October 07, 2010
Posted by:
Carol Caruso
NASA's future course and new direction in space exploration has been determined. Congress has authorized the agency's spending for the next three years with the recent passage of Senate Bill 3729, the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2010. Although the bill provides $58 billion to fund NASA over the next three years, it is void of language protecting Ohio's aerospace assets, particularly NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC).
In a surprise turn of events, the House opted to support the existing Senate bill, as members determined there wouldn't be enough time in the legislative calendar to pass their own measure. Since the House took up the Senate version, without the legislative language the Greater Cleveland Partnership helped fashion with the Ohio Congressional Delegation to protect NASA Glenn, the GCP was unable to support the legislation.
Although the bill includes a three-year moratorium protecting NASA civil servants, it fails to provide protection to contractors, including many Northeast Ohio small businesses, and does not ensure future work assignments. The bill also neglects to allocate funding, an estimated $500 million, for an additional shuttle flight.
What's next?
Now that the NASA reauthorization legislation has passed, we will focus our attention on the FY'11 appropriations process, where we believe there is an excellent opportunity to make a difference and secure future work roles and responsibilities for NASA Glenn that will optimize its strengths and expertise. Particular areas of focus and opportunity include:
- Exploration technology development
- Space environmental testing
- International Space Station
- Heavy-lift launch vehicle roles and responsibilities
- Future work in design and development of solar electric propulsion, unified nuclear activities, and cryogenic upper-stage/transfer stage.
The GCP Advocacy team will remain engaged with Ohio Congressional Delegation members and their staffs and will continue to advocate for an agenda that will support GRC and its workforce by leveraging and enhancing the Center's many assets and competencies. We are committed to our strategy of actively seeking future work lead responsibilities.
We are determined to protect GRC, ensuring that it remains a catalyst for economic development and jobs in Ohio.
Category:
Advocacy
Tags:
NASA Glenn,
Congress,
Bill 3729,
NASA Reauthorization Act of 2010