07/09/13
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2013
(Washington, DC) – Today, Ranking Member of the Space Subcommittee, Donna F. Edwards (D-MD), introduced H.R. 2616, the NASA Authorization Act of 2013. H.R. 2616 reauthorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for three years, beginning FY 2014 with an authorization level of $18.10 billion and increases at about 2 percent a year to a level of $18.87 billion by FY 2016. Full Committee Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) is an original cosponsor of the bill, along with Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL); Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR); Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA); Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY); Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL); Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA); Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA); Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA); Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX); and Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL).
“NASA is critical to the Nation and its economic strength. This Authorization bill is a vitally important opportunity to set the policy direction and authorize the funding needed to ensure America’s global leadership in space” said Congresswoman Edwards. She added, “Unfortunately, in the past few years, NASA has been asked to do more despite being provided with fewer resources. This is intolerable as NASA is the Nation’s crown jewel for spurring innovation, highly-skilled and good paying jobs, and inspiring the next generation of scientists. This fiscally responsible bill puts NASA back on track to greatness and provides flexibility in how the agency is to implement engineering and scientific details.”
Important provisions in the bill include:
- Preserving NASA’s purchasing power relative to FY2012 enacted levels by authorizing $18.1 billion;
- Providing a clear goal of a crewed mission to the surface of Mars and requiring a roadmap that identifies intermediate destinations and activities which contribute to enabling achievement of that goal;
- Recognizing the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew vehicle as the highest priorities for carrying out the Mars goal;
- Providing robust funding for commercial crew system development of $700 million per year;
- Maintaining U.S. commitment to International Space Station (ISS) operations through 2020 and initiating a process for determining if and how long ISS should operate beyond 2020;
- Restoring Planetary Science to $1.5 billion in annual funding following recent cuts to the program;
- Maintaining a sound Earth Science program that ensures observing systems development, and advances research, knowledge, and applied data uses that benefit society;
- Sustaining a stable aeronautics research program, consistent with FY 2012 enacted levels, that supports research priorities, strategic initiatives, and flight demonstrations;
- Investing in space technology to enable future missions, spur innovation, and contribute to economic growth and job-creation; and
- Sustaining NASA’s STEM education activities and continuing agency education and outreach activities supported by scientists and engineers.
Ms. Johnson said, “NASA is a critical part of the Nation’s innovation infrastructure, a driver of technological and scientific progress, a positive symbol of the United States throughout the world, and most importantly, a source of inspiration for successive generations of our young people. I strongly believe that this bill enables NASA to be such wonderful things. This bill deserves the support of all Members of Congress. If we are successful in establishing the vision and strategic direction for NASA and authorize commensurate funding levels, NASA will continue to be that shining beacon all Americans can be proud of.”
Ms. Edwards added, “It is my hope that we can work together with Members on both sides of the aisle to ensure that NASA’s mission is clear, expectations will inspire the public and workforce, and that the level of resources enables the agency to be successful.”
Floor Statement by Hon. Donna F. Edwards (submitted into the Record)
On the Introduction of “The Apollo Lunar Landing Legacy Act, H.R. 2617”
July 9, 2013
Mr. Speaker, in 1969, led by the late Apollo Astronaut Neil Armstrong, American ingenuity changed history as humanity took a giant leap forward on the surface of the moon. That history, as preserved on the lunar surface, is now in danger, as spacefaring commercial entities and foreign nations begin to achieve the technical capabilities necessary to land spacecraft on the surface of the moon.
The United States must be proactive in protecting our unique cultural heritage left by the seven Apollo lunar landings. I am excited to have introduced H.R. 2617, “the Apollo Lunar Landing Legacy Act,” which would expand and enhance the protection and preservation of the Apollo lunar artifacts while providing for greater recognition and public understanding of this achievement for generations to come. I would like to thank Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for her commitment to the space program and for being an original cosponsor of this bill. It is also significant that we have introduced H.R. 2616, “the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Authorization Act of 2013,” legislation that reauthorizes NASA and ensures the Agency remains a multi-mission agency with a balanced and robust set of core missions in science, aeronautics, space technology, and human space flight and exploration.
The Apollo Lunar Landing Legacy Act will ensure that the scientific data and cultural significance of the Apollo artifacts remains unharmed by future lunar landings. This Act will endow the artifacts as a National Historic Park, thereby asserting unquestioned ownership rights over the Apollo lunar landing artifacts. The legislation will additionally require the Secretary of the Interior to pursue nominating the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing site, where humanity left its first steps on the moon, as a World Heritage Site. The bill builds on the recommendations of the 2011 report, “NASA’s Recommendations to Space-Faring Entities: How to Protect and Preserve the Historic and Scientific Value of U.S. Government Lunar Artifacts.”
Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, this Act addresses an increasingly important aspect of our cultural heritage that I want to be available for future generations. I hope that all Members will join me in supporting “the Apollo Lunar Landing Legacy Act” by cosponsoring H.R. 2617.
Article: Time Magazine - National Parks on the Moon? It's An Excellent Idea
Forty-four years after the first moon walk, a bill before Congress would protect the Apollo landing sites as historical parks — and remind us of what we once were
By Jeffrey Kluger July 20, 2013
