Comment by Rep. Kucinich: Letter to Dr. Michael D. Griffin on Aeronautics

LETTER TO DR. MICHAEL D. GRIFFIN — HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH (Extensions of Remarks – June 07, 2005)

HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICHOF OHIO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, June 7, 2005

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, on May 26, 2005, I sent the following letter to Dr. Michael D. Griffin, Administrator National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ):

House of Representatives,

May 26, 2005.

Dr. MICHAEL D. GRIFFIN,

Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC.

DEAR DR. GRIFFIN:

NASA is able to develop long term, high-risk enabling aeronautics technologies that the private sector is unwilling to develop because they are too risky or too expensive. In fact, government funding of basic science has historically been the major role of government-sponsored research in aeronautics as well as the pharmaceutical, defense, and energy industries. When that basic research yields information that could lead to a service or product with profit potential, the private sector transitions the technology from research to development in order to bring it to market.

It is clear that where there is no basic research, there can be no development. Where there is no research and development, there can be no competitive industry. Without a thriving competitive aeronautics industry, we undermine our economy, national security, and airline safety.

Any management decisions that significantly erode NASA’s aeronautics programs will require decades and billions of dollars to replace. We urge you to take all possible steps to preserve a robust aeronautics program at NASA .

Sincerely,

Dennis J. Kucinich,

Member of Congress.