as Senator Nelson said, it is absolutely critical that we understand Earth's environment because this is the only place that we have to live.

Thank goodness we are to the point now that we are talking about this core mission and trying to explore the heavens.

I want to thank you, Administrator Bolden, for your service to our country and your appearance before the Subcommittee today.

I see NASA's budget as a strategic portfolio of investments aimed at improving the well-being of our country and of our civilization.

I want to compliment the Ranking Member, to see someone so enthusiastic as Senator Peters is, is indeed extremely gratifying.

The President's proposed budget, which you can disagree with, is a 10 percent increase in Earth Science.

I would hope that there is opportunity for NASA to work with DOD on a propulsion system that benefits both defense and civil space.

the sequester, thanks to Senator Shelby, did not happen on NASA.

I am truly excited about my opportunity to serve as Ranking Member for the Subcommittee, and I look forward to our discussion today.

What I have tried so hard to do in the past several years... is to keep it bipartisan.

Mr. President, the House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 749, the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015. I am pleased to see the House take bipartisan action on this bill. Intercity passenger rail is a critical part of…