[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1148-E1149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    LETTER TO DR. MICHAEL D. GRIFFIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 7, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, on May 26, 2005, I sent the following 
letter to Dr. Michael D. Griffin, Administrator National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration (NASA):

                                     House of Representatives,

                                                     May 26, 2005.
     Dr. Michael D. Griffin,
     Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Dr. Griffin: NASA is able to develop long term, high-
     risk enabling aeronautics

[[Page E1149]]

     technologies that the private sector is unwilling to develop 
     because they are too risky or too expensive. In fact, 
     government funding of basic science has historically been the 
     major role of government-sponsored research in aeronautics as 
     well as the pharmaceutical, defense, and energy industries. 
     When that basic research yields information that could lead 
     to a service or product with profit potential, the private 
     sector transitions the technology from research to 
     development in order to bring it to market.
       It is clear that where there is no basic research, there 
     can be no development. Where there is no research and 
     development, there can be no competitive industry. Without a 
     thriving competitive aeronautics industry, we undermine our 
     economy, national security, and airline safety.
       Any management decisions that significantly erode NASA's 
     aeronautics programs will require decades and billions of 
     dollars to replace. We urge you to take all possible steps to 
     preserve a robust aeronautics program at NASA.
           Sincerely,
                                               Dennis J. Kucinich,
                                               Member of Congress.

     

                          ____________________