John W. Hickenlooper
Senator for Colorado · Democratic · United States
“(2) Contents.--The list required under paragraph (1)-- (A) shall be developed using appropriate sources of data and information derived from governmental and nongovernmental sources, including space situational awareness data obtained by the Office of Space Commerce, to the extent practicable; (B) shall include, to the extent practicable-…”
“(2) Contents.--The list required under paragraph (1)-- (A) shall be developed using appropriate sources of data and information derived from governmental and nongovernmental sources, including space situational awareness data obtained by the Office of Space Commerce, to the extent practicable; (B) shall include, to the extent practicable-…”
“(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that to preserve the sustainability of operations in space, the United States Government should-- (1) to the extent practicable, develop and carry out programs, establish or update regulations, and commence initiatives to minimize orbital debris, including initiatives to demonstrate acti…”
“(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that to preserve the sustainability of operations in space, the United States Government should-- (1) to the extent practicable, develop and carry out programs, establish or update regulations, and commence initiatives to minimize orbital debris, including initiatives to demonstrate acti…”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3950-S3952] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6678. Mr. HICKENLOOPER (for himself and Ms.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3950-S3952] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6678. Mr. HICKENLOOPER (for himself and Ms.”
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“REPORT ON CRITICAL DEFENSE MINERAL REQUIREMENTS AND MUNITIONS SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCY. (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency Strategic Materials, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report assessing critical defense mineral requirements, stockpile alignment, and supply chain vulnerabilities for munitions production.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S3953] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6681. Mr. HICKENLOOPER (for himself and Mr. Tillis) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of subtitle E of title X, insert the following: SEC. 1050.”
“(6) An analysis of the manner in which such alternative launch options will inform future operational and capability requirements for national security launch providers. (7) A framework for integrating nontraditional and inland ranges into the national launch enterprise through Federal range services, dynamic airspace management, and flexible deployment capabilities. (8) The assumptions and conditions on which the report is based and an assessment of their viability. (c) Form.--The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex. ______”
“(3) An evaluation of the types of full-cycle launch and reentry vehicles suitable for inland and nontraditional sites, explicitly addressing the infrastructure required to support vertical launch capabilities and distinguishing among expendable, partially reusable, and fully reusable launch systems. (4) A cost estimate for the infrastructure and operational needs associated with activating and using individual inland and nontraditional launch sites, considering both existing commercial spaceport infrastructure and potential new sites. (5) A cost-benefit analysis weighing the national security resilience benefits of expanded launch infrastructure with the substantial investments required to support heavy-lift launch vehicles.”
“(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An assessment of the flight safety requirements necessary to permit overland launch trajectories for both expendable and partially or fully reusable launch systems to the various inclinations and orbital regimes, including Low- Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), and Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO). (2) Public safety and debris-risk modeling for prospective full-cycle launch and reentry operations, including economic and environmental impacts.”
“REPORT ON SAFE ORBITAL TRAJECTORY OPTIONS FROM INLAND AND NONTRADITIONAL LAUNCH SITES. (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration, shall submit to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report on safe orbital launch trajectory options from inland and nontraditional launch sites.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S3953] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6680. Mr. HICKENLOOPER (for himself, Mr. Cruz, and Mr. Lujan) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of subtitle A of title XV, add the following: SEC. 1510A.”
“REPORT ON TRANSITION OF UNITED STATES SPACE COMMAND TO REDSTONE ARSENAL. (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, [[Page S3953]] the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the transition of the United States Space Command to Redstone Arsenal. (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) Civilian attrition and relocation-acceptance rates, by directorate. (2) Billet fill rates at both Peterson Space Force Base and Redstone Arsenal. (3) Retention and relocation incentive costs. (4) Military construction cost growth against the original estimate. (5) Any change in mission performance metrics. ______”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3952-S3953] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6679. Mr. HICKENLOOPER (for himself and Mr. Bennet) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of subtitle A of title XV, add the following: SEC. 1510A.”
“(b) Consultation.--In facilitating the development of standard practices under subsection (a), the Secretary, through the Office of Space Commerce, in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall engage in frequent and routine consultation with representatives of the commercial space industry, academia, and nonprofit organizations. (c) Promotion of Standard Practices.--On completion of such standard practices, the Secretary, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator, and the Secretary of Defense shall promote the adoption and use of the standard practices for domestic and international space missions. ______”
“(f) Periodic Review.--Not less frequently than every 5 years, the Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices referred to in subsection (a) shall be assessed and, if necessary, updated, used, and promulgated in a manner consistent with this section. SEC. 1707. STANDARD PRACTICES FOR SPACE TRAFFIC COORDINATION. (a) In General.--The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and members of the National Space Council and the Federal Communications Commission, shall facilitate the development of standard practices for on-orbit space traffic coordination based on existing guidelines and best practices used by Government and commercial space industry operators.”
“(d) Regulations.--To promote uniformity and avoid duplication in the regulation of space activity, including licensing by the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission, such update, after publication, shall be used to inform the further development and promulgation of Federal regulations relating to orbital debris. (e) International Promotion.--To encourage effective and nondiscriminatory standards, best practices, rules, and regulations implemented by other countries, such update shall inform bilateral and multilateral discussions focused on the authorization and continuing supervision of nongovernmental space activities.”
“(b) Consultation.--In developing the update under subsection (a), the National Space Council, or a designee of the National Space Council, shall seek advice and input on commercial standards and best practices from representatives of the commercial space industry, academia, and nonprofit organizations, including through workshops and, as appropriate, advance public notice and comment processes under chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code. (c) Publication.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, such update shall be published in the Federal Register and posted to the relevant Federal Government internet websites.”
“(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the National Space Council, in coordination with the Secretary, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Administrator, shall initiate an update to the Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices that-- (1) considers planned space systems, including satellite constellations; and (2) addresses-- (A) collision risk; (B) explosion risk; (C) casualty probability; (D) post-mission disposal of space systems; (E) time to disposal or de-orbit; (F) spacecraft collision avoidance and automated identification capability; and (G) the ability to track orbital debris of decreasing size.”
“(b) Economic Analysis.--Based on the results of the demonstration project, the Secretary, acting through the Office of Space Commerce, shall publish an assessment of the estimated Federal Government and private sector demand for orbital debris remediation services for the 10-year period beginning in 2026. SEC. 1706. UNIFORM ORBITAL DEBRIS STANDARD PRACTICES FOR UNITED STATES SPACE ACTIVITIES.”
“(a) In General.--To foster the competitive development, operation, improvement, and commercial availability of active debris remediation services, and in consideration of the economic analysis required by subsection (b) and the briefing and reports under section 1704(b)(6), the Administrator and the head of each relevant Federal department or agency may acquire services for the remediation of orbital debris, whenever practicable, through fair and open competition for contracts that are well-defined, milestone-based, and in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation.”
“(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed to grant the Administrator the authority to issue any regulation relating to activities under subsection (b) or related space activities under title 51, United States Code. SEC. 1705. ACTIVE DEBRIS REMEDIATION SERVICES.”
“(ii) Availability.--The Administration shall make the report submitted under clause (i) available to the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and other relevant Federal departments and agencies, as determined by the Administrator. (7) Sense of congress on international cooperation.--It is the sense of Congress that, in carrying out the demonstration project, it is critical that the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of State and in consultation with the National Space Council, cooperate with one or more partner countries to enable the remediation of orbital debris that is under their respective jurisdictions. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $150,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.”
“(D) Technical analysis.-- (i) In general.--To inform decisions regarding the acquisition of active debris remediation services by the Federal Government, not later than 1 year after the date on which an award is made under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that-- (I) summarizes the cost-effectiveness, and provides a technical analysis of, technologies developed under the demonstration project; (II) identifies any technology gaps addressed by the demonstration project and any remaining technology gaps; and (III) provides, as applicable, any further legislative, regulatory, and policy recommendations to enable active debris remediation missions.”
“(C) Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the first demonstration mission is carried out under this subsection, the Administrator, in consultation with the head of each relevant Federal department or agency, shall submit to Congress a report that provides legislative, regulatory, and policy recommendations to improve active debris remediation missions, as applicable.”
“(B) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year after the initial briefing under subparagraph (A), and annually thereafter until the conclusion of the 1 or more demonstration missions, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a status report on-- (i) the technology developed under the demonstration project; (ii) progress toward the accomplishment of the 1 or more demonstration missions; and (iii) any duplicative efforts carried out or supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration or the Department of Defense.”
“(C) Consultation.--The Administrator shall consult with the head of each relevant Federal department or agency before carrying out any demonstration mission under this paragraph. (D) Active debris remediation demonstration mission.--It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should consider maximizing competition for, and use best practices to engage commercial entities in, an active debris remediation demonstration mission. (6) Briefing and reports.-- (A) Initial briefing.--Not later than 30 days after the establishment of the demonstration project under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall provide to the appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the details of the demonstration project.”
“(B) Evaluation.--In evaluating proposals for the demonstration project, the Administrator shall-- (i) consider the safety, feasibility, cost, benefit, and maturity of the proposed technology; (ii) consider the potential for the proposed demonstration to successfully remediate orbital debris and to advance the commercial state of the art with respect to active debris remediation; (iii) carry out a risk analysis of the proposed technology that takes into consideration the potential casualty risk to humans in space or on the Earth's surface; (iv) in an appropriate setting, conduct thorough testing and evaluation of the proposed technology and each component of such technology or system of technologies; and (v) consider the technical and financial feasibility of using the proposed technology to conduct multiple remediation missions.”
“(5) Demonstration mission phase.-- (A) In general.--The Administrator shall evaluate proposals for a demonstration mission, and select and enter into a partnership with an eligible entity, subject to the availability of appropriations, with the intent to demonstrate technologies determined by the Administrator to meet a level of technology readiness sufficient to carry out on-orbit remediation of select orbital debris.”
“(4) Research and development phase.--With respect to orbital debris identified under paragraph (1) of subsection (a), the Administrator shall, to the extent practicable and subject to the availability of appropriations, carry out the additional research and development activities necessary to mature technologies, in partnership with eligible entities, with the intent to close commercial capability gaps and enable potential future remediation missions for such orbital debris, [[Page S3952]] with a preference for technologies that are capable of remediating orbital debris that have a broad range of characteristics described in paragraph (2)(B)(i) of that subsection.”
“(3) Procedures and criteria.--In establishing the demonstration project, the Administrator shall-- (A) establish-- (i) eligibility criteria for participation; (ii) a process for soliciting proposals from eligible entities; (iii) criteria for the contents of such proposals; (iv) project compliance and evaluation metrics; and (v) project phases and milestones; (B) identify government-furnished data or equipment; (C) develop a plan for National Aeronautics and Space Administration participation, as appropriate, in technology development and intellectual property rights that-- (i) leverages National Aeronautics and Space Administration Centers that have demonstrated expertise and historical knowledge in measuring, modeling, characterizing, and describing the current and future orbital debris environment; and (ii) develops the technical consensus for adopting mitigation measures for such participation; and (D)(i) assign a project manager to oversee the demonstration project and carry out project activities under this subsection; and (ii) in assigning such project manager, leverage National Aeronautics and Space Administration Centers and the personnel of National Aeronautics and Space Administration Centers, as practicable.”
“(b) Active Orbital Debris Remediation Demonstration Project.-- (1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator, in consultation with the head of each relevant Federal department or agency, shall establish a demonstration project to make competitive awards for the research, development, and demonstration of technologies leading to the remediation of selected orbital debris identified under subsection (a)(1). (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the demonstration project shall be to enable eligible entities to pursue the phased development and demonstration of technologies and processes required for active debris remediation.”
“(4) Acquisition, access, use, and handling of data or information.--In carrying out the activities under this subsection, the Secretary-- (A) shall acquire, access, use, and handle data or information in a manner consistent with applicable provisions of law and policy, including laws and policies providing for the protection of privacy and civil liberties, and subject to any restrictions required by the source of the information; (B) shall have access, upon written request, to all information, data, or reports of any executive agency that the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the activities under this subsection, provided that such access is-- (i) conducted in a manner consistent with applicable provisions of law and policy of the originating agency, including laws and policies providing for the protection of privacy and civil liberties; and (ii) consistent with due regard for the protection from unauthorized disclosure of classified information relating to sensitive intelligence sources and methods or other exceptionally sensitive matters; and (C) may obtain commercially available information that may not be publicly available.”
“(3) Public availability; periodic updates.-- (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the list required under paragraph (1) shall be published in unclassified form on a publicly accessible internet website of the Department of Commerce. (B) Exclusion.--The Secretary may not include on the list published under subparagraph (A) data acquired from nonpublic sources. (C) Periodic updates.--Such list shall be updated periodically.”
“(2) Contents.--The list required under paragraph (1)-- (A) shall be developed using appropriate sources of data and information derived from governmental and nongovernmental sources, including space situational awareness data obtained by the Office of Space Commerce, to the extent practicable; (B) shall include, to the extent practicable-- (i) a description of the approximate age, location in orbit, size, mass, tumbling state, post-mission passivation actions taken, and national jurisdiction of each orbital debris identified; and (ii) data required to inform decisions regarding potential risk and feasibility of safe remediation; (C) may include orbital debris that poses a significant risk to terrestrial people and assets, including risk resulting from potential environmental impacts from the uncontrolled reentry of the orbital debris identified; and (D) may include collections of small debris that, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, are untracked.”
“(a) Prioritization of Orbital Debris.-- (1) List.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the National Space Council, and representatives of the commercial space industry, academia, and nonprofit organizations, shall publish a list of select identified orbital debris that may be remediated to improve the safety and sustainability of orbiting satellites and on-orbit activities.”
“(7) Project.--The term ``project'' means a specific investment with defined requirements, a life-cycle cost, a period of duration with a beginning and an end, and a management structure that may interface with other projects, agencies, and international partners to yield new or revised technologies addressing strategic goals. (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce. (9) Space traffic coordination.--The term ``space traffic coordination'' means the planning, coordination, and on-orbit synchronization of activities to enhance the safety and sustainability of operations in the space environment. SEC. 1704. ACTIVE DEBRIS REMEDIATION.”
“(5) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means-- (A) a United States-based-- (i) non-Federal, commercial entity; (ii) institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))); or (iii) nonprofit organization; (B) any other United States-based entity the Administrator considers appropriate; and (C) a partnership of entities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B). (6) Orbital debris.--The term ``orbital debris'' means any human-made space object orbiting Earth that-- (A) no longer serves an intended purpose; and (B)(i) has reached the end of its mission; or (ii) is incapable of safe maneuver or operation.”
“(3) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means-- (A) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. (4) Demonstration project.--The term ``demonstration project'' means the active orbital debris remediation demonstration project carried out under section 1704(b).”
“SEC. 1703. DEFINITIONS. In this title: (1) Active debris remediation.--The term ``active debris remediation''-- (A) means the deliberate process of facilitating the de- orbit, repurposing, or other disposal of orbital debris, which may include moving orbital debris to a safe position, using an object or technique that is external or internal to the orbital debris; and (B) does not include de-orbit, repurposing, or other disposal of orbital debris by passive means. (2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.”
“(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that to preserve the sustainability of operations in space, the United States Government should-- (1) to the extent practicable, develop and carry out programs, establish or update regulations, and commence initiatives to minimize orbital debris, including initiatives to demonstrate active debris remediation of orbital debris generated by the United States Government or other entities under the jurisdiction of the United States; (2) lead international efforts to encourage other spacefaring countries to mitigate and remediate orbital debris under their jurisdiction and control; and (3) encourage space system operators to continue implementing best practices for space safety when deploying satellites and constellations of satellites, such as transparent data sharing and designing for system reliability, so as to limit the generation of future orbital debris.”
“This title may be cited as the ``Orbital Sustainability Act of 2026'' or the ``ORBITS Act of 2026''. SEC. 1702. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) The safety and sustainability of operations in low- Earth orbit and nearby orbits in outer space have become increasingly endangered by a growing amount of orbital debris. (2) Exploration and scientific research missions and commercial space services of critical importance to the United States rely on continued and secure access to outer space. (3) Efforts by nongovernmental space entities to apply lessons learned through standards and best practices will benefit from government support for implementation both domestically and internationally.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3950-S3952] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6678. Mr. HICKENLOOPER (for himself and Ms. Lummis) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of division A, add the following: [[Page S3951]] TITLE XVII--ORBITAL SUSTAINABILITY ACT OF 2026 SEC. 1701. SHORT TITLE.”
“Due to her direct involvement and stewardship, Members of Congress were able to make informed decisions and ensured the Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and funded. After serving in this crucial role and becoming a fixture on Capitol Hill, SMSgt Martha Adelaja will move on to serve as the congressional liaison for the newly established Integrated Capabilities Command, Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon, Arlington, VA. She has sacrificed much in service to our Nation. I am thankful for Martha's service and her work with my office and the Senate over the past year on issues of vital importance to the defense of the United States. I salute this American patriot whose selfless service has kept our country safe and strong. ____________________”
“Drawing on her deep understanding of Space Force requirements, [[Page S2658]] Senior Master Sergeant Adelaja successfully championed the Department of the Air Force's position on future space-based missile warning capabilities, ensuring congressional alignment on this critical national security priority. Finally, as the sole enlisted representative in the Department of the Air Force Senate liaison office, she effectively advocated for Department priorities. Collaborating with U.S. Space Command she arranged seven visits to Colorado Space Force bases in 2024 for key decision-makers, highlighting the quality-of-life concerns of guardians. Her efforts secured a significant $42.9 billion investment in quality-of-life programs, including a 4.5-percent pay raise.”
“Her efforts synchronized nine Department of the Air Force directorates with 98 congressional staffers for modernization efforts and ensured the Department of the Air Force's support of the National Defense Strategy in our return to Great Power Competition. Senior Master Sergeant Adelaja spearheaded international delegations of congressional members, showcasing critical Air Force capabilities and strengthening partnerships at key events like the bicameral Reagan National Defense Forum. Through her tireless efforts, Senior Master Sergeant Adelaja secured direct engagement between Members of Congress and key decision-makers, including the Secretary of the Air Force, resulting in successful advancements of critical Air Force initiatives.”
“Her leadership facilitated seamless collaboration on behalf of the Department of the Air Force across 62 congressional offices, serving as the principal Air Force liaison to 17 Senators and their respective staffs. She supported numerous engagements and delegations spanning 150 Senators, Congressmen, and staffers to showcase Department equities in the United States and abroad. Most notably, her strategic acumen was instrumental in navigating congressional concerns regarding the Air Force's divestment of 261 legacy aircraft and securing $2.6 billion in cost savings, significantly strengthening the Air Force and Senate relations prior to congressional hearings.”
“She left an indelible mark as the first bicameral Department of the Air Force legislative liaison, providing that vital link between Congress and the Department as she effectively advocated for critical defense priorities. Throughout her military career, she has demonstrated exceptional and unrivaled airmanship and is the epitome of what a noncommissioned officer should be. As an Army combat veteran prior to her transition to the Air Force in 2007, her career spans two services in numerous of positions critical to U.S. defense and its national security interests worldwide. As a legislative liaison and action officer in the Department of the Air Force's Senate liaison division, she advised Department senior leadership and helped develop strategic engagement opportunities to advance U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force priorities.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S2657-S2658] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT MARTHA ADELAJA Mr. HICKENLOOPER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great American and an exceptional member of the U.S. Air Force, SMSgt Martha Adelaja. A true champion for our Nation and expert communicator, this New York native and Spelman College graduate brings 21 years of distinguished uniformed service. She has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unparalleled ability to navigate complex legislative landscapes in service to our country and the 116th, 117th, 118th, and 119th U.S. Congresses.”
“Due to her direct involvement and stewardship, Members of Congress were able to make informed decisions and ensured the Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and funded. After serving in this crucial role and becoming a fixture on Capitol Hill, SMSgt Martha Adelaja will move on to serve as the congressional liaison for the newly established Integrated Capabilities Command, Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon, Arlington, VA. She has sacrificed much in service to our Nation. I am thankful for Martha's service and her work with my office and the Senate over the past year on issues of vital importance to the defense of the United States. I salute this American patriot whose selfless service has kept our country safe and strong. ____________________”
“Drawing on her deep understanding of Space Force requirements, [[Page S2658]] Senior Master Sergeant Adelaja successfully championed the Department of the Air Force's position on future space-based missile warning capabilities, ensuring congressional alignment on this critical national security priority. Finally, as the sole enlisted representative in the Department of the Air Force Senate liaison office, she effectively advocated for Department priorities. Collaborating with U.S. Space Command she arranged seven visits to Colorado Space Force bases in 2024 for key decision-makers, highlighting the quality-of-life concerns of guardians. Her efforts secured a significant $42.9 billion investment in quality-of-life programs, including a 4.5-percent pay raise.”
“Her efforts synchronized nine Department of the Air Force directorates with 98 congressional staffers for modernization efforts and ensured the Department of the Air Force's support of the National Defense Strategy in our return to Great Power Competition. Senior Master Sergeant Adelaja spearheaded international delegations of congressional members, showcasing critical Air Force capabilities and strengthening partnerships at key events like the bicameral Reagan National Defense Forum. Through her tireless efforts, Senior Master Sergeant Adelaja secured direct engagement between Members of Congress and key decision-makers, including the Secretary of the Air Force, resulting in successful advancements of critical Air Force initiatives.”
“Her leadership facilitated seamless collaboration on behalf of the Department of the Air Force across 62 congressional offices, serving as the principal Air Force liaison to 17 Senators and their respective staffs. She supported numerous engagements and delegations spanning 150 Senators, Congressmen, and staffers to showcase Department equities in the United States and abroad. Most notably, her strategic acumen was instrumental in navigating congressional concerns regarding the Air Force's divestment of 261 legacy aircraft and securing $2.6 billion in cost savings, significantly strengthening the Air Force and Senate relations prior to congressional hearings.”
“She left an indelible mark as the first bicameral Department of the Air Force legislative liaison, providing that vital link between Congress and the Department as she effectively advocated for critical defense priorities. Throughout her military career, she has demonstrated exceptional and unrivaled airmanship and is the epitome of what a noncommissioned officer should be. As an Army combat veteran prior to her transition to the Air Force in 2007, her career spans two services in numerous of positions critical to U.S. defense and its national security interests worldwide. As a legislative liaison and action officer in the Department of the Air Force's Senate liaison division, she advised Department senior leadership and helped develop strategic engagement opportunities to advance U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force priorities.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S2657-S2658] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT MARTHA ADELAJA Mr. HICKENLOOPER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great American and an exceptional member of the U.S. Air Force, SMSgt Martha Adelaja. A true champion for our Nation and expert communicator, this New York native and Spelman College graduate brings 21 years of distinguished uniformed service. She has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unparalleled ability to navigate complex legislative landscapes in service to our country and the 116th, 117th, 118th, and 119th U.S. Congresses.”