Sierra Vista Herald- Giffords Opposes Obama's Space Plan

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While President Barack Obama is "doing a terrific job," Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords said his decision to commercialize the U.S. space program is wrong.

"I don't agree with him on this particular point," she said Tuesday.

Expressing concerns that the country's national security could be harmed if private companies are given the opportunity to send missions into space, the Arizona Congressional District 8 representative said "it's not a good idea."

And yes, there are some personal reasons, for her husband Mark, a U.S. Navy officer, is an astronaut and will be in command of the next-to-last shuttle mission.

Ever since the country went into space, the benefits of the mission have provided new ideas which helped the nation's aviation industry and a number of health benefits have resulted, as well as other equipment and material, Giffords said.

"NASA has inspired decades of Americans," she said.

As the chair of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science and Technology Committee, Giffords said $9 billion has been spent on a much-needed new shuttle, and the program shouldn't be deserted.

"I don't like putting all our pace eggs into a commercial basket," she said

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