LaTourette and Brown applaud NASA Glenn funding
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and U.S. Rep.
Steve LaTourette (OH-14) released the following statements today
applauding the Senate-House conference bill that provides funding
for NASA, including the Glenn Research Center and Plum Brook
Station.
The conference agreement includes the Fiscal Year 2012 Commerce,
Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
Both Senator Brown and Rep. LaTourette were members of the
conference committee that completed work on the measure
Monday.
"Glenn Research Center-and the many local and state businesses
in Ohio that rely on NASA -are vital to our state's economic
livelihood. Even in this era of belt-tightening, we must work to
ensure that new missions and research endeavors are brought to NASA
Glenn, which will further help solidify our state's status as a
space and aerospace leader," Brown said. "NASA Glenn's interests
are best served when members of the Ohio delegation-Democratic and
Republican-can work together to preserve jobs and bring new
missions to the center. This compromise legislation will help grow
NASA Glenn's already-diverse portfolio of work."
"This funding will provide a path to growth. Congress sent a
clear signal to the Administration: NASA is a jobs creator and an
investment in technology, research, and jobs. It is an
investment that pays off," Brown added.
"I'm pleased NASA will fund the rocket that was envisioned under
the Constellation program and one day we will get America back into
Space and back to the moon," LaTourette (R-OH) said.
"This is a tough year for funding at all federal agencies and for
all federal programs. As appropriators, Sen. Brown and I have
the ability to ease the sting of cuts and advocate for programs of
great local importance, like NASA Glenn. In the big scheme of
things, NASA Glenn fared well and the funding will help avoid job
losses."
"This bill allows NASA to begin development of a suite of
cutting-edge technologies that will accelerate the pace of our
future in space while creating high-tech jobs and fueling American
innovation at home," said Bobby Braun, NASA Chief Technologist from
Feb 2010 to Sept 2011. "Creating the breakthroughs of tomorrow
requires investing today in basic research and technological
development."
NASA's top-line budget will be funded at $17.8 billion, while
space technology work-a specialty at GRC-will be funded at $575
million. Aeronautics, another Glenn strength, will be funded at
$569.9 million. A Reduction-in-Force (RIF) moratorium-which
prevents layoffs of civil servants-will remain in effect,
protecting thousands of critical jobs. Closure of NASA Glenn will
also be prevented.