Spending Blueprint Now Goes To President To Be Signed

The House of Representatives approved S. 3729, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010, with bipartisan support by a vote of 304 to 118 on Wednesday.     

House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) offered the following statement:
“I see today’s floor consideration to be only one more step in crafting a sustainable, affordable, and productive future path for NASA, and to ensuring stability and clarity to the NASA workforce and larger space community. To that end, I plan to continue to advocate to the Appropriators for the provisions in the Compromise language we released last week. I believe that the Compromise language provides a solid basis for NASA’s future activities.
 
It has been a difficult year for NASA and its civil servants and contractor workforce. We are in tough economic times, and sacrifices will have to be made. However, NASA is an investment in our future, and in the future of our children. The United States has been a global leader in space exploration and technology and innovation, and our efforts over the remainder of this Congress should be aimed at preserving that leadership position.”

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden expressed his appreciation to Congress for passing the spending blueprint. "We thank the Congress for their thoughtful deliberations about NASA's future over the past months," he said in a statement Wednesday. "Both the House and the Senate provided insight, ideas and direction that were truly exemplary of the democratic process. It is clear that our space program inspires passion and dedication across party lines, and for that we are truly thankful.

"This important vote today in the House of Representatives on a comprehensive NASA authorization charts a vital new future for the course of human space exploration. We are grateful that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 received strong support in the House after its clearance in the Senate, and can now be sent on to the President for his signature.

"The President has laid out an ambitious new plan for NASA that pioneers new frontiers of innovation and discovery. The plan invests more in NASA; extends the life of the International Space Station; launches a commercial space transportation industry; fosters the development of path-breaking technologies; and helps create thousands of new jobs. Passage of this bill represents an important step forward towards helping us achieve the key goals set by the President.

"This important change in direction will not only help us chart a new path in space, but can help us retool for the industries and jobs of the future that will be vital for long term economic growth.

"NASA appreciates all of the hard work and effort that has gone into advancing this legislation."

FMI: www.house.gov, www.nasa.gov