Washington, D.C. – House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) praised the successful launch and landing of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket this week.

Chairman Lamar Smith: “America’s space innovators continue to inspire us as they set new records and reach new milestones. Congratulations to SpaceX on its successful launch and landing of the Falcon 9 rocket. This is yet another reason why the SPACE Act that Congress recently passed is so important.”

The SPACE Act is landmark bipartisan legislation that encourages private American space companies to continue investing in crucial research, development, and testing without the threat of new and overbearing government regulations. Chairman Smith partnered with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), lead sponsor of the bill, to see it through to final passage in the House and Senate. It was recently signed into law by the president.