[5] The Space Launch Liability Indemnification Extension Act would extend through December 31, 2014, the application deadline for licenses with respect to which the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) is required to pay third-party claims in excess of a commercial space launcher's required insurance coverage.

[5] The Space Launch Liability Indemnification Extension Act was introduced into the United States House of Representatives on November 20, 2013 by Rep. Lamar Smith (R, TX-21).

The House leadership intends to vote on amendment to the bill on January 15, 2014 so that the Senate has a chance to work on it before the deadline.

[8] That amendment would be 1,500 pages long and include all of the consolidated appropriations needed to fund the federal government until October 1, 2014.

[9] Speaking in favor of the bill, Rep. Smith said that "this important protection is similar to what other nations provide and enables our space industry to remain competitive.