[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 106 (Wednesday, July 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     H.R. 4412, THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 
                       AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2014

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JUDY CHU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2014

  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, on June 9, 2014, I proudly voted in favor of 
H.R. 4412, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 
Authorization Act of 2014, which passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 401 
to 2. NASA is an investment in our nation's future. Investments in the 
space program will energize, engage, and inspire the next generation of 
scientists, engineers, educators, and the public.
  NASA helps propel our nation's economy and technological edge by 
creating thousands of high-tech jobs in the aerospace industry, at 
research laboratories, and in universities, and will help strengthen 
the U.S. aerospace industrial base. Space exploration stimulates the 
best and brightest with cutting-edge scientific and technical 
challenges that will make our nation stronger and more competitive. For 
example, NASA research on advanced electronics and micro-chips helped 
create the Silicon Valley that provides the innovation and economic 
growth that benefits our nation today.
  But NASA is much more than a jobs program. NASA's science programs 
aim to answer fundamental questions about the nature and fate of the 
Universe, the origins of the planets and solar system, the lifecycle of 
stars, and will help us answer basic human questions, such as whether 
life has existed elsewhere, perhaps on Mars or maybe Jupiter's moon 
Europa.
  I'm supportive of NASA's planetary science program and the great work 
done by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), located in my 
Congressional district, in Pasadena, California. JPL has led the world 
in planetary science missions, including the Mars rovers, missions to 
Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus, among many others. The planetary science 
program is a unique symbol of our country's technological leadership, 
pioneering spirit, and our optimism for the future. It demonstrates 
that we are a bold and curious nation interested in discovering and 
exploring the richness of worlds beyond our own. A vibrant space 
program is the hallmark of a great nation.
  I also support Section 321 in the bill, which calls on NASA to follow 
the recommendations from the National Academy of Science's report on 
planetary exploration. Section 321 specifies regular opportunities for 
small, medium and large missions consistent with the report, and 
establishes a goal to launch a mission to Jupiter's moon Europa by 
2021.
  NASA's planetary science program is a crown jewel of our nation. I 
support these pursuits and investments because they inspire the public 
and the next generation of scientists and engineers that our nation 
needs.
  I urge my colleagues, and the Administration, to continue to robustly 
support NASA's cutting edge missions, engineering, and technology.

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