On the recordSeptember 29, 2010
I think it is appropriate here in late September that we are discussing the future of America's manned space program, because it was in late September that America's first explorers, Lewis and Clark, returned from their incredible expedition to have seen the Pacific Ocean to find that overland route. And when they returned from that totally unknown country, they lit up the country, and something that America has always been built on, dreams and thinking big. It has always been a part of our spirit, our nature to explore the unknown. And NASA, more than any other function of the Federal Government, has the ability to inspire people, to encourage young people to go become scientists and engineers and astronauts. In fact, today, Mr. Speaker, it was just reported by scientists at the University of California that they have discovered what appears to be an Earth-like planet with water in the habitable zone of a star only 20 light years away. But if we do not act, if we do not pass this NASA authorization bill tonight, the Obama administration will succeed in shutting down America's manned space program by the end of the year.
