Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the NASA reauthorization bill. Too often people use the term: You know, this isn't rocket science. Well, in my State of Louisiana, we have got the Michoud assembly facility, and they do rocket science. And right now there is tremendous uncertainty over the future of NASA because of the President's budget, and the fact that it actually cedes responsibility and our superiority in space exploration. We can't sit by and let that happen. With this legislation tonight, we can actually present a clear future for NASA that involves heavy lift, that involves maintaining the United States of America's superiority in the space exploration program. And I don't think any of us can sit by and allow a country like Russia to take that superiority lead that we currently have today. And if we don't take action, that is exactly what will happen. We need to make sure that we not only preserve those jobs that are so important, but that we also preserve that technological superiority that America enjoys today and America needs to enjoy in space exploration for the future. And we can do that tonight with this vote.”