[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 92 (Thursday, June 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. LAMAR SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 16, 2009

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2847) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, 
     Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending 
     September 30, 2010, and for other purposes:

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Chair, as a Member of the House Science and 
Technology Committee, I strongly support full funding for the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
  NASA's research, innovation and exploration have had a positive 
impact on education, national security, health care, and the 
environment.
  The aerospace industry alone employs approximately 500,000 people 
across the nation and accounts for nearly 2 percent of the U.S. gross 
domestic product.
  Furthermore, NASA attracts students interested in science, 
technology, engineering and mathematics--fields vital to our country's 
long-term strength and prosperity.
  With proper funding, NASA will be able to continue a robust research 
program and develop new technologies to ensure that the United States 
remains the global leader in space exploration and innovation.

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