The Senate Committee on Administration moved HCR 35, a resolution urging Congress to amend the Internal Revenue Code to make spaceports eligible for tax-exempt private activity bonds. The sponsor, Senator Hinojosa, said the measure would recognize Texas's longstanding role in space exploration and seek federal action to expand financing options for spaceport infrastructure. The committee reported the resolution favorably to the full Senate by a 4-3 roll call vote.

Why it matters: If Congress amended the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-exempt private activity bonds for spaceports, it could expand financing options for private or public-private projects that build or upgrade launch facilities and related infrastructure.

What was said: Senator Hinojosa, the author, described Texas's connection to the space industry and said the resolution is a companion to previously considered measures. During public testimony a resident identified only as a public witness noted that "there are at least 2 other operational spaceports in Texas" and asked about parity in access to tax-exempt private activity bonds. The committee's presenter acknowledged they did not have a definitive answer on the posture of other spaceports and said they would seek that information.

The record of the roll call shows Senators Cook and Eckhart voting no; Senators Hall, Hinojosa, Kolkhorst, Menendez and Middleton were recorded as voting aye, producing a 4-3 outcome in favor of reporting the resolution to the full Senate.

Ending: HCR 35 was reported favorably to the full Senate for printing and further consideration; committee members said staff would follow up with information about how current federal guidance applies to existing spaceports.