House Approves NASA Authorization

July 22, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues today in voting to support the ongoing work of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the La Canada-Flintridge based Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The NASA Authorization Act, H.R. 3070, which establishes spending levels for the agency and its programs, was approved with broad bipartisan support, 383-15.

“NASA’s programs inspire all Americans to think beyond normal limits, and I am pleased the House issued such a strong signal of support with the passage of this bill,” Dreier said. “The accomplishments of NASA and the JPL, like the Deep Impact collision, landing of the MARS Rovers, and the shuttle’s anticipated return to flight serve the important purpose of showing students the limitless opportunities in the world of science. Encouraging our youth to achieve in the sciences in essential to being competitive in today’s global economy.”

The legislation approved today contains support for future research and development of the space program, including those carried out at JPL. The bill authorizes an increase from $6.87 billion to $7.33 billion for NASA’s Science Directorate, which funds a large portion of JPL’s budget. The bill also calls for new research to reduce fuel consumption and noise levels of commercial aircraft, research into a hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft, and development of an unmanned aircraft that could operate in Mars’ atmosphere. In addition, the bill directs NASA to undertake a near-Earth object survey program to detect and track objects such as asteroids and comets.

DREIER ON H.R. 3070