DeLay: NASA Funding Fulfills President’s Space Vision; House Passes NASA Funding Bill by Vote of 418-7

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) today said the Science, State, Justice and Commerce spending bill, which includes $16.5 billion for NASA, will continue Congress’ work to implement President Bush’s bold new vision for space exploration. The House of Representatives passed the appropriation bill today by a bipartisan vote of 418- 7.

“The return of the shuttle to flight is the first step in a long process that, truth be told, may outlast most of our careers,” DeLay said. “We’re still years away from the moon, and even further away from Mars, but make no mistake – we’re going.

“The creative, brilliant minds that this NASA funding supports will power the next space journey and make history once again.”

The funding bill passed today sets aside $16.5 billion for NASA – $275 million more than last year’s bill and $15 million above the administration’s request. In addition to providing the full request for the Space Shuttle program, this legislation funds the president’s vision for space exploration at $3.1 billion.

“The president’s vision will be fulfilled, NASA’s mission will be accomplished, and mankind’s ancient questions will be answered,” DeLay said. “That’s not overconfidence; that’s a promise.”

DeLay is known as one of Congress’ strongest proponents of space exploration and represents the 22nd Congressional District of Texas, which includes NASA’s Johnson Space Center and many of its employees.