NASA's misplaced priorities
Ranking Member Hall on a recent statement by the Administration regarding NASA’s predominant goals:
“This Administration’s new direction for NASA should be a cause for concern for all Americans. Recently, the Administration proclaimed that the top priorities for the space agency are to inspire children to want to study science and math, expand international relationships, and highlight the contributions of the Muslim world in science and engineering. There was no mention of the importance of returning Americans to space.
“The President’s decision to cancel development of the next space vehicle jeopardizes America’s leadership in space, halts our ability to explore, and threatens tens of thousands of highly-skilled engineering jobs. Appeasing international constituencies should never supersede America’s interests in growing a skilled, technical workforce at home and retaining leadership in space exploration and innovation.
“It is time for Congress to give NASA appropriate goals and priorities to maintain America’s preeminence as a space-faring nation. This is not a partisan issue, and I look forward to working with Science and Technology Chairman Gordon in authorizing a NASA funding bill that recognizes the importance of space exploration in securing America’s leadership in space.”
Orlando Sentinel - "White House distances itself from NASA chief's Muslim comments" - July 12, 2010
FoxNews - Video of Capt. Eugene Cernan on the Administration’s call for NASA to be engaged in increased international outreach to Muslim nations - July 7, 2010
Washington Examiner - "Former NASA chief: Muslim outreach is ‘perversion’ of NASA’s mission" - July 6, 2010
Florida Today - "White House, NASA defend Bolden's comments" - July 6, 2010
FoxNews - "NASA Chief: Next Frontier Better Relations With Muslim World" - July 5, 2010