FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2021
Coalition for Deep Space Exploration Applauds Proposed Investments in NASA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration applauds the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee for including $4.4 billion for NASA in the Committee print passed yesterday in support of the House infrastructure budget reconciliation package.
The SS&T draft includes $4.4 billion in long overdue investment in our nation’s space agency. The bulk of that figure — $4 billion — would go toward repairing and modernizing aging NASA facilities. Some $388 million would fund climate change research and development, and $12 million would support associated activities in information technology, cybersecurity, and oversight.
“NASA is a national treasure — an agency that mobilized our country’s vast resources and brainpower to put a man on the moon within a decade of its founding. But many of its facilities date back to the 1960s or even earlier,” said Frank Slazer, President and CEO of the Coalition.
“We encourage the full House to support this funding and urge the Senate to follow suit in its reconciliation budget bill,” Slazer said. “This funding is an important step toward assuring that NASA can continue our nation’s leadership in space exploration and the technological advancement and inspiration it brings.”
“While the overall size of the reconciliation package is still in flux, these investments are especially important right now,” Slazer said.
Over the years, a wide range of NASA programs has been funded. But investment in the agency’s infrastructure, much of which lies in areas prone to hurricanes and earthquakes, has been neglected. Additionally, NASA facilities in places like Wallops Island, Virginia; Florida’s Space Coast; New Orleans; Mississippi; and Houston all face significant threats because of climate change.
“As the Artemis program prepares to bring the first woman and first person of color to the moon, we must assure that the infrastructure needed to support this effort — and many other vital NASA missions, including science and climate change research — is capable of supporting these investments in our future,” Slazer said.
About the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration
The Coalition is a national organization of more than 60 space industry businesses and universities focused on ensuring the United States remains a leader in space, science and technology. Based in Washington, the Coalition engages in outreach and education reinforcing the value and benefits of human space exploration, space science, and commerce with the public and our nation’s leaders, building lasting support for a long-term, sustainable, strategic direction for our nation’s space program.
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MEDIA CONTACT
For more information or to schedule an interview with Coalition for Deep Space Exploration President and CEO Frank Slazer, please contact Maddie Auerbach at 202-471-4228 or madeline@keybridge.biz.
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