National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2014

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2014.

If enacted, this legislation would authorize NASA programs and set funding levels for fiscal year 2014. It supports the development of space exploration technology like the Space Launch System and critical NASA functions at the Johnson Space Center, which just happens to be located just outside my district. It also sets a clear goal that NASA's human spaceflight program should focus on missions below low Earth orbit.

It is time for NASA to focus scarce taxpayer resources on NASA's core mission: the development of capabilities necessary for manned missions to the Moon and beyond. As NASA no longer has the ability to transport American astronauts into space, it is also important that NASA continue development of systems to transport American astronauts to and from the international space station. We cannot afford to continue paying millions of dollars for seats on a Russian aircraft.

Mr. Speaker, on another front, I would argue that NASA is critical for four more reasons:

First, STEM--science, technology, engineering, and math. Imagine inspiring and encouraging young American students to shoot for the stars. NASA does just that.

Second, the technological advances afforded by NASA and its mission would once again make us, as my colleague from Maryland said, the envy of the world and give us the competitive edge in attracting new ideas, new talent, new businesses.

And third, and very importantly, Mr. Speaker, I would argue that any military commander knows that whoever occupies the high space in a military conflict will most likely win that conflict. Mr. Speaker, there is no other ultimate high ground than space.

Fourth and lastly, I would tell you that it is about international security. What do I mean by that? Think with me for a moment, Mr. Speaker. When the world has a catastrophe, whether it is a hurricane, a tsunami, whether it is war or floods, pestilence, famine, whatever it is, when the world has a catastrophe and dials 911, who is it that answers? It is us, isn't it, with our military might.

We have to have a strong America. NASA ensures that we have a strong America. A strong America ensures that we have a safe world. When America is that strong, safe world leader militarily and in innovation, this world will be a safer place.

NASA is critical, Mr. Speaker, and so are the brave, innovative men and women of NASA, and they deserve a clear mission and a roadmap from the administration and from us, the United States Congress.

That is why I support this legislation. As a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I look forward to continue working to ensure that precious taxpayer resources at NASA are not wasted, but prioritized in support of NASA's core mission so that it can remain the world's premier space exploration agency.

I am Randy Weber. There you have it.

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