Air Transportation is Essential to America's Economy and Our Way of Life
National Security: Keeping America Safe
America's Future Depends on Maintaining Space Leadership
	Space Technology: An Investment in Our Economy
	Space Exploration Keeps America on the Cutting Edge
	Observing Earth’s Environment Takes a Global Perspective
	Protecting Our Nation and Our Citizens through Space Assets
Election 2008 Issues and Issue Papers
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Space Technology: An Investment in Our Economy

The U.S. economy is directly tied to space infrastructure. Uninterrupted commerce, communications, weather tracking, and entertainment require sustaining investment for today and for the future.

In today's fast-paced environment it's either "lead, follow, or get out of the way." The insatiable need to get information faster and cheaper defines our way of life. The Internet. Cell phones. Blackberries. Overnight delivery. All of these have become standard for businesses and people in all demographics, and all rely on space-based technologies.

GPS is a prime example of how space technologies have become integrated into our everyday lives. Originally designed for military use, GPS is now relied upon for banking transactions, ATMs, air and ground transportation systems, and fire and ambulance response. Even agriculture integrates GPS, leading to more effective farming, improved crops, and aiding in the reduction of the use of pesticides.

What America Needs:

• Favorable business environment for space industry. Making the R&D tax credit permanent to encourage private investment in innovative technology development and reducing the regulatory burden associated with spaceflight are two actions that can be taken now.
  
  
• Trade rules, regulations, and policies that are fair, transparent, and consistent.
  
  
• Adequate and stable funding to support the modernization of key national security and civil space systems. We need to ensure that we don't face a gap in critical space capabilities and that modern technologies are incorporated into systems as improvements are made.