE Canaveral Act and get NASA headquartered in Florida where it will thrive,' Senator Ashley Moody said. According to Sen. Moody, Florida is a world leader in space exploration and the ideal location for rocket launches, partnerships with space companies, and a skilled aerospace workforce that could bring collaboration to NASA. Senator Rick Scott is a cosponsor of the CAPE Canaveral Act. '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. 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. We have worked hard to make Florida the thriving aerospace hub it is today, and I look forward to the quick passage of our legislation and welcoming NASA to the best state in the nation!' Senator Rick Scott said. NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, seaport facilities at Port Canaveral, and the headquarters of Space Florida are all located in Cape Canaveral. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
