On the recordApril 13, 2010
Mr. President, President Obama is going to travel to Florida where many expect him to discuss the adverse reaction to his proposed budget for NASA and possible alternative options for the future of America's manned space exploration capability. I know members of the NASA family and everyone living in communities that directly support the space program--from Maryland to Utah to Florida to Alabama to Louisiana and Texas--are, at the very least, uncertain about the President's budget proposal and how it would affect America's leadership role in space exploration. I share those concerns. Every American should share those concerns, because it will determine our role in science, space, research, exploration, and so much that will determine our future economically and in security. I hope the President has heard the concerns that have been raised since the budget was proposed and that he will take the opportunity to meet with the individuals who have worked hard to keep America in the forefront of space exploration for the last four decades. I also hope the President will recognize that he has an opportunity to reach out on a truly bipartisan basis for a new plan for NASA's future that prioritizes scientific research, protects our $100 billion investment in the International Space Station, and ensures that America retains independent human space flight capability. Last month, I introduced legislation that would provide such a framework.…





