On the recordMay 21, 2015
I just want to, for the Record, because I think it is important for the American people that we don't mix apples and oranges, the Bush administration actually canceled the program that would have enabled us to make sure that we have American rocket vehicles going to the space station. In the interim period, those requests have been severely underfunded, so I think it is important for us to put into perspective what is happening in the space industry. Now, I--as somebody who long ago worked in the industry, worked at NASA--understand the importance of investing in science and research and funding the activities of NASA and supporting the industry. I also understand that we have put--this Congress, in fact--has placed burdens both on the industry and on the agency to perform without putting the money to do that. I would note that this SPACE Act doesn't have any money that goes with it. In fact, on the appropriations side, as I stated earlier, $230 million has actually been cut from the President's request. I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), my colleague and the ranking member.
