Rogers Remarks at FY25 Budget Hearing For The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (As Prepared)

Apr 17, 2024

Statements

Good afternoon.

The Subcommittee will come to order. Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare a recess at any time.

Senator Nelson, it is good to see you again.

We welcome your testimony regarding NASA's fiscal year 2025 budget request.

The Biden Administration is requesting $25.4 billion in funding for NASA - a roughly 2 percent increase over the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.

Funding NASA is critical to getting back to the Moon, advancing our scientific understanding, and driving innovation.

However, we remain accountable to the taxpayer, and with the national debt continuing to skyrocket, it is critical that NASA remains focused on its core mission.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration was founded in 1958 in response to the "space race" with the Soviet Union to land the first man on the Moon.

Today, we find ourselves in yet another space race, this time with China.

China has made aggressive investments in both deep space exploration and low-earth orbit.

NASA's funding is critical to making sure the United States remains the international leader in space.

That first space race inspired many Americans, including myself.

To this very day, I am still awed with what NASA has achieved over the years and I suspect most Americans are as well.

NASA continues to inspire Americans of all ages through its investments in advancing science, exploring our solar system, and most notably the Artemis Missions with the goal of returning astronauts to the Moon and beyond.

I also want to highlight the NASA EPSCoR program, which is doing important work to provide opportunities for rural communities.

Morehead State University, located in my home district, is training our next generation of engineers and scientists.

Recently, Morehead State University staff and students stepped up to help NASA during the Odysseus robotic Moon landing - the first ever private spacecraft to land on the moon.

Working with NASA, Morehead State was able to assist with establishing a command bridge to overcome communication issues after challenges in the landing process.

Senator Nelson, as you accurately described it to me earlier, Morehead State University was the "savior" of this historic mission.

We are fortunate to have in the audience today Dr. Ben Malphrus who led this effort at Morehead State.

This amazing story is just one example of the important work Morehead State is doing, in a part of the country not traditionally known for space innovations.

I am so proud of the incredible work being done at Morehead State University to build the next generation of the space workforce to ensure the United States remains the global leader in space.

Many of NASA's missions are important for our country's international leadership, economic success, and scientific advancement.

However, it is the duty of this Subcommittee to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and to continue to thoroughly examine spending levels as we did in fiscal year 2024.

Given the current spending environment, I urge NASA to continue to innovate through partnerships to reduce costs, while not sacrificing mission advancements.

NASA has set forth an ambitious, but important, agenda and we look forward to hearing more about it today.

Thank you for joining us, Senator Nelson.

At this time, I would like to recognize Ranking Member Cartwright for any remarks he may wish to make.