Kucinich Addresses NASA Glenn Workers

Press Release

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) welcomed NASA Administrator Charles Bolden to the NASA Glenn Research Center (NASA Glenn) today in meetings with industry leaders and NASA Glenn employees preceding the Administrator's speech at the Cleveland City Club. The NASA Glenn Research Center is located in Brook Park in Ohio's 10th Congressional District. Congressman Kucinich has been a tireless advocate in Congress for protection of NASA's civil servant workforce and has led numerous Ohio delegation letters to appropriators, bringing vital programs and projects to NASA Glenn.

"I appreciate that Administrator Bolden is here and am thankful for his accessibility to Members of Congress from the Ohio delegation," said Kucinich in introductory remarks at the "All Hands' meeting of NASA Glenn employees. "We in Congress feel that Glenn Research Center is one of the many strengths of NASA's constellation. Since 1966, Glenn workers have brought home two out of every three R&D 100 Awards that have gone to NASA from R&D Magazine. We in Congress are working to make sure we do what we need to do to keep Glenn strong.

"While the 18 Representatives and two Senators from Ohio have many divergent views, we all agree on the importance of Glenn Research Center. We are looking at the 2011 budget and the changes in programs the Administration is advocating. Changes in programs are OK, but we need a full workforce. Skills are translatable across the spectrum. If there are program changes, the Glenn workforce can respond."

"Kucinich also addressed the need for continued support and funding for aeronautics at NASA Glenn. "There are benefits to increases in aeronautics. I never let people forget that this is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. We need to make sure nothing is siphoned off from the programs here. We owe the Glenn workforce a debt of gratitude for its dedication, skills and vision."

"In response to a question from one of the employees about NASA's potential role in the current Gulf of Mexico oil spill, Kucinich responded: "While the oil spills into the Gulf--a spill created by society's need for fuel--NASA Glenn can spur the development of new energy technologies. Your part in developing new technologies from carbonless fuels developed years ago at NASA, to new materials, wind turbines, solar power and micro-technologies, is crucial to the future of the world. NASA Glenn needs to be enlisted in solving this problem. I will communicate with the White House and ask that NASA be part of an expanded terrestrial mission and see NASA's role enlarged. The potential here is incredible."

Congressman Kucinich also extends his congratulations to the newly appointed director of NASA Glenn, Ray Lugo, and looks forward to working with him.

After the meetings at NASA Glenn, Kucinich joined other Members of Congress and the public at the City Club for Administrator Bolden's speech.

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