Providing for Consideration of H.R. 6063, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008

Floor Speech

I thank my good friend from Florida (Mr. Hastings) who is a strong supporter of the space program.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Act of 2008.

NASA is celebrating its 50-year anniversary this year, and I salute and congratulate everyone at NASA for their contributions to American life and science. Space exploration and research comprised the foundation of technological advances in America that have greatly improved all of our lives.

For example, in early NASA missions, large-scale integrated circuits were created that today are the basis for all modern computers, and how would we live without computers today? NASA also helps the United States maintain its competitive edge in the global marketplace. More engineers now come from outside the United States that are produced by our colleges and universities.

America can do better. NASA is one of the keys to doing so. NASA scientists and researchers keep America focused on innovation and better-paying jobs. In addition, fewer and fewer children are interested in entering science fields, even though our world today is dominated by science and technology. We must encourage young people and students to stay interested in science and enter scientific fields of study. The fantastic NASA missions and research also plays a vital role here.

There are currently seven astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery preparing to return to earth after a highly successful mission. I had the privilege of watching the successful launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery a week and a half ago at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. I was thrilled to share that day with our colleague, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, as her husband, Mark Kelly, is the commander of the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Congratulations to the Discovery crew, the mission team on the ground as well, as they have successfully delivered the Japanese Kibo scientific lab to the International Space Station and have now completed their mission. The personnel at the Kennedy Space Center and their partners throughout Florida have an unmatched dedication to our country's space program.

They are a highly trained workforce with a record of achievement and tradition that cannot be matched. That's why it troubles me that President Bush has threatened a veto of this important NASA bill.

I urge President Bush to reflect on these facts before he picks up his veto pen, which he threatened to do yesterday in a letter to us. Before President Bush vetoes this outstanding NASA reauthorization bill, I would urge the White House to consider the economic impact of such a bill.

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I thank the gentleman.

Before President Bush picks up his veto pen to veto this outstanding NASA reauthorization bill, I urge the White House to consider the economic impact of such a veto on the State of Florida, Florida's economy, and aeronautic research and science throughout this country.

I congratulate Chairman Udall and all in the committee for this fantastic bill. Congratulations to everyone at NASA for their 50-year anniversary.

I urge a ``yes'' vote on this important bill.

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