Lampson Leads Efforts to Secure $1.3 Billion Increase in NASA Funding for 2008

Press Release

Lampson Leads Efforts to Secure $1.3 Billion Increase in NASA Funding for 2008

Today the House voted 281 to 142 to approve FY08 NASA funds, and Congressman Nick Lampson (D-Stafford) led the charge for increasing NASA funding above the President's request. Lampson encouraged his colleagues to support the NASA outlays in two speeches on the House floor yesterday on preserving NASA funding at the new levels.

"I am tremendously pleased that NASA funding has come even closer to the amount needed to continue thorough agency operations," said Congressman Lampson. "With so many important matters to address, including bridging the gap toward the next generation of crew exploration vehicles, earth sciences and climate research, and numerous projects both here on the ground and in space, the stability of NASA's budget is critical and must be supported by Congress and the President."

NASA is funded in the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill, and the House approved a funding level for NASA at $17.8 billion, a $1.3 billion increase over last year's funding level. During the past several weeks, Congressman Lampson personally arranged for several meetings between NASA Administrator Michael Griffin and Congressional leaders, committee chairs, and other key Members to discuss the importance of NASA funding. The meetings were largely successful in securing commitments to NASA's future priorities, and spared NASA from cuts during the House floor debate.
Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Allan Mollohan (D-WV) offered strong praise for Congressman Lampson on the House floor during debate: "[M]y talks with the gentleman from Texas have made it clear how important NASA funding is to the gentleman, significantly contributing to NASA's ability to meet all of its mission commitments. The gentleman is to be commended for his commitment and his hard work on behalf of NASA and on behalf of NASA's employees.

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