Political Quotes

“I would like to thank the distinguished chairman, Chairman Smith, chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Palazzo); and also the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Edwards) for their leadership on this important issue and for getting this bill to the floor. Human space exploration and discovery sciences are so ingrained in the American way of life that they have become emblematic of America's role as an exceptional nation. It is in our DNA as Americans to push the boundaries and frontiers of knowledge. When we continue to develop the technologies and expertise to do this, there is no way to measure the potential benefit in spinoffs that we will reap. That is why I rise today to support H.R. 810. This legislation would authorize programs within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, keeping in place our commitment for space exploration, prioritizing work on the Space Launch System, Orion, and a commercial crew system so we can carry our own astronauts to and from the space station. This legislation makes it clear that Mars is the focal point and our next step. If the administration prioritizes their activities properly, it is realistic to have a manned Mars fly-by mission in 2021. This legislation will require further examination of this mission, which I think would finally help spur NASA into the next era.…”