George LeMieux Efforts to stop NASA from Canceling Constellation

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) has launched an effort to prohibit NASA from terminating the Constellation Program, which is the follow on space program replacing the space shuttle. The amendment to the FAA Reauthorization bill introduced by LeMieux reiterates federal law prohibiting NASA from using funds in FY2010 to cancel Constellation contracts. Joining LeMieux in the effort are senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Bob Bennett (R-UT).

"NASA is ignoring the will of Congress by taking steps to terminate the Constellation program. This effort sends the clear message that there are no loopholes, exclusions, or other routes the agency can use to kill the program," said LeMieux. "The ultimate determination on the future of the space program rests with Congress, not a budget proposal submitted by the administration."

"The president's proposal to cut funding for the Constellation program would reverse nearly 50 years of U.S. space policy and would effectively end the United State's leadership role in space. His plan cannot be justified as a cost-saving measure, as some have suggested, because it simply transfers spending to other programs rather than cut spending overall," said Senator Sessions (R-AL). "A policy change of this magnitude-determining the future of U.S. manned space flight-should rest with Congress, and not be decided based solely on a budget proposal. This important amendment would block the president's effort to kill Constellation, and would clarify that NASA cannot end the program without Congress, which is accountable to the voters, affirmatively making that decision."

"It is disappointing that Congress must remind NASA to follow the requirements that I included in last year's consolidated appropriations bill, which was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama," said Senator Shelby (R-AL). "Changes cannot be made to the Constellation program without enacting a new law. I expect NASA to execute the plan accordingly."

Without Constellation, the United States will be reliant on Russia for any manned space missions. The amendment would also waive Anti-deficiency Act provisions cited by the Administrator as justification for setting aside funding and stalling additional work on Constellation. It also requires a study to review the contracts and prohibits any efforts to cancel contracts necessary for the support of the remaining shuttle flights. ###

Related Files:

• Nasa Amendment - NASA Amendment.pdf (479.5 KBs)