Kevin Brady: “like other fiscal conservatives, I find this amendment attractive on its surface. But a closer look reveals and has…”

“like other fiscal conservatives, I find this amendment attractive on its surface. But a closer look reveals and has repeatedly shown that the scientific criticism is not valid and the cost savings are exaggerated. Killing the space station at this point in its life would ultimately prove to be penny wise yet pound foolish. We all know that major leaps in mankind's progress require a major commitment over a long time and an ability to look beyond the immediate horizon. The international space station is no different. This is a fiscally responsible investment which will produce real benefits for American families. While the space station is long-term in nature, the return on our investment is significant and very well worth making: in new drugs to battle our most stubborn diseases; in knowledge to protect and preserve our earth's environment; and in the potential for a vast number of new jobs for the 21st century resulting from the commercial opportunities in space. We cannot afford not to continue this investment, this critical investment in America's future. I respectfully urge my colleagues to defeat this amendment and continue our historic support for the space station.”