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HJR 486

Memorials, Recognition - Elon Musk and SpaceX -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Cameron Sexton

Memorializes Elon Musk and SpaceX for the 2025 Dragon rescue that returned astronauts Wilmore and Williams from the ISS to Earth; ceremonial, with no legal effect.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 486

Summary — HJR 486: Memorials, Recognition — Elon Musk and SpaceX

  • Bill number: HJR 486
  • Title: Memorials, Recognition — Elon Musk and SpaceX
  • Classification: House Joint Resolution (memorial/recognition)
  • Introduced: March 20, 2025
  • Sponsor: Speaker Sexton (primary)
  • Status: Signed by the Governor (May 5, 2025)

Purpose / Intent

HJR 486 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Elon Musk and SpaceX for conducting a rescue mission that returned two American astronauts — Captain Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Captain Sunita "Suni" Williams — to Earth after they were stranded on the International Space Station (ISS). The resolution commends Mr. Musk’s role in the mission and thanks him and SpaceX for bringing the astronauts home.

Key provisions / Text highlights

  • Recognizes Elon Musk as a “brilliant businessman … and a valuable ally of President Donald J. Trump” (language in the preamble).
  • Describes the circumstances: the astronauts arrived at the ISS in June 2024 after Boeing's Starliner test flight encountered technical problems; they remained aboard for nearly 300 days.
  • States that President Trump asked Mr. Musk in January 2025 to facilitate the astronauts’ return, and that SpaceX launched a Dragon vehicle that carried the two astronauts back to Earth on March 18, 2025. The Dragon made a water landing off the Florida coast after a roughly 17‑hour return voyage.
  • Expresses the General Assembly’s gratitude and commendation of Elon Musk and SpaceX for the rescue mission.
  • The resolution is expressly honorary and contains no appropriations, regulatory changes, or legally binding directives.

Proposed amendments and floor action

  • Representative Pearson filed three amendments (HA0208, HA0209, HA0210) that would have substantially altered the preamble to add strongly critical language about Mr. Musk (e.g., allegations about pollution, criticism of his ties and conduct, stock references, and statements about federal influence).
  • All three amendments failed on the House floor (votes reported: HA0208 — Ayes 23, Nays 72; HA0209 — Ayes 19, Nays 73; HA0210 — Ayes 20, Nays 72).
  • Final legislative actions: Adopted by the House (April 14, 2025 — Ayes 74, Nays 22), concurred by the Senate (April 21, 2025 — Ayes 27, Nays 6), enrolled April 24, transmitted to the governor April 28, and signed May 5, 2025.

Who is affected / Impact

  • Primary effect is symbolic: Elon Musk and SpaceX are publicly commended by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • No direct effects on law, regulation, state spending, or private rights — the resolution has no enforceable legal or fiscal impact.
  • The resolution documents the legislature’s official recognition and may be used for public record, presentations, or archival purposes.

Procedural notes

  • The resolution includes a standard clause about preparing an appropriate copy for presentation with the final clause omitted (formatting/presentation detail).
  • Sponsor additions and calendar placements are reflected in legislative history; the measure proceeded through the House floor, Senate concurrence, enrollment, and gubernatorial signature in approximately six weeks from introduction to signing.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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