Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, over the last year, there has been a lively debate on the future of NASA's manned spaceflight program. The debate has largely focused on the role of commercial space and what direction the government programs should take. Those advising the Obama administration chose an approach with deep practical and technical flaws which has embarrassed the administration and brought resounding rebuke from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. To quote Scott Pace speaking at a recent event, ``The administration's radical course abandoned the most precious and rare commodities for the U.S. space community--a bipartisan consensus.'' This administration has directed NASA to ignore the spirit of last year's appropriations. Layoffs due to changes at NASA are taking place all over the country. These incredibly intelligent individuals represent a culture, not just a profession. They are literally rocket scientists, and they will disappear if we don't give them direction and firm funding. For this reason, it is absolutely imperative that we pass a new NASA authorization bill, providing NASA and the Obama administration with firmer guidance. ____________________”