Statement of Administration Policy [NASA Excerpt] H.R. 2862, Depts of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, FY2006

September 8, 2005 (Senate)
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
H.R. 2862, Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, FY2006
(Sen. Cochran (R) MS and Sen. Byrd (D) WV)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

The Administration appreciates the Committee’s strong support for the President’s priorities by fully funding the original request for Constellation Systems including the Crew Exploration Vehicle, as well as the request for the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS). The Administration seeks modification of the bill consistent with the President’s FY 2006 budget amendment, which identified additional resources within Exploration Systems for the Crew Exploration Vehicle and Crew Launch Vehicle and reallocates funding within the Science Directorate to focus resources on near-term requirements, including the option for a Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission with the Shuttle. The Administration strongly objects to the elimination of funding for key priorities, including the Space Station Cargo/Crew Services and Centennial Challenges programs, and urges the Senate to shift funding from lower-priority programs in the bill to restore the Administration’s request.

The Administration also strongly objects to a total of nearly $600 million in earmarked funding for unrequested activities, including $220 million above the President’s request for a possible Hubble servicing mission, which would significantly reduce the resources needed for critical ongoing and planned science and technology efforts. The Administration also urges the Senate to include requested flexibility in the bill for the transfer of funds, which may be necessary for important program adjustments.