Should the Wolf Amendment Be Repealed?

Nearly 15 years after its inclusion in a 2011 annual appropriations bill, the Wolf Amendment remains a hotly debated topic reflecting many of the core geopolitical and philosophical issues at the heart of the debate over the U.S.-China relationship on matters of space and more. The following two essays offer contrasting views on the efficacy and relevance of the Wolf Amendment. One view argues for retaining the amendment, clarifying its limits and pointing out possible consequences a repeal could initiate. The opposing view recommends repeal of the amendment, calling it a vestige from an earlier time that only creates more bureaucracy and waste while over-politicizing space engagements between the United States and China.

Authors:  Dan Hart, Dean Cheng, and Brian Weeden