Cornyn Testifies at NASA Hearing

CORNYN TESTIFIES AT NASA HEARING

Hearing focuses on the President's new vision for space exploration

Mr. Chairman, I would like to extend a warm Texas welcome to you and NASA Associate Administrator Readdy and express my appreciation for the opportunity to testify today. It is also an honor to be joined by my friend and the Johnson Space Center's best friend in the Congress, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives. As a Senator representing Texas, I am immensely proud of the dedicated men and women working at the Johnson Space Center. The Center has been the home of America's manned spaceflight operations for over 40 years. In Houston, working at NASA is more than a job; it is a way of life dedicated to expanding our body of knowledge and way of life through human space exploration.

On January 14th, the President unveiled a vision for our space program that is worthy of our great nation - daring, innovative and revolutionary. The United States was settled by pioneers who were determined and undaunted by any obstacle. NASA and the private companies supporting our space program are a modern manifestation of this pioneering spirit. NASA, and especially the men and women who work at the Johnson Space Center face new and exciting challenges. In the near term, we must return the Space Shuttle to flight consistent with updated safety precautions. The Shuttle is a critical link to the President's plans for the future. The Shuttle will transport the remaining components to complete the International Space Station. The Space Station will serve as a research center to increase our understanding of long-term exposure to space and as a springboard to the Moon, and eventually to Mars. The President clearly recognized what many in this room knew to be true. The country, NASA and the Johnson Space Center needed a new goal. His new vision will reinvigorate the space program and capture the public's imagination. There has been much discussion recently about the economy and foreign competition for manufacturing, computer programming and business support functions. Some advocate trade barriers and other protectionist measures. Instead, I believe we must strive for excellence to make sure the United States is always the technology leader. A reenergized NASA and contractor community can play a critical role in the larger American economy to maintain our technology leadership position. A daring and challenging space program will attract the best and brightest by encouraging American students to study engineering, computer programming and the sciences. NASA can serve as an intellectual catalyst for development of a new generation of technology, much like previous NASA innovations that led to the development of Global Positioning Systems and CAT scan equipment. Mr. Chairman, I want to again express my appreciation for the opportunity to testify at this field hearing today. I look forward to working with you and Majority Leader Delay in support of the President's new plan.