Eric Cantor May Hold Keys to Space Access

GOP Whip Congressman Eric Cantor (R-Va) may hold the keys to commercial space access Wednesday in the House of Representatives in what is expected to be a close vote on the Senate NASA Authorization bill. The measure is reportedly coming to the floor Wednesday, but requires a two-thirds vote on 'supsension of the rules' for final approval and only then to the White House for presidential signature.

With party labels meaning little in this critical vote of direction for the federal space agency for the next three years, Cantor must measure the potential of Virginia's commercial Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport to support commercial cargo space launches by Orbital Sciences Corporation and the future possible location of Bigelow Aerospace at Wallops Island to launch scientists and commercial astronauts against the interests of Republicans in other states.

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R-Va) has committed to making the Virginia spaceport the best in the nation and has demonstrated his strong support for commercial space in the legislature with significant financial support. U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-Va) has also demonstrated his support for Virginia commercial space development on the Senate Commerce Committee.

While there is faith that Cantor will support Virginia commercial spaceport interests, Spaceport Blog readers may wish to call his office at 202.225-2815 to offer favorable support for the Senate NASA Authorization Act now! Every 'Yes' vote counts.