Washington, D.C. - Thursday, November 18, 2021. U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) statement on China's hypersonic missile test.

"We should not be surprised to see the increasingly bold and aggressive actions by China and Russia recently. The United States has the weakest leadership we have seen in, arguably, our history. The recent news that China’s hypersonic weapons test demonstrated their success in developing and launching a long-range missile. This follows Defense reports that China is adding significantly to their nuclear arsenal. On Monday, Russia conducted an anti-satellite (ASAT) test, striking an old satellite and scattering debris in low-Earth orbit, putting astronauts and Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station in harm’s way. What is America’s response from our top officials? They’re “stunned” and “shocked” as Joe Biden meets with Xi over zoom.

"The United States must respond in a manner that adequately addresses the threatening behavior we are seeing. We have to say to our adversaries, 'this behavior is unacceptable, and you will not be allowed to continue this way, or else.' Any other response is simply irresponsible and harmful for the future safety and security of America and our allies around the world.

"Last Congress, my bill, the Space Technology Advancement Report (STAR) Act was added to the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill focused on findings and recommendations provided by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC).  In their 2019 Annual Report to Congress, the USCC highlights increasingly threatening behavior by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in their campaign to dominate space through a variety of means. We know, because China has publicly stated it, that they view space as the next war-fighting domain. It is critical that the American government acts to secure and defend it."

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Read the full bill text, here.