WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) has introduced legislation to move NASA Headquarters to the Sunshine State.
H.R. 2422 – "Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently at Canaveral Act" is the 12th piece of legislation introduced by Congressman Donalds during the 119thCongress and is co-led by Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL). The "CAPE Canaveral Act" has also received the support of Representatives Aaron Bean (R-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Brian Mast (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), John Rutherford (R-FL), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), and Daniel Webster (R-FL).
Specifically, the "CAPE Canaveral Act" requires the transfer of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters to Brevard County, Florida within one year of enactment and is the U.S. House of Representatives companion bill to Sen. Ashley Moody's (R-FL) S. 1013 – CAPE Canaveral Act, co-led by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL). Congressman Donalds released the following statement:
"The long and storied legacy of human space flight is inextricably linked with Cape Canaveral, Florida. Home to the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral has been the launch-site of some of the most consequen
tial scientific breakthroughs in human history. It's time to bring NASA Headquarters to Florida's aptly-named 'Space Coast' and I'm proud to lead my colleagues in this important, bipartisan, and bicameral initiative for our nation."
Bill Impact
Proximity to Launch Sites: Florida is home to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which are primary launch sites for NASA missions. Having the headquarters nearby will streamline operations, reduce travel costs, and improve coordination.
Geographical Advantage: Florida's location near the equator is ideal for rocket launches due to the Earth's rotational speed. This geographical benefit is a key reason why many space-related facilities are located in the state.
Existing Infrastructure: Florida already has a robust aerospace and space exploration ecosystem, with industries and partnerships established around these activities. Moving headquarters there will bolster these connections further.
Economic Boost: Relocating NASA headquarters will bring significant economic benefits to Florida, including job creation and increased investment in local communities.
Experienced Workforce: Moving NASA headquarters would strengthen its own workforce by cutting the need for experienced aerospace experts to re-locate to Washington D.C. and continue to grow their roots within Florida’s vast space community.
Congressman
Byron Donalds
Proudly Representing Southwest Florida District 19