H.R. 4412, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2014

Floor Speech

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, on June 9, 2014, I proudly voted in favor of H.R. 4412, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Authorization Act of 2014, which passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 401 to 2. NASA is an investment in our nation's future. Investments in the space program will energize, engage, and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, educators, and the public.

NASA helps propel our nation's economy and technological edge by creating thousands of high-tech jobs in the aerospace industry, at research laboratories, and in universities, and will help strengthen the U.S. aerospace industrial base. Space exploration stimulates the best and brightest with cutting-edge scientific and technical challenges that will make our nation stronger and more competitive. For example, NASA research on advanced electronics and micro-chips helped create the Silicon Valley that provides the innovation and economic growth that benefits our nation today.

But NASA is much more than a jobs program. NASA's science programs aim to answer fundamental questions about the nature and fate of the Universe, the origins of the planets and solar system, the lifecycle of stars, and will help us answer basic human questions, such as whether life has existed elsewhere, perhaps on Mars or maybe Jupiter's moon Europa.

I'm supportive of NASA's planetary science program and the great work done by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), located in my Congressional district, in Pasadena, California. JPL has led the world in planetary science missions, including the Mars rovers, missions to Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus, among many others. The planetary science program is a unique symbol of our country's technological leadership, pioneering spirit, and our optimism for the future. It demonstrates that we are a bold and curious nation interested in discovering and exploring the richness of worlds beyond our own. A vibrant space program is the hallmark of a great nation.

I also support Section 321 in the bill, which calls on NASA to follow the recommendations from the National Academy of Science's report on planetary exploration. Section 321 specifies regular opportunities for small, medium and large missions consistent with the report, and establishes a goal to launch a mission to Jupiter's moon Europa by 2021.

NASA's planetary science program is a crown jewel of our nation. I support these pursuits and investments because they inspire the public and the next generation of scientists and engineers that our nation needs.
I urge my colleagues, and the Administration, to continue to robustly support NASA's cutting edge missions, engineering, and technology.

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