Space, NASA and KSC

Tom Feeney is Fighting to Sustain the Vitality of Kennedy Space Center and Continue America's Space Predominance

I'm pleased to serve as the Ranking Member on the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, which oversees the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). I lead Republican efforts on that subcommittee and work with Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO) to continue America's space predominance.

My top priorities are to promote America's Vision for Space Exploration and to sustain the vitality of all NASA centers including the Kennedy Space Center. NASA should continue to fly the Space Shuttle, complete the International Space Station, and develop the Constellation Program -- the Shuttle's successor.

As NASA transitions from the Shuttle to Constellation programs, we must preserve the talents and capabilities of America's human spaceflight workforce. I will fight to have Congress fully fund NASA's budget requests so the gap between the Shuttle's last flight and Constellation's first operational flight is as short as possible. I also support additional funding dedicated to closing this gap.

America's space and aviation endeavors must remain second-to-none. Space is vital to our national security and for sustaining economic growth. While we welcome all countries in the peaceful uses of space, America must continue to protect and defend its space-based military and commercial resources from any challenges posed by hostile countries.

I recently announced my cosponsorship of H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008, which was introduced yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 6063 reauthorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for an additional year and bolsters its programs in human spaceflight, earth science, space science, and aeronautics research.

"I'm pleased that this bipartisan legislation strongly affirms the strategic vision for America's human spaceflight program that was crafted in the aftermath of the 2003 Shuttle Columbia accident. This bill tasks the next Administration to carry out a healthy and vigorous portfolio of space and aeronautics research and space exploration.

"The Space Coast's adjustment to the post-Shuttle era will be helped by the $1 billion authorization dedicated to reducing the gap in America's human spaceflight program. I will fight to ensure that the next Administration requests and Congress appropriates these needed funds,"said Feeney.

As to human spaceflight, H.R. 6063:

o Authorizes an additional $1 billion to shrink the gap between the Space Shuttle's retirement and operational flights of the Orion spacecraft - the Shuttle’s replacement.

o Affirms that America's post-Shuttle spaceflight program will expand human exploration beyond low earth orbit with the Moon as the first destination.

o Confirms that human exploration will then reach beyond the Moon to several possible solar system locations including Mars.

o Authorizes additional funding to ensure a viable International Space Station program after its assembly is completed in 2010. Support is provided for the purchase of American-based commercial cargo and crew transportation services to the Station.

o States that the Shuttle will be retired after flying out its current manifest that will now include one additional mission to transport the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the International Space Station.

On May 20, the bill passed the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee with Representative Feeney's support. In June, the legislation is then expected to come before the House Committee on Science and Technology and then before the full House of Representatives.