Space News notes in its print edition this week that Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), who placed a hold on HR 3752 in the Senate, plans to lift that hold by July 23 regardless of whether a compromise is reached on the language in the bill. The article—which mostly provides background about the bill’s odyssey since the House approved it four months ago—quotes Kevin Kelly, a lobbyist for Rocketplane Ltd., as saying that a deal was close. (Of course, the parties involved were saying something similar back in late May, so take those comments with caution.) There is hope, though, that a deal can be reached by July 20 so that the Senate Commerce Committee can include it in a markup session planned for that date. July 23 is the last day Congress is scheduled to be in session until after Labor Day.
SS1 couldn’t have come at a better time. It really has put a spotlight on the entrepreneurial private sector. It will be these small maneuverable companies that will create new industry. The industry has become too dependent on Boeing and Lockheed. I think HR 3752 should do more to support commercial enterprise beyond earth orbit. It doesn’t cover companies like Bigelow Aerospace or other systems used as commercial orbital platforms or stationary ground habitat and supporting equipment.
In a Space News article about Hubble, a spokesman for Rep. James Walsh (R-NY) said the House Appropriations subcommittee is planning to take up the NASA budget bill on July 20th.
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/hubble_response_040714.html