Nick Lampson: “Mr. Chairman, terminating the International Space Station would end what could be the most significant research and…”

“Mr. Chairman, terminating the International Space Station would end what could be the most significant research and development laboratory in history and cause a complete upheaval of the shuttle program for years into the future, effectively terminating NASA's human space flight program. High-cost growth often cited as the reason to terminate the Space Station is simply not the case. The initial congressional budget projection for ISS from 1994 to 2000 was approximately $14.5 billion. During those years, actual expenditures have totalled $15.8 billion, reflecting a growth of less than 10 percent. Termination costs could total over $750 million. And the prime contractor has completed nearly 90 percent of its development work. In addition, Russia and the other international partners remain committed to the ISS and have spent over $5 billion to date. Within 1 year, the ISS will be inhabited by three international crew members. In 5 years, the Space Station will be complete and serving as an outpost for humans to develop, use, and explore the space frontier. We have come so far and soon the ISS research will be under way. Vote no on this misguided amendment.”