Cruz Pushes for $10 Billion Boost in NASA Funding Through Budget Reconciliation Bill

WASHINGTON — The chair of the Senate Commerce Committee proposed adding $10 billion to support NASA’s human spaceflight and exploration programs. On June 5, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced a series of legislative directives aimed at the Senate’s budget reconciliation bill, which includes new spending, funding cuts, and tax reductions.

Among the proposed changes, about $9.995 billion would be allocated for NASA for this fiscal year, extending funding through 2032. A significant portion, $4.1 billion, would go towards the production of Space Launch System rockets for upcoming Artemis missions. Interestingly, NASA’s budget plan suggests stopping SLS development and the Orion spacecraft after Artemis 3.

Another $2.6 billion is aimed at completing the Gateway project, although the administration seeks to cancel it. The proposal also earmarks $20 million for Orion’s continued development for Artemis 4, though the reasons for this small amount remain unclear.

In addition, $700 million would fund a Mars Telecommunications Orbiter. This spacecraft is vital for future missions, including returning Mars samples to Earth and supporting manned missions. However, the administration’s budget suggests canceling the Mars Sample Return mission.

To bolster international partnerships, the proposal includes $250 million annually for the International Space Station from fiscal years 2025 to 2029. This would help counter suggested cuts in ISS operations. There’s also $325 million earmarked for the development of the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle.

Moreover, $1 billion would be allocated for improvements at NASA’s Kennedy, Johnson, Marshall, and Stennis centers. NASA faces over $5 billion in backlogged repairs, but this funding would focus on centers essential for manned spaceflight and for keeping pace with China in exploring Mars and the Moon.

Besides NASA, the package also sets aside funds for the Coast Guard and air traffic control improvements. Notably, it includes a provision for the FAA to charge fees for commercial space launch licenses, estimated to generate $100 million through 2034, which would support the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation.

Sen. Cruz emphasized the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in space and improving critical infrastructure. “We need to ensure the U.S. is first to Mars and back to the Moon, not China,” he stated.

The fate of this package in the Senate is still uncertain, especially since it needs to align with a House version that lacks support for NASA. The reconciliation bill has stirred controversy, partially due to critiques from notable figures, including Elon Musk.

The proposal has garnered backing from the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), which highlighted its alignment with a proposed NASA authorization bill. Eric Fanning, AIA’s president, stated, “This effort shows Congress is dedicated to advancing mission-critical programs and maintaining our space leadership.”

The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration also expressed support, stressing the need for ongoing investment in existing capabilities. They voiced that this investment is crucial in the competitive landscape of space exploration, particularly in light of China’s ambitions.

As the U.S. navigates its path in space exploration, the upcoming decisions could significantly impact its role on the global stage.

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