Issue Position: NASA and Science

Issue Position

NASA and the aerospace industries are a symbol of pride and honor for our country and represent the best hopes and ideals of our nation. The issues surrounding the development of space technology and the continued use of human spaceflight in the United States is my highest economic priority for the Space Coast. This will continue to be the centerpiece of my focus as a member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee. NASA's future space missions are critical to the continued development of new technologies, as well as our high-tech infrastructure in Central Florida that will help create jobs and grow our economy.

Our country needs to set a clear path to success for NASA and we need to have a defined way forward, something that so far this Administration has been unable to provide for all the stakeholders of the space program. I will be working with my colleagues over the coming months to help create stability and a clear plan for the future of the space industry. Continuing to give NASA the resources they need is only a small piece of what we are facing and it is important to think beyond the most immediate needs. I will be a strong advocate for your family and my friends and neighbors on the Space Coast as we go about the difficult task of planning for life after the shuttle.

NASA and the companies that have been created as a result of the space program contribute billions of dollars to the local economy. People have made their livelihoods and continue to base their future plans on the support of the space program -- this is no small matter. This impact is not lost on me and as long as I am in the House of Representatives, it will not be lost on my colleagues. Rest assured that as your representative in Congress, I will continue to educate my colleagues on the importance of the continuation of human space flight.

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