When the new Congress sits in January of next year, the newly elected and re-elected representatives will face a full plate of issues, including a slate of issues related to space. From setting budgets for NASA and the Space Force, to outlining rules and regulation for commercial activity in near earth orbit and beyond, the decisions Congress makes in the next cycle could have profound impacts on America’s national and economic security in and from orbit. Joining CSPC to discuss what will and should be on Congress’ agenda are three space experts—Casey Dreier of the Planetary Society, Sandra Erwin of Space News, and Victoria Samson of the Secure World Foundation. The Director of the Mike Rogers Center for Intelligence and Global Affairs at CSPC, Joshua C. Huminski, will moderate this fascinating and timely conversation.
Casey Dreier, The Planetary Society
As Director of Space Policy, Casey leads the strategic planning and implementation of the Society's policy and advocacy efforts. He works closely with the Society's leadership, the Board of Directors, and other policy experts to craft the organizational positions about the future of space exploration. He also works to foster strong relationships between the Society and its members, educate and engage the public about space policy, and to empower individuals to advocate for space. He has a B.A. in Physics from Oberlin College.
Sandra Erwin, Space News
Sandra Erwin is a journalist and national security writer for Space News. She writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. Sandra has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense Magazine and Pentagon correspondent for Real Clear Defense.
Victoria Samson, Secure World Foundation
Victoria Samson is the Washington Office Director for Secure World Foundation and has twenty years of experience in military space and security issues. Before joining SWF, Ms. Samson served as a Senior Analyst for the Center for Defense Information (CDI), where she leveraged her expertise in missile defense, nuclear reductions, and space security issues to conduct in-depth analysis and media commentary. Prior to her time at CDI, Ms. Samson was the Senior Policy Associate at the Coalition to Reduce Nuclear Dangers, a consortium of arms control groups in the Washington, D.C. area, where she worked with Congressional staffers, members of the media, embassy officials, citizens, and think-tanks on issues surrounding dealing with national missile defense and nuclear weapons reductions.