[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 136 (Wednesday, September 14, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H6150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NASA ANNOUNCEMENT ON SLS

  (Mr. PALAZZO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, this morning, NASA announced the design 
of a new space launch system which will be the basis for future 
exploration beyond low Earth orbit. It is a critical step, but one 
among many we need to take. Although I am pleased this decision was 
made, it is long overdue since it was mandated by the NASA 
authorization bill passed in the last Congress. This announcement 
combines existing technologies while enabling new ones, all the while 
attempting to maintain the most skilled and dedicated workforce in 
existence in human space flight. NASA's plan still lacks the 
destination focus I would like to see, and we must be diligent in 
keeping costs manageable, especially in these difficult economic times. 
But the investment in our Nation's space program enables men and women 
like those at the Stennis Space Center to do what they do best--test 
rocket engines for space flight.
  America is the leader in human space flight. Today's decision helps 
continue that leadership role.

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