(Overall Agency) Senate Rpt.107-222 VA-HUD Appropriations Bill 2003
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
- Appropriations, 2002 – $14,901,600,000
- Budget estimate, 2003 – 15,000,000,000
- Committee recommendation – 15,200,000,000
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was
established by the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to conduct
space and aeronautical research, development, and flight activities for
peaceful purposes designed to maintain U.S. preeminence in aeronautics
and space. NASA’s unique mission of exploration, discovery, and
innovation is intended to preserve the United States’ role as both a
leader in world aviation and as the pre-eminent space-faring nation. It
is NASA’s mission to: advance human exploration, use and development of
space; advance and communicate scientific knowledge and understanding of
the Earth, the Solar System and the Universe; and research, develop,
verify and transfer advanced aeronautics and space technologies.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $15,200,000,000 for the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration for fiscal year 2003, an increase of
$200,000,000 above the budget request and $298,400,000 above the fiscal
year 2002 enacted level.
The Committee remains sensitive to continuing risks regarding the
illegal transfer and theft of sensitive technologies that can be used in
the development of weapons by governments, entities and persons who may
be hostile to the United States. The Committee commends both NASA and
the NASA Inspector General (IG) for their efforts to protect sensitive
NASA-related technologies. Nevertheless, this will remain an area of
great sensitivity and concern as the development of technological
advances likely will continue to accelerate. The Committee directs NASA
and the NASA IG to report annually on these issues, including an
assessment of risk.
