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I thought it odd that a Republican senator is pushing for government oversight of a private company, given that his party is the anti-regulation party. Than I
by finid 10y ago
I thought it odd that a Republican senator is pushing for government oversight of a private company, given that his party is the anti-regulation party.
Than I read this:
The senator now faces a heated 2016 reelection campaign in his district — the home of SpaceX's biggest competitor, United Launch Alliance (ULA), which is itself a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
Records show that Coffman has publicly accepted more than $51,000 in campaign donations from Lockheed Martin during his career.
Now it makes sense.
- knz 10y agoIt's a sad reflection upon our country if the motives are so transparent.
- edraferi 10y agoWell, the transparency itself is actually pretty nice. Don't take the donations database for granted!
- SmokyBorbon 10y agoI don't think you understand what the words "oversight" and "regulation" mean. Congressional oversight is an authority over government agencies. SpaceX is a private company. Nobody is calling for "oversight". Nor are they calling for more regulations. Congress authorizes spending. The government plans to pay SpaceX to put astronauts into space. An independent investigation would reveal whether that money is being wasted on an unsafe aircraft. Also, I see everyone has failed to mention that Elon Musk's cousin who co-owns a solar company with Musk is one of the top campaign contributors to Coffman's opponent in the upcoming election.