On the recordSeptember 29, 2010
Mr. Speaker, tonight we consider legislation of great importance to Florida's Space Coast and to our Nation, the NASA Authorization Act. I want to echo the sentiments of my colleagues who have suggested that the uncertainty surrounding NASA and our manned space exploration has caused a great deal of anguish and difficult times for my constituents, literally thousands of individuals, families and businesses. This legislation will define NASA's future by building on its past. The legislation mandates one additional shuttle flight next year, which will provide additional job stability for thousands of workers and ensure the long-term viability of the international space station, a national laboratory, 200 miles above our heads, only now complete after 10 years of construction, which has endless research and education possibilities. The bill also directs the development of new NASA-led heavy lift vehicles utilizing shuttle and constellation work, which will make our astronauts have the opportunity for even greater exploration to asteroids and eventually to Mars sooner than the current program. This exploration mission will drive technological innovation as we strive to address its challenges, as well as to inspire our students to become engineers and astronauts.
