Issue Position: Space

Issue Position

On January 14th, 2004, President Bush announced the Vision for Space Exploration. The Vision is a national road map to continue mankind's journey into the solar system and includes: completion of the International Space Station; retirement of the aging Space Shuttle Fleet in 2010; the development of a new crew exploration vehicle, the Orion, and a new launch vehicle, the Ares; returning to the Moon utilizing both robotic and manned space flight missions; and with the experience and knowledge gained in our return to the Moon, manned missions to Mars and to worlds beyond. By refocusing NASA's mission on exploration the President has ignited and renewed America's interest in space. I am a strong supporter of NASA and the Vision for Space Exploration. The burgeoning global competition we face from space-faring countries such as China, Russia and India is real and I believe it is imperative the United States establish its leadership position through solid and sustainable policies and funding for decades to come.

In 1961, President Kennedy set this nation on a course that put a man on the Moon in eight short years. Since that time, technology developed from the space program has delivered many benefits including Global Positioning technology (GPS), MRI and CAT scans, pacemaker capabilities, and composite materials used to make prosthetic limbs. Space program research is moving us closer to a cure for many diseases such as cancer and stroke and heart disease. Additionally, the space industry provides hundreds of thousands of jobs, and injects billions of dollars into today's economy. However, advances have come with a price. Recovering from the tragedies of Challenger and Columbia has proved difficult, but has once again demonstrated the firm resolve of the American spirit and the unyielding desire to continue our journey into space.

In addition to space exploration, NASA is this country's leading aeronautics researcher and has made astounding breakthroughs, keeping America at the forefront in this critical field. NASA also is a world leader in both earth and space science. The research the agency conducts has been critical to learning more about our universe and about our planet.

In the 109th Congress, I served as the Chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee which oversees NASA. My top priority as Chairman was to pass into law the NASA Authorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-155), the first reauthorization bill of our civilian space and aeronautics agency in five years. The reauthorization provided NASA the rules and tools to succeed in this Second Space Age and provided Congressional support and guidance for the agency's implementation of the Vision for Space Exploration while stressing the importance of their earth and space science and aeronautics work.

I also believe in the entrepreneurial spirit of America. The efforts surrounding the awarding of the Ansari X Prize to the American team led by Burt Rutan of California and the creation of space tourism companies such as Virgin Galactic indicates a strong drive among private citizens to reach into space. America's private citizens will take additional steps to settle the final frontier for mankind, much like the way Americans settle the western frontier with government charting and securing unknown territory and ordinary citizens inhabiting the new territory. I will continue to support incentives to stimulate creativity and new initiatives in the space industry.

While I no longer serve on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, I continue to be a stalwart support of our nation's important space programs and am working with my colleagues to provide NASA and our national security space agencies robust resources for their important missions. In fact, I have introduced legislation in the 110th Congress to bring more visibility and support to our nation's space program:

H.R. 3245 - To redesignate the Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range.

H.R. 4308 - The NASA Innovation Fund and Sponsorship Act

To create a sponsorship program to help fund NASA's Centennial Challenges prize program and expand public awareness of NASA activities and technology needs. Form more information click here

The impending journey into the solar system, recent entrepreneurial and technological advances, and breakthroughs in the sciences and in aeronautics make the present an exciting time to be involved in America's space enterprise. I look forward to supporting these important national endeavors and will work together with my colleagues to meet the upcoming challenges head-on, as America continues the unrelenting quest for the unknown.

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