[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 125 (Monday, July 31, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         NASA: LOOKING TO SPACE

                                 ______


                           HON. WAYNE ALLARD

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 31, 1995
  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a minute to show my 
support for NASA and the space station. NASA is a critical investment 
in America's future. The contributions made by NASA have provided major 
breakthroughs in science and technology, which in turn, have 
contributed to long-term economic growth and provided opportunities for 
future generations.
  Technology is rapidly changing, and NASA has been a major part of 
that change, with its long range research focus. While the private 
sector should be the principal place for developing new and improved 
technologies, many of NASA's investments have led to spinoffs which 
have been successfully incorporated into the marketplace--for example: 
Virtual reality, color and 3-dimensional graphics, language 
translators, compact discs, heart rate monitors, water purification and 
filters, breast cancer detection, microlasers, fireman's air tanks, and 
emission tests.
  Even with these innovations, NASA has remained focused on its one 
core mission: Space exploration. NASA's mission does not interfere or 
compete with private industry. NASA stands as a strong example of how 
government research can compliment private industry research.
  I have always had the utmost respect for the research by NASA but in 
the past I have not always been their strongest ally. I have voted 
against the NASA budget the space station when I believed NASA was 
wasting resources and moving away from their core mission. Though it 
took much prodding from Congress and a major reduction in their budget, 
I strongly believe NASA is now one of the leanest and most productive 
agencies of the Federal Government.
  Earlier this year, the Budget Committee held hearings on corporate 
downsizing. At these hearings, we heard from General Electric and 
Kodak. They told the committee how they successfully downsized their 
companies while producing more. With their reduced budget, this is 
exactly what NASA has accomplished. NASA's budget has already been 
reduced by 35 percent since fiscal year 1993 and has reduced its work 
force to its lowest level since 1961. The agency has stepped up to the 
challenge and is accomplishing more while spending less. For example, 
NASA's new mission control saved millions of dollars by buying and 
using marketplace computers and technology. I believe NASA is an 
example that all agencies and departments should follow.
  Since I have been in Congress, the space station has been extensively 
debated. Today, the redesigned station is less expensive and more 
capable. The new design saves $5 billion in developmental costs, 
reduces annual operating costs by half, and expands the station's 
research capabilities. The space station will conduct valuable medical 
and technological research which can have great benefits for the 
future. In addition, the station is a cooperative project with Russia, 
Japan, Canada and member nations of the European Space Agency. This 
project brings together the world's best and brightest scientists to 
work for solutions to problems here on Earth.
  Congress should not turn its back on the future. It is imperative 
that America remains first in technological advancements. We need 
technology to move this country forward. NASA is a sound investment 
which can help facilitate new technological innovations and discoveries 
that will lead America into the 21st century.


                          ____________________