The Space Coast’s new congressman says we’re ‘in a de facto cold war’

Representative-elect Mike Haridopolos, the incoming Republican lawmaker who will represent Kennedy Space Center, expects space policy to play a big part in the Trump administration—and he’s excited to have a role in shaping it. 

Haridopolos, a former Florida state senator, beat Democrat Sandy Kennedy in the race to fill the seat left open when Republican Representative Bill Posey announced he would retire after representing Florida’s 8th District for eight terms.  

Haridopolos talked on Capitol Hill this week about his approach to space policy when he comes to Washington, D.C., in January.

Common defense

Haridopolos’s top priority in space is to protect national security assets in orbit, and ensure the U.S. wins any space competition with adversaries such as China. 

“We are in a de facto cold war, and this is something we cannot lose,” he said. “My goal is literally nothing short of space dominance, and I think we’re on the road to do that because we have created a nice partnership between the government and commercial interests.”

Set the pace

The congressman-elect raised concerns about the pace of regulatory approval for space launch at the Federal Aviation Administration, adding that it’s not just space—“other industries are worried about the slowness at the FAA.”

“One of the things that has to happen tomorrow if not today is that people who are working remotely need to get their butt back in the office,” he said. “Time is money, and every day that’s delayed, that’s one extra day the Chinese can get the upper hand on us.”  

Commander in chief

Haridopolos said he is optimistic about space policy over the next four years, in part because of President-elect Donald Trump’s focus on the domain. 

“With so many other issues on the table, space got kind of pushed to the side. I think there’s going to be a renewed focus,” he said, also highlighting Trump’s “new friendship” with SpaceX’s Elon Musk.

He laid out several items he hopes Trump prioritizes in office, including addressing increasing launch congestion at the Cape and expanding Starlink access in rural communities. 

Musical chairs

Committee assignments won’t be decided until next year, but Haridopolos said he wouldn’t be surprised if he’s placed on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s space subcommittee, given his proximity to Kennedy Space Center.

Throwback

Having lived in Brevard County for 35-plus years, Haridopolos’s experience in space goes way back. 

“My mom and dad took me down to Ron Jon Surf Shop, which is in the district in Cocoa Beach, and we got to see a rocket launch when I think I was 12, a shuttle launch. And it was absolutely amazing,” he said. 

This story originally appeared on Payload and is republished here with permission.

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