Culberson Celebrates New Era in American Space Travel

Statement

Congressman John Culberson (TX-07) joined Senator Ted Cruz for the announcement of the NASA Commercial Crew Program, marking the next era in American-manned space travel.

"In many ways, today was much like the day in 1959 when America met the Mercury Seven astronauts for the first time. Today America met NASA's First Nine astronauts who will soon return to space in an American-built spacecraft in an American-built rocket from American soil. Just like the Mercury Seven, these nine astronauts are America's best pilots and engineers and they will open up an era of private space travel that will transform the future of American space exploration.

"As a third generation Houstonian, NASA astronauts have been my heroes and role models since I was a small boy growing up in West University Place. I dreamed of being an astronaut or astrophysicist, but today, because of the confidence of my constituents, I have earned enough seniority to become chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds NASA. As Chairman, I am keeping my promise to restore NASA funding to record levels to lift America's space program above and beyond the glory days of Apollo.

"I congratulate these nine American heroes and wish them God speed and good luck. They have the enthusiastic support of the American people, and they can always count on me to ensure they have the funding they need to succeed."

Since Congressman Culberson became the Chairman of the Subcommittee of Commerce, Justice and Science, which oversees NASA, he has increased funding to the space agency by $2.7 billion. This money is working to revitalize the space program and funding further explorations that will lay the ground work for future discoveries in space.

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