Representative Daniel Webster (R-FL) is introducing bipartisan legislation to bring the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) headquarters to Florida.
Naturally, as the bill's name, the "CAPE Canaveral Act," suggests, NASA would be relocated to the Cape Canaveral area, which is represented in Congress by Representative Mike Haridopolos (R-FL).
Ironically, Rep. Haridopolos is not one of the named cosponsors of the bill, which includes eleven other members of Florida's Congressional delegation, including Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Brian Mast (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), John Rutherford (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), and Vern Buchanan (R-FL).
Nevertheless, Rep. Webster described Cape Canaveral's pivotal role in America's space programs in his press release, saying, "For more than six decades, Florida and NASA have shared a unique and enduring partnership. From the Mercury and Apollo programs to the Space Shuttle era and today's Artemis program, Cape Canaveral has been the launching point for America's most ambitious achievements in space."
"With direct access to the nation's premier launch sites, a strategic geographic advantage, thriving aerospace industry, and pro-business policies, this move would enhance NASA's mission, increase efficiency, and drive economic opportunity. Relocating NASA's headquarters to Florida's Space Coast recognizes this history and positions the agency for even greater success," Rep. Webster concluded.
While Haridopolos is not currently listed as a cosponsor, he was appointed Chair of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics at the end of January. In February, he held a hearing on the progress of the Artemis space program, featuring George Washington University's Dr. Scott Pace and Purdue's Dan Dumbacher.
With the Artemis program, NASA intends to put humans back on the Moon for a longer-term study to establish a precedent for future manned missions to Mars.
Artemis II is expected to launch in April 2026.
