Schiff criticizes proposed funding cuts to Mars projects

[Kablooie]

Rep. Adam Schiff (D) today vowed to fight a quarter-billion dollars in proposed funding cuts to NASA's Mars exploration programs out of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge "tooth and nail."

The statement came after President Obama unveiled his budget plan for the federal government fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, which includes a roughly $226-million funding cut for the unmanned Mars exploration and research programs that are mostly operated out of JPL.

A more clear picture of how the budget proposal would impact JPL was expected to take some time, especially since Obama's plan must past muster with Congress during an election year.

Under Obama's budget plan, NASA would get $17.7 billion for fiscal year 2013. That's only reportedly about $59 million less than what Congress approved for this fiscal year, but the spending priorities would be shifted to other projects, such as a so-called heavy-lift "space launch system" that could eventually transport astronauts to Mars.

Schiff, who expressed displeasure with the possible cuts in a meeting with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden last week, criticized Obama's proposal in a statement today, describing it as shortsighted.

"We must not sacrifice American leadership in space exploration, and I intend to fight this misguided proposal tooth and nail," said Schiff, whose district includes JPL.

http://www.lacanadaonline.com/news/tn-818-0213-schiff-criticizes-proposed-funding-cuts-to-mars-projects,0,5425744.story

[David__77]

1. We should be dedicated far more resources to this sort of endeavor.

We can make that a motor for economic and technological growth. When we look ahead thousands and upon thousands of years, it is all the more important. We have a responsibility to the future.

[1620rock]

2. What he said + 1000