Political Quotes

“I rise this morning in opposition to H.R. 7617. I do appreciate the efforts of the majority in producing the FY 2021 appropriations package that we are considering on the floor today. This bill addresses many priorities and concerns that Members on both sides of the aisle have. There are a lot of things in this bill that we all agree on, particularly in division B of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. I do want to thank Chairman Serrano for including the resources necessary to work toward completion of the Space Launch System, or, as it is commonly called, the SLS, including no less than $400 million for the Block 1B version of the Space Launch System. With its powerful Exploration Upper Stage and the 8.4-meter payload fairing, the Block 1B represents a transformational strategic capability for the United States and deep-space exploration. NASA must increase the pace of SLS production to ensure that a Space Launch System is available for the Europa missions and other future science missions, in addition to meeting all human exploration needs. I also want to thank Chairman Serrano. Of course, as has been said, he is going to be retiring after this term. We certainly will miss him around here in the House Chamber and the Capitol complex. I want to thank him also for including $110 million for the nuclear thermal propulsion, a level necessary to work toward the design of a flight demonstration by 2024.…”