Alcee Hastings: “Mr. Speaker, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act is a commonsense and fiscally…”

“Mr. Speaker, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act is a commonsense and fiscally responsible authorization plan for NASA that will strengthen our ability to improve our Nation's economy, communities and programs, as well as our national security. The bill authorizes $20.21 billion for NASA for fiscal year 2009. This includes $1 billion in funding to accelerate the development of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and Ares 1 Crew Launch Vehicle. This ensures that we do not lose ground to Russia and China as we work to build the next generation of space flight vehicles. I would take a point of personal privilege to point out, Mr. Speaker, that the husband of a Member of the House of Representatives, Gabrielle Giffords, is on the present space vehicle that is in outer space.”