Feeney Announces NASA Reauthorization Bill

Press Release

Tom Feeney today announced his cosponsorship of H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008, which was introduced yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tom Feeney represents the Kennedy Space Center and serves as the Ranking Member of the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee. H.R. 6063 reauthorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for an additional year and bolsters its programs in human spaceflight, earth science, space science, and aeronautics research.

"I'm pleased that this bipartisan legislation strongly affirms the strategic vision for America's human spaceflight program that was crafted in the aftermath of the 2003 Shuttle Columbia accident. This bill tasks the next Administration to carry out a healthy and vigorous portfolio of space and aeronautics research and space exploration.

"The Space Coast's adjustment to the post-Shuttle era will be helped by the $1 billion authorization dedicated to reducing the gap in America's human spaceflight program. I will fight to ensure that the next Administration requests and Congress appropriates these needed funds," said Feeney.

As to human spaceflight, H.R. 6063:

- Authorizes an additional $1 billion to shrink the gap between the Space Shuttle's retirement
and operational flights of the Orion spacecraft - the Shuttle's replacement.

- Affirms that America's post-Shuttle spaceflight program will expand human exploration
beyond low earth orbit with the Moon as the first destination.

- Confirms that human exploration will then reach beyond the Moon to several possible solar
system locations including Mars.

- Authorizes additional funding to ensure a viable International Space Station program after its
assembly is completed in 2010. Support is provided for the purchase of American-based
commercial cargo and crew transportation services to the Station.

- States that the Shuttle will be retired after flying out its current manifest that will now include
one additional mission to transport the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the International
Space Station.

On Tuesday, May 20, the bill is expected to pass the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee with Representative Feeney's support. In June, the legislation is then expected to come before the House Committee on Science and Technology and then before the full House of Representatives.

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