MSNBC’s Alan Boyle reports that a compromise has finally been reached on HR 3752, ending a deadlock that had blocked passage of the bill for months. There had been concerns by Rocketplane Ltd. that the definition of suborbital vehicles in the bill, which refers to a rocket-propelled vehicle, might exclude their vehicle, which uses both jet and rocket engines. The details of the compromise weren’t disclosed in the article, but it does apparently assuage Rocketplane’s concerns. There had been earlier reports that a compromise was in the works, but didn’t pan out. This time there really does seem to be a deal, based on the sources quoted in the article such as a spokesman for Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), who had placed a hold on the bill. The timing of the deal means that the Senate won’t be able to take action on the bill until after Labor Day, when it returns from summer recess. Hopefully the bill will not face further obstacles and, schedule permitting, be passed by the Senate.
