Griffith: 'Administration Making Huge Mistake Cutting Constellation Program

Press Release

Congressman Parker Griffith speaks on the Administration's 2011 budget proposal which would end NASA's Constellation program.

"I'm extremely disappointed the President isn't including any funding for the Constellation program in his 2011 budget proposal. The Administration is making a huge mistake," said Griffith.

"We cannot interrupt this program -- it is too important to the security of the United States. We depend on manned space flight -- it is part of our culture, especially in our North Alabama community.

"Not granting more funding means that we are scrapping four and a half years and billions of dollars of testing. It means we are allowing other countries to get ahead of us in space exploration. If the Administration is able to carry out its plan, the U.S. will have a second-class space division. This decision is a clear sign that this Administration is out of touch with manned space flight.

"The budget that was submitted yesterday by the President is merely a proposal. I have contacted the White House and requested to meet as soon as possible about how we can bring about a solution. Congress has the ability to put this funding back into the budget and will have a final say in what is appropriated."

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