Administration Requests Causing Space Exploration Delays

We recently celebrated the 45th anniversary of putting a man on the moon. I believe space inspires future generations to dream big and work hard. The first foot prints on the moon’s surface were made by Americans.

I recently sent a letter to NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr. about reported delays to our nation’s space exploration systems. The news comes despite congressional support for these NASA priorities and repeated Administration assurances that they are on schedule.

The House Science, Space, & Technology Committee, for which I serve as chairman, has repeatedly committed to supporting these programs for a 2017 launch date. Now we are being told that date has changed to November 2018. The delay is alarming news that calls into question the commitment of the Obama Administration that has consistently reduced the budgets for our space exploration programs.

I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure these programs remain on schedule and on budget. I urge the Administration to once more renew its commitment to our nation’s space exploration programs.