WHAT IS MO BROOKS UP TO ... YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AT WORK

BROOKS' BILL TO PROTECT FUNDING FOR KEY NASA PROGRAMS PASSES COMMITTEE WITH BIPARTISAN SUPPORT

Washington, D.C.– Today the Science Space and Technology Committee passed H.R. 3625, a bill introduced by Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL), on a bipartisan, unanimous vote, thus clearing the way for full House consideration of the bill. H.R. 3625 prohibits the Administration from canceling the Space Launch System (SLS), Orion Crew Capsule, International Space Station, or the James Webb Space Telescope without congressional consent.

In addition, H.R. 3625 frees up over a half a billion dollars in already appropriated funding for work on the Space Launch System, Orion Crew Capsule, International Space Station, and James Webb Space Telescope.


Congressman Brooks said, “According to the latest report from NASA, as of October 2013, SLS, Orion, Space Station and James Webb Space Telescope contractors are required to withhold $589 million in appropriated funding to cover potential termination costs should NASA unilaterally terminate these programs. H.R. 3625 frees up that $589 million for productive work on SLS, Orion, the Space Station, and James Webb Space Telescope.”

Brooks added, “I’m pleased the Committee chose to move forward with a full committee vote and passage of this important legislation. In a time of budget constraints, passage of this bill is one way to help ensure that vital NASA work stays on schedule. I’m also pleased the Committee agreed to the request of Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) to add the James Webb Space Telescope to our list of high priority protected programs.”

Rep. Edwards stated, “I want to thank my colleague Mr. Brooks for his graciousness in working with me to come to an agreement on the language of this amendment and to clarify our intent.” She continued, “In fact, bipartisanship as we know takes effort, it takes a willingness to compromise, and I am really encouraged by the outcome of the collaborative discussions we have had over this last week between members and their staff as well as between the majority and the minority committee staff."

Brooks concluded, “Rather than withholding scarce funds for termination liability, which creates delays that drive up long-term costs, H.R. 3625 frees up these vital resources to help ensure that the Orion Crew Capsule, Space Launch System, International Space Station, and James Webb Space Telescope will all move forward on schedule, thereby helping to preserve and promote American exceptionalism in space.”

Click HERE to read a copy of H.R. 3625.