Rep. Pete Olson (R-Sugar Land) today issued the following statement noting the 50 year anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's famous speech to Congress stating his intention to send an American to the moon:

"On this day 50 years ago, President Kennedy laid out an ambitious goal for human space exploration that would be hard to replicate today.  But his commitment that our nation should lead the world in human space exploration set us on a bold path that led to 50 years of American exceptionalism in space flight. 

"While we faced failures and challenges along the way, we learned from them and refused to quit. With American know-how, perseverance and love of exploration we met President Kennedy's goal in just eight and a half years.  It’s these American traits that got us to the Moon, built the International Space Station and achieved important discoveries in the name of science.  We defied expectations and accomplished what many thought was impossible.

"Since President Kennedy first issued this historic challenge, space exploration has been a bi-partisan effort. However, Russia, China, India and other nations are making the investments the U.S. isn't.  President Obama must renew our nation's commitment to excellence and human space exploration so that we do not lose our global leadership.  We cannot cede the high ground to other nations.  We must commit our nation to a dedicated, defined and long-term human space flight and exploration program.  Congress has shown our commitment to American exceptionalism and we urge the President to join us."

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