Do model rockets pose a threat to national security? That seems to be the message that two US Senators, Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), are trying to send by announcing they would try to stop a Senate bill, S.724, that rolls back some of the strong restrictions put on the model rocket industry by the Homeland Security Act. See the AP article and their press release for the details. Be sure to also read Sen. Mike Enzi's press release that quashes many of the ludicrous claims made by Schumer and Lautenberg. (Enzi notes, for example, that the propellants covered by his bill are not included in a list of 29 explosives in a National Research Council study.) If you're concerned about the future of model rocketry in the US, it might not hurt to politely contact Schumer's and Lautenberg's offices.
Posted: 7:41 PM ET (2341 GMT)