Sen. Cornyn Hosts Discussion On NASA's Future With Former NASA Administrator Dr. Griffin, U.S. Rep. Olson, & BAHEP President Bob Mitchell

Press Release

Sen. Cornyn Hosts Discussion On NASA's Future With Former NASA
Administrator Dr. Griffin, U.S. Rep. Olson, & BAHEP President Bob Mitchell

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today hosted a discussion regarding the future of the nation's space program with former NASA Administrator Dr. Mike Griffin; U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics; and Bob Mitchell, President of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. They discussed the many critical issues facing NASA, the Johnson Space Center, and the aerospace community in Houston.

"Human space flight is the pride of our nation and a powerful example of America's ingenuity at its best. We had a productive discussion today and shared our concerns about the Obama Administration's plans for human space flight and the impact it will have right here on the Johnson Space Center.

"President Obama has yet to nominate the next NASA administrator. A strong NASA administrator - like former Administrator Mike Griffin - can help ensure that human space flight remains the flagship program at NASA. Just as important is the need to continue the current Space Shuttle program to see through the completion of the International Space Station.

"Finally, we discussed opportunities for the Johnson Space Center once the new Orion Vehicle is ready for flight. It is essential that the Johnson Space Center remains at the forefront of the new program, and I will continue to do my part to ensure the center has the necessary resources to equip the fine men and women who work here with the tools they need to embrace these new opportunities," Sen. Cornyn said.

Rep. Olson said: "I was extremely pleased to be able to have the opportunity to discuss with Sen. Cornyn, Dr. Griffin, Mr. Mitchell and, most of all, concerned citizens and workers regarding our nation's space program. It is clear that the significance of America remaining the leader in aerospace and exploration is critical not just to this district or to Texas, but the entire nation. All the more reason leadership is needed now more than ever at every level. We are committed to this important task and continue to ask the Administration to be so as well."

In his newly released budget proposal, President Obama has called for a review of NASA's Constellation project, which is intended to replace the shuttle fleet for human space flight after next year. This signals a potential complication for NASA's future as it seeks to complete the International Space Station and enable the United States to remain the leader in the field of space exploration.

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