FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2022
Coalition for Deep Space Exploration Urges Congress to Pass FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration (CDSE) congratulates the members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, along with their staffs, for today’s FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill, and supports its NASA appropriation. We strongly urge Congress to move quickly to pass it.
“Investments in NASA programs pay incredible dividends for our nation,” said CDSE President and CEO Frank Slazer. “That’s why we recommend that Congress pass this bill. NASA has demonstrated an incredible record of success over the past year – from the launch and deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope to Artemis I and many other missions.”
The $25 billion funding recommendation for NASA in today’s bipartisan $1.7 trillion Omnibus Appropriations package constitutes an increase of more than $1 billion from FY22 enacted levels. While CDSE is disappointed that NASA’s top line is only up by a bit more than 5.5% – by comparison, overall inflation is running around 8% – the bill shows strong bipartisan support for deep space exploration in a time of significant fiscal challenges by raising funding for exploration programs by 10%.
“Strong funding for exploration demonstrates solid support in Congress for NASA and industry’s work to return to the Moon and go on to Mars,” Slazer said. “This funding will help to create a diverse new “Artemis Generation” pursuing STEM and advanced manufacturing careers, propelling our nation to even greater technological accomplishments in the future.”
Some details remain to be worked out on ML-2 and “Artemis Campaign Development,” and after Artemis I schedule delays and supply chain impacts, it’s disappointing to not see additional funding for Orion to support the targeted future flight rate. That said, most Artemis programs of record are funded at the level of the President’s Budget Request, and the second Mobile Launch Platform is funded to continue work in FY23, which is essential to launching future Space Launch System missions with the Exploration Upper Stage. In the future, increased funding for the Orion spacecraft will be needed to enable a more robust exploration program.
About the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is a national organization of more than 50 space industry businesses and other stakeholders committed to assuring the United States remains a leader in space exploration, science, technology, and international cooperation. Based in Washington, D.C., the Coalition advocates in support of a long-term, sustainable direction for our nation’s space investments. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.exploredeepspace.com/.
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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 contact Dan Stohr at (703) 517-8173 or DNStohrConsulting@gmail.com.
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