Rep. Chu Responds to NASA Update on Mars Sample Return Mission

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) released the following statement:

"I have been a steadfast champion of Caltech and JPL as a national asset which has helped us accomplish some of the greatest feats in space for decades. I am disappointed that after eight long months of review on the Mars Sample Return mission, NASA is only just now issuing a call for studies on the best path forward. While I welcome efforts to improve industry partnerships on Mars Sample Return, last year's IRB clearly recognized the essential role that JPL will play in this mission given its world-class facility, expert staff, and successful track record in solar system exploration and Mars landings. Furthermore, I am extremely concerned that NASA is proposing a funding level for MSR that will be insufficient for JPL to continue making robust progress on the mission without sacrificing its integrity. It frustrates me that NASA has chosen the Planetary Science Decadal Survey's highest-priority mission to absorb almost the entire share of funding reductions. So while I am disappointed with NASA's announcements today, I remain dedicated to working with my colleagues to ensure increased funding is realized for this mission in Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 so that the JPL workforce is protected and the mission is proceeding at pace while NASA and JPL evaluate solutions that could help us accomplish this exciting effort."

Last month, Reps. Chu, Mike Garcia (CA-27), and Adam Schiff (CA-30) led 20 of their California colleagues in a bipartisan letter to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson urging him to commit at least $650 million to the Mars Sample Return program for FY 2024. Per a recently passed appropriations bill, NASA must commit at least $300 million on the Mars Sample Return program and can spend up to the President's FY 2024 budget request of $949.3 million.

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