Mikulski Pushes $200 Million For NASA

Chairwoman Mikulski Announces Funding for Critical Domestic Priorities in Emergency Supplemental

"National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): $200 million: In the aftermath of the Columbia tragedy, however, NASA was not given any additional funding to repair the remaining shuttles. To date, NASA has already spent $2.7 billion to make safety modifications to the remaining shuttle fleet. The emergency supplemental includes $200 million for NASA to help pay back the costs and restore cuts to science, aeronautics and exploration programs that were cut in order to pay for the return to flight."

Lobbying To Shrink The Gap

Space race over, but some don't want to ask Russians for a ride, The Hill

"With the breakup of the Soviet Union, the concern is less about national security and proving which country's worldview is correct than it is with more terrestrial worries like money and jobs. With some irony, lobbyists note in meetings on Capitol Hill that America's former communist foe would have monopolistic powers to charge what it likes to take astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), a program led by the United States and Russia that is scheduled to be completed in 2010. ... Meanwhile, the United Space Alliance added the Breaux-Lott Leadership Group to its roster of outside lobbyists, which already included Van Scoyoc Associates."

Congress Pushes for More Money, Science, at NASA

Texans in Congress try to boost NASA budget, Houston Chronicle

"In the Senate, Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee, said she was asking colleagues to add at least $1 billion to the NASA budget. Hutchison said she wants to add one more shuttle flight in order to ferry the $1.5 billion Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the international space station to study the energy-producing possibilities of cosmic rays. "We're not giving NASA the priority it should have," said Hutchison, a member of the Senate Republican leadership. "It should remain the premier agency for innovation and research."

IFPTE Comments on NASA Budget Boost Letter

IFPTE Letter To House Appropriators Regarding Bipartisan Letter Requesting Additional Funding for NASA

"In addition to the immediate, beneficial stimulatory impacts of increasing NASA's budget, the critically needed supplemental funding will revitalize long-term investments in our Nation's future. Unless Congress takes significant steps today to ensure NASA's success across all of its vital missions by providing appropriate funding for its broad array of responsibilities, we may very well relinquish America's future leadership in civil and military aviation, Earth and Space Science, and Aerospace technology, leaving our children to look eastward as the European Union and China move quickly to capitalize on our complacency."

FY 2010 Budget Limbo: Its Official!

OMB Memo: Requirements for the FY 2010 Budget Process

"The FY 2010 Budget will be submitted by the next President. In order to lay the groundwork for the incoming Administration, we intend to prepare a budget database that includes a complete current services baseline ¹ and to gather information necessary to develop current services program estimates for FY 2010 from which the incoming Administration can develop its budget proposals. ... You are not required to submit a formal budget request in September, and there will be no formal Director's Review or Passback processes this Fall. Most of the policy materials you usually submit in September in support of your budget requests will not be required until after the new Administration or Transition Team is in place, although as noted above you may be asked to provide information on select topics in the Fall. Many non-policy materials will be required, however, as discussed below."

Mikulski Tries Again To Help Pay For Shuttle Costs

Mikulski Renews Pledge to Increase NASA’s Budget, Fight for $1 Billion Repayment for Columbia Costs

"The 2009 CJS spending bill is Senator Mikulski's third attempt to gain approval of her $1 billion NASA amendment. In 1987, Congress allocated $2.7 billion in the aftermath of the Challenger tragedy to pay for a replacement shuttle. In the aftermath of the Columbia tragedy, however, NASA was not given any additional funding to repair the remaining shuttles. The amendment will pay back the costs of returning the Shuttle to flight and restore cuts to science, aeronautics and exploration programs that were cut in order to pay for the return to flight."

LaRC: Spend It Or Lose It

NASA Langley told to speed up spending, Daily Press

"The agencywide cut amounted to about 1 percent of the NASA budget, while Langley's slice was less than 1 percent of its total. But NASA leaders are now putting an emphasis on speeding up procurement and spending, lest Congress decide to send more of its cash elsewhere."

VSE: No Bucks - No Buck Rogers

National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Overview, FY2009 Budget, and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service 26 Feb 2008 via OpenCRS

"NASA stresses that its strategy is to "go as we can afford to pay," with the pace of the program set, in part, by the available funding. In 2004, the President proposed adding a total of $1 billion to NASA's budget for FY2005 through FY2009 to help pay for the Vision, but subsequent Administration budgets more than eliminated this proposed increase, and actual appropriations by Congress have been even less. Most funding for the Vision is thus being redirected from other NASA activities. To free up funding for Orion and Ares I, the space shuttle program will be terminated in 2010, and U.S. use of the ISS will end by 2017. NASA has not provided a cost estimate for the Vision as a whole. Its 2005 implementation plan estimates that returning astronauts to the Moon will cost $104 billion, not including the cost of robotic precursor missions, and that using Orion to service the ISS will cost an additional $20 billion. A report by the Government Accountability Office gives a total cost for the Vision of $230 billion over two decades."

OIG on FY 07 Audit

NASA OIG: Status of FY 2006 Management Letter Findings and Recommendations, in connection with the audit of NASA's FY 2007 Financial Statements.

"E&Y separately reported in its "Report on Internal Control," dated November 13, 2007, certain matters involving internal control and its operation that it considered to be significant deficiencies and material weaknesses under standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. E&Y also followed up on matters involving internal control (Enclosure) that were reported in the "Comments on Internal Control and Other Matters" letter issued February 1, 2007, as part of the fiscal year (FY) 2006 audit."

Budget Update

AIP FYI #41: Bad News/Good News: Congress Takes First Steps in FY 2009 Appropriations Cycle

"... the general sentiment in Washington is that the probability of concluding the FY 2009 budget cycle by its start on October 1 is very slim. There is a widespread consensus that Congress and President Bush will find it necessary to use a series of stopgap funding bills to maintain program spending in the new fiscal year at this year's levels. This is expected to have grave ramifications for the programs of most federal agencies, which will grow worse as the standoff continues into what is expected to be early 2009."

NASA's Latest Budget Problems

Major NASA projects over budget, USA Today

"Two-thirds of NASA's major new programs are significantly over budget or behind schedule, according to the agency's latest report to Congress. NASA's nearly stagnant budget requires the agency to cut projects to make up for unexpected expenses, and cost overruns nearly shut down one of the rovers on Mars -- until it got a reprieve Tuesday. They also threaten completion of a climate-change satellite called Glory."

Mars Rovers Survive NASA's Budget Crunch, Washington post

"Closing down either of the rovers is not on the table," Brown quoted Griffin as saying Monday night. Then yesterday NASA released a statement that said: "This letter was not coordinated with the administrator's office and is in the process of being rescinded. The administrator has unequivocally stated that no rover will be turned off."

NASA holds off on budget cuts to Mars rover program, LA Times

"Griffin's statement blamed the cost overruns "in large part" on an underestimate of the design problems connected with building a rover as complex as the MSL, which has cooking ovens and a laser that can zap rocks from a distance. Other factors include a need for a larger than expected workforce at JPL, as well as the cost of redesigning the heat shield for the rover after the original shield failed in tests."

NASA FY09 Science Budget Hearing

House Science and Technology Subcommittee Expresses Concern over Budgetary Outlook for NASA Science Programs

"Added Udall, "NASA's challenging new science initiatives are to be built on a budget that increases by only 1% through FY11, and that assumes only inflationary increases at best in the years beyond that. There will be little new money--instead, there will be a continuing need to transfer of funds across the science accounts to support each new initiative--an approach some might call 'robbing Peter to pay Paul'. I'm very concerned that such an approach will not prove sustainable or credible."

Witnesses: FY 2009 NASA Science Budget Makes Best of Limited Resources

Statement of Alan Stern
Statement of Jack Burns
Statement of Berrien Moore
Statement of Lennard Fisk
Statement of Steven Squyres

More Money For NASA?

Some House members want to increase NASA's budget, Daily Press

"House budget writers signaled Wednesday they will try to increase NASA's budget for next year, warning that President Bush's spending request would leave the aerospace agency unable to fully conduct its missions. Democratic and Republican leaders of a key House panel told NASA Administrator Michael Griffin they were uneasy with a budget that they said fails even to keep up with inflation. "You're cash-strapped," said Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va., chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee that funds NASA. "The budget is categorized as staying the course. It doesn't seem adequate anymore."

Statement by NASA Administrator Griffin Before before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Editor's note: Of course, most Congress watchers here in Washington are almost certain that the next budget will end up as yet another continuing resolution. So don't look for any dramatic increases in NASA's budget - especially in an election year when everyone is preoccupied. Of course, knowing that this is a likely scenario, its easy for members of Congress to say that they want to plus up NASA's budget - when they know that they'll never really have to deliver on that desire. Ah, Washington.

House Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee Hearing: NASA (5 March)

House Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee Hearing: NASA (6 March)

House Budget Hearing

House Committee on Science and Technology Examines FY09 NASA Budget

"Dr. Griffin and his team are dedicated and hardworking and represent some of the "best and brightest" in the nation. Yet I am afraid that this budget and the vision for NASA that it represents fails them in several important ways:

And most fundamentally, I have to ask whether it is credible to believe that we will be able to successfully carry out the human lunar program proposed by the Administration--while still maintaining a balanced NASA portfolio overall--if the NASA budgetary outlook doesn't improve. If it isn't credible, then we will need to determine whether there are any changes to be made that will still keep us moving forward in a balanced manner under the funding likely to be available to NASA."

Statement of Michael D. Griffin FY 2009 Budget Hearing 13 February 2008 (What Griffin actually read from)
Statement of NASA Administrator Michael Griffin 13 February 2008 (What Code L posted)
House Science and Technology Committee Evaluates FY09 NASA Budget Release
Opening Statement By Chairman Bart Gordon
Opening Statement By Chairman Mark Udall

Budget Impact on Field Centers

NASA Langley could see funding reduced by $92M, Daily Press

"NASA Langley Research Center could see a $92million drop in its budget next year — a cut of about 13 percent — but the center director said Monday that work from other NASA centers should flow in over the year to make up the gap."

Here Come The Shuttle Job Cuts

Kennedy Space Center could face job cuts in Bush's NASA budget proposal, Orlando Sentinel

"NASA expects to shed as many as 1,000 workers from its space-shuttle program in 2009 -- including an unspecified number at Kennedy Space Center -- as part of a $17.6 billion budget outlined Monday by the White House."

[Exploration Capabilities] Space Operations Employment Summary

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Identification code 80-0115-0-1-252      2007 actual   2008 est.   2009 est.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Direct:

1001  Civilian full-time equivalent 

        employment......................       5,748       5,791       3,540

    Reimbursable:

2001  Civilian full-time equivalent 

        employment......................          52          11          11

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Page 11

- Shuttle retirement and transition planning continues, however, the specific requirements and budget estimates for Shuttle retirement after FY 2010 are too immature to be incorporated.

Page 12 - Space Shuttle Retirement and Transition to Constellation

- Preserving the skilled Shuttle workforce necessary to fly through retirement, especially as vendors complete their final deliveries, and transitioning key elements of the highly-skilled engineering and technician workforce to support the new Exploration systems

- Fully understanding Space Shuttle retirement costs, including the disposition of Shuttle facilities and equipment. Congressional authorization for Agency-wide Enhanced Use Leases starting in January 2009 will help defray NASA costs.

- Supporting the International Space Station following the retirement of the Space Shuttle, especially purchasing crew and cargo transport services.

- NASA is preparing a package of legislative provisions to help in the transition from the Space Shuttle to the new Constellation Systems.

SMD Budget Update

A Budget Message from Alan Stern Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate

"A month ago today I wrote you an email via NSPIRES about the work being done in NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) to invigorate the flight and research programs we're administering. Although there was good news to talk about then, I could not discuss the content of the President's FY09 budget request and what that budget portends for SMD."

More Budget Reaction

Administration's NASA Budget Woefully Inadequate, IFPTE

"With today's unveiling of President's Bush's final budget, the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers (IFPTE) expressed grave disappointed with the failure of the White House to match its rhetoric to the Office and Management and Budget's (OMB) fiscal plan. This no truer than at NASA when comparing the stated grand Vision for Space Exploration with the Administration's proposed meager NASA budget that barely keeps up with inflation."

Congress Reacts To New NASA Budget

In reacting to NASA's new budget, House Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon said:

"At first blush it unfortunately appears to be a "business-as-usual" budget that does little to address the significant challenges NASA is facing. In short, it continues the Administration's practice of underfunding the agency relative to the missions the agency has been asked to undertake. Thus, NASA's aeronautics program is kept on a downward spiral despite congressional actions to the contrary, the agency's technology programs remain in an anemic condition, and its science programs face an uncertain future as funds are shuffled from one science account to the next in order to free up funds for proposed new initiatives."

"While those new initiatives may be laudable, the ability to sustain them under the Administration's proposed budget plan is open to question. On the human spaceflight side, the situation is equally problematic, with no funds provided to accelerate the Crew Exploration Vehicle, no funding for Shuttle retirement and transition costs after 2010, and question-marks about the Administration's commitment to the utilization and support of the International Space Station once the Shuttle is retired. The Committee will be taking a close look at the President's NASA budget request in upcoming hearings as part of our preparations for reauthorizing NASA's programs."

NASA FY 2009 Information from OMB

Deputy Administrator National Aeronautics and Space Administration Feb. 4, 2008

"This morning, the president announced the Fiscal Year 2009 budget for the entire federal government. Six-tenths of one percent of that budget is NASA. The president's request for NASA is $17.6 billion, a 1.8 percent increase over the FY2008 enacted budget, along with a steady, five-year runout that includes an increase each year of around 2.4 percent."

NASA Budget Page

NASA FY 2009 Budget Information, OMB

Detailed information (PDF), OMB

[Exploration Capabilities] Space Operations Employment Summary

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Identification code 80-0115-0-1-252      2007 actual   2008 est.   2009 est.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Direct:
1001  Civilian full-time equivalent 
        employment......................       5,748       5,791       3,540
    Reimbursable:
2001  Civilian full-time equivalent 
        employment......................          52          11          11
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Cross Agency Support] Employment Summary

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Identification code 80-0122-0-1-252      2007 actual   2008 est.   2009 est.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Direct: 

1001 Civilian full-time equivalent employment                        7,928 

Reimbursable: 

2001 Civilian full-time equivalent employment                           16 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Identification code 80–0114–0–1–999      2007 actual   2008 est.   2009 est.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Direct: 

1001 Civilian full-time equivalent employment            12,091     12,029 

Reimbursable: 

2001 Civilian full-time equivalent employment               122         69 

NASA Budget Briefings

NASA Announces FY 09 Budget Briefings for Press

"NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale will brief the news media about the agency's Fiscal Year 2009 budget at 2:30 p.m. EST, Monday, Feb. 4. The press conference will take place in NASA Headquarters' James E. Webb Memorial Auditorium located at 300 E St., S.W., in Washington."

Texas Lawmakers Jump on Weldon Bandwagon - Sort of

NASA gets bipartisan push from Texas lawmakers for more money, Houston Chronicle

"In a show of bipartisan support, Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Democratic Rep. Nick Lampson said Thursday they will try again this year to get an additional $2 billion in NASA funding to help close a five-year gap between the space shuttle's retirement and the maiden voyage of the Orion moon ship."

Comments from Jim Green on NASA SMD R&A Budget

Planetary Exploration Newsletter Volume 2, Number 2 (January 5, 2008)

"With the passage of the NASA budget it is now possible to provide you with some of the good news in the R&A portion of Planetary's budget."

President Bush Signs H.R. 2764 into Law

President Bush Signs H.R. 2764 into Law , White House

"Today, I signed into law H.R. 2764, legislation that will fund the Federal Government within the reasonable and responsible spending levels I proposed -- without raising taxes and without the most objectionable policy changes considered by the Congress. This law provides a down payment for the resources our troops need, without arbitrary timelines for withdrawal. The Congress should quickly take action next year to provide the remainder of the funding needed by our troops."

Bad Budget News For NASA, earlier post

Kistler COTS Issues Hold up Entire COTS Program

Joint Explanatory Statement to Accompany Consolidated Appropriations Amendment Division B--Commerce, Justice, Science

"The amended bill provides $160,000,000 for the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which is intended to demonstrate private sector technologies that could potentially resupply the International Space Station in the future. However, the Appropriations Committees note that one of the two COTS contracts is currently in dispute, and are concerned by NASA's recent decision to re-compete the disputed contract before all challenges have been resolved. In doing so, NASA could potentially create a liability to fund three proposals instead of two as originally envisioned, increasing the costs of this program to the taxpayers. Therefore, NASA is directed not to select a new contractor until all challenges are decided. Further, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is directed to perform a full review of COTS program expenditures and management."

Bad Budget News For NASA

Text of the House Amendments to Senate Amendment to H.R. 2764 – State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008) Division B--Commerce, Justice, Science

"That, of the amounts provided under this heading, $5,577,310, 000 shall be for Science, $625,280,000 shall be for aeronautics research, $3,842,010, 000 shall be for exploration systems, and $556, 400, 000 shall be for cross-agencys upport programs: Provided further, That the amounts in the previous proviso shall be reduced by $57,900,000 in corporate and general administrative expenses and the reduction shall be applied proportionally to each amount therein: Provided further, That none of the funds under this heading shall be used for any research, development, or demonstration activities related exclusively to the human exploration of Mars."

Joint Explanatory Statement to Accompany Consolidated Appropriations Amendment Division B--Commerce, Justice, Science

"NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION The amended bill provides $17,309,400,000 for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) instead of $17,622,500,000 as proposed by the House and $17,459,600,000 as proposed by the Senate. The Senate bill included an additional $1,000,000,000 designated as an emergency requirement. The amended bill does not include this emergency funding."

"The amended bill includes a rescission of $192,475,000 from unobligated balances available" from prior year appropriations, instead of $69,832,000 as proposed by the House. The amended bill includes language requesting that within 30 days after the date of the enactment of this section the Administrator shall submit to the Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate a report specifying the amount of each rescission made pursuant to this section." [Source]

"The amended bill provides $160,000,000 for the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, which is intended to demonstrate private sector technologies that could potentially resupply the International Space Station in the future. However, the Appropriations Committees note that one of the two COTS contracts is currently in dispute, and are concerned by NASA's recent decision to re-compete the disputed contract before all challenges have been resolved. In doing so, NASA could potentially create a liability to fund three proposals instead of two as originally envisioned, increasing the costs of this program to the taxpayers. Therefore, NASA is directed not to select a new contractor until all challenges are decided. Further, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is directed to perform a full review of COTS program expenditures and management." [Source]

"In order to assist Congress in determining the optimal approach regarding t h e Arecibo Observatory, NASA shall contract with the National Research Council to study the issue and make recommendations. As part of its deliberations, the NRC shallreview NASA's report 2006 Near-Earth Object Survey and Deflection Study - and its associated March 2007 Near-Earth Object Survey and Deflection Study as well as any other relevant literature. An interim report, with recommendations focusing primarily on the optimal approach to the survey program, shall be submitted within 15 months of enactment of this Act. The final report, including recommendations regarding the optimal approach to developing a deflection capability, shall be submitted within 21 months of enactment of this Act. The NRC study shall include an assessment of the costs of various alternatives, including options that may blend t he use of different facilities (whether ground- or space-based), or involve international cooperation. Independent cost estimating should be utilized." [Source]

Weldon Shuttle Extension Update

U.S. urged to keep space shuttle flying past 2010, Reuters

"[Weldon's] proposal, which would cost about $10 billion, would have the shuttles make six or seven additional flights between 2010 and 2013 and speed up development of the Orion ships to be ready by then. A second proposal would keep the shuttles flying until 2015 and leave Orion's schedule alone."

Budget Update

NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale's Blog: Thoughts on December 7, 2007

"NASA FY2009 Budget: We are full-swing in the budget season for FY2009. The agency received the FY2009 passback from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (this is the response to NASA's original budget submit). We continue with the discussion phase with OMB. The end result will be incorporated into the President's budget, which will be rolled out in February 2008. Then, Congress will take up the budget for its consideration."

Attempt to Cut NASA Budget Foiled

Senate rejects raid on NASA budget, Houston Chronicle

"The Senate fended off an effort Tuesday to raid $150 million from NASA's budget, rejecting a Republican senator's effort to shift funds to a program that reimburses Texas and other states for incarcerating illegal immigrants. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and other NASA defenders argued vigorously that the space agency already is suffering from inadequate budgets and that its missions would be compromised if the cuts were enacted."

Senate Votes to Plus Up NASA by $1 Billion

Excerpt from Congressional Record Regarding U.S. Senate Action to Add $1 Billion To NASA's Budget For Space Shuttle Return to Flight Activities

Senate Passes Mikulski-Hutchison Amendment to Add $1 Billion in NASA Funding

"U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Space, Aeronautics and Related Sciences, and Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), the Chairman of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriation (CJS) Subcommittee, today passed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2008 CJS appropriations bill to provide $1 billion in additional funding for NASA. The funding will reimburse the agency for costs incurred for returning the Space Shuttle to flight status following the Columbia disaster and implementing recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board."

Senate Dear Colleague Letter: Introduction of NASA Restoration Amendment

"Dear Colleague: We are writing to urge you to support our amendment to the CJS bill to add $1 billion to NASA's budget to reimburse NASA for costs of safely returning the space shuttle to flight after the Columbia accident. Following the tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia on February 1, 2003, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) worked tirelessly with the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) to identify the causes of the accident and to return the Space Shuttle to flight to support the completion of the International Space Station."

Senate Floor Schedule: Thursday, Oct 4, 2007: 9:00 a.m.: Convene and begin a period of morning business. Thereafter, resume consideration of H.R.3093, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008.

Mikulski Delivers on Commitment to Pay NASA Back, Includes $1 Billion in Budget

"NASA was hit with a terrible tragedy with the loss of Columbia. The agency was never fully reimbursed and was forced to make dramatic cuts to other programs," said Senator Mikulski. "I am committed to restoring this agency's budget to ensure the continued safety of our astronauts, and to supporting the critical programs that are the hallmarks of their success."

U.S. Senate Votes to Add $1 Billion to NASA Budget, Planetary Society

"The final bill will then be sent to the President for signature.  President Bush has already stated that he will veto the CJS Bill as passed, since it is several billion dollars over his request (even before the NASA $1 billion increase). If the bill is vetoed, it will be sent back to the House and Senate to begin the process again.  If this happens, most of the appropriations bills will likely be wrapped into an "Omnibus Spending Bill."  Final action on this legislation is not likely until the end of the year."

Statement of Administration Policy H.R. 3093 - Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008

"The Administration strongly opposes S. 1745 because, in combination with the other FY 2008 appropriations bills, it includes an irresponsible and excessive level of spending and includes other objectionable provisions."

NASA's Need to Explain Itself

NASA budget facing squeeze, Huntsville Times

"There are a lot of people that just don't understand what NASA does, and those people pay taxes," said McDaniel, who accompanied Gordon and Cramer at Marshall. "We are fortunate here in North Alabama. We have a NASA center. Not everybody does. Many, many people don't understand what goes on in the space program, and then they think NASA is a waste of money. "Only NASA can fight that, and it needs to do a better job."

NASA's Messy Finances: Green Light At The End Of The Tunnel?

NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale's Blog: Financial Management

"2002 was the last year in which NASA's auditors were able to provide a "clean" opinion of the Agency's financial statements.  2003 was the year NASA implemented its integrated financial management system, and the process and data issues uncovered during that implementation resulted in the auditors' inability to provide subsequent opinions on NASA's financial statements.  NASA has made considerable progress toward improved financial health and reporting since that time, as evidenced by improved scores on the Financial Management Improvement component of the President's Management Agenda scorecard.  The Agency is currently "green" on progress based on the successful accomplishment of its corrective action plan milestones."

NASA OIG Final Memorandum on Audit of NASA's Compliance with Federal Internal Control Reporting Requirements

Business Modernization: NASA Must Consider Agencywide Needs to Reap the Full Benefits of Its Enterprise Management System Modernization Effort, GAO

NASA Still Can't Figure Out How To Keep Its Books

NASA OIG Final Memorandum on Audit of NASA's Compliance with Federal Internal Control Reporting Requirements

"We found that NASA's process for complying with Federal internal control requirements was not adequate in FY 2006. While the FY 2007 process will see progress (e.g., additional guidance to be issued), additional improvements are needed. NASA's internal control reporting process was, and continues to be, developed without a well-defined and structured approach. We found that NASA's FY 2006 guidance, as well as the guidance being drafted for FY 2007, were incomplete or lacked sufficient clarification and were not distributed in a timely manner."

Following The Pork

NASA OIG Audit of NASA's Management and Funding of Fiscal Year 2006 Congressional Earmarks

"NASA's FY 2006 budget of $1 6.6 billion included 199 earmarks with congressionally directed finding of $568.2 million' or 3.4 percent of the Agency's budget. The total cost of the 199 FY 2006 earmarks was $576.2 million, which included the $568.2 million in congressionally directed funding plus $8 million in Agency oversight and administration costs."

IEMP Still Doesn't Work Properly

Business Modernization: NASA Must Consider Agencywide Needs to Reap the Full Benefits of Its Enterprise Management System Modernization Effort, GAO

"Since GAO last reported on NASA's IEMP efforts, NASA implemented its IEMP contract management module and upgraded the software used for its core financial module. NASA has also taken steps to improve its processes for managing IEMP--including implementing improved requirements management and testing processes, enhancing its performance metrics related to tracking system defects, and developing an IEMP risk mitigation strategy. Further, NASA has developed quantitative entry and exit criteria for moving from one phase of an IEMP project to another--a recognized industry best practice. However, NASA has not yet addressed weaknesses in the areas of requirements development and project scheduling, which ultimately caused the agency to assume a greater risk that it would not identify significant system defects prior to implementation of the core financial upgrade."

21st Century Competitiveness Act and NASA

AIP FYI #84: Landmark S&T Bill Passed by Congress

Gordon: House Passes Landmark Bill Investing in America's Students, Teachers, Workers

Competitiveness Package Passes House - Republicans Voice Concerns over Spending Authorization Levels

Conference Report, 21st Century Competitiveness Act, 2007 (NASA Excerpts)

"The National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall be a full participant in any interagency effort to promote innovation and economic competitiveness through near-term and long-term basic scientific research and development and the promotion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, consistent with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's mission, including authorized activities."

Budget Update

Udall: House NASA Budget a Step in the Right Direction

"House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO) issued the following statement today following passage by the House of H.R. 3093, the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill for 2008, which contains appropriations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)...

NASA AIP FYI #80: FY 2008 House NASA Appropriations Bill

"The House Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee recommends that NASA receive an 8.2 percent increase in its FY 2008 budget. Under this bill, now being considered on the House floor, NASA's science budget would increase 4.2 percent."

Fixing NASA's Budget

Udall Urges Conrad to Question Nussle on NASA Funding

"As part of an ongoing effort by the House Committee on Science and Technology to highlight and address the dire funding situation at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO) has enlisted the help of Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND)."

White House Opposes Aeronautics, Education, Science, increases - threatens Veto

"Because Congress has failed to demonstrate such a path, if H.R. 3093 were presented to the President, he would veto the bill. ...

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - The Administration supports the House's full funding for NASA's Exploration Systems and Space Shuttle. However, the Administration does not endorse funding in excess of the request for Aeronautics, Education, and Science, where increases for near-term support would create unsustainable outyear funding requirements. The Administration also strongly objects to reductions to the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite Continuation Project that would reduce the future system availability of critical space communications capabilities for NASA and other partner agencies. The Administration further objects to the proposed establishment of several new appropriations accounts in FY 2008, that are not necessary and would adversely impact NASA's financial management system, processes, and controls."

IFPTE Letter Regarding Consideration of H.R. 3093

Editor's note: The White House is backing Griffin's push to burn every spare piece of firewood at NASA that he can find so as to keep one program going i.e. Ares 1 - and to do so at the expense of the remainder of NASA's chartered portfolio. And the sad hilarity of it all is that the White House now claims to be concerned about the future consequences of spending more on aeronautics, education, and science. They are apparently blind to the effects their decisions have already had on the agency's future i.e. they promised big bucks for VSE, then they did not deliver, then they drained money from elsewhere to pay VSE's mounting bills -- and now they balk when someone (Congress) tries to rectify the problem the White House has created.

Planetary Society Arm Waving?

NASA Mars Program Threatened by Senate Funding Bill, Planetary Society

"It appears that the entire sum will be taken out of the Mars exploration budget, including $20 million from funds supporting the Mars Exploration Rovers. This could force NASA to shut down the Mars rovers at the end of the current fiscal year!"

Editor's note: "It appears" and "could force"? Sorry Lou, that's not quite what I am hearing from NASA and elsewhere here in Washington. While the Senate did take $30 million out of Mars reserves, the House did not do this in their version of the bill and between subsequent conference action on this bill and inherent flexibility within NASA's Mars program, this is not expected to be present in the final Appropriations bill.

Besides, what kind of message would Congress be sending out by singling out a single, small item such as the rovers - just as Opportunity is poised to enter Victoria Crater - at the same time as they are going out of their way to tell people how they have substantially increased the money they feel NASA deserves?

The Planetary Society has been (rightfully and to their credit) complaining about space science cuts. So, guess what: Congress strongly reverses this trend - and yet the Planetary Society still seems to be missing the bigger picture.

Getting Pork The Old Fashioned Way in Huntsville

Editor's note: Looks like Dave King's office has been busy. If you can't get funding for things at your center from your boss, you can always get your local Senator to toss some pork back your way. In this case its $9,350,000 worth of pork. Of course, it also helps Sen. Shelby's popularity back home to shovel tax dollars at the locals - even if the money goes to places that has nothing whatsoever to do with NASA's charter. Just come up with round numbers too. You don't need to bother and check and see what the actual financial needs are - they'll figure out how to spend the money. Total FY 2008 pork bill for Sen. Shelby: $16,350,000. Here's the list:

From Senate Report 110-124 - DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE AND JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2008:

Of course, it also helps to shovel tax dollars at the locals to keep them happy too - event if it has nothing whatsoever to do with NASA's charter:

Budget Update

Senate Report 110-124: NASA Excerpts - Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2008

"The Committee recommendation provides $17,459,600,000 for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA]. The recommendation is $1,175,300,000 above the fiscal year 2007 enacted level, including emergency supplemental appropriations, and $150,200,000 above the budget request."

Senate Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Committee Clears Fiscal 2008 Funding Legislation

"National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): The bill provides $17.46 billion for NASA, $1.2 billion above FY 2007 and $150 million above the Presidents budget request. The bill fully funds the Presidents budget request for Space Shuttle operations ($4 billion) and Space Station operations ($2.2 billion). The bill also provides: the full Presidents budget request of $3.9 billion for development of the next generation Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV, called Ares) and Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV, called Orion), $5.66 billion for science; and $554 million for aeronautics research."

Editor's note: The committee staff don't seem to know their agency names all that well - they refer to the "National Atmospheric and Space Administration (NASA)" in this release.

Griffin Stresses Need to Eliminate Content Due to Budget Cuts

NASA Strategic Management Council 22 May 2007: Grffin Comments on Agency Strategy

"Griffin stated that if the Agency is to achieve its goals, it is critical to be able to eliminate content in the face of budget cuts. He asked members to work with him to identify the least important program content that could be cut without compromising Agency goals. Getting permission from Congress to cut content will be difficult and will require the Administrator and members to work together as a team."

Efforts To Raise NASA's Budget

Senators Hutchison, Landrieu, Mikulski and Shelby Pledge to Introduce NASA Funding Amendment

"Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Space, Aeronautics and Related Sciences and Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Richard Shelby (R-AL) today pledged to introduce an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2008 Commerce, Justice and Science appropriations bill to provide $1 billion in additional funding for NASA when the bill reaches the Senate floor."

Technical Societies Call for Increase to NASA Budget, AIAA

"In a letter, the group asked Congress to support an increase to NASA’s FY08 budget of $1.4 billion for aerospace research and technology. The budget is currently under review on Capitol Hill."

Senate Looks More Favorably on Mars

Senate subcommittees approve 2008 funds for Energy, Justice, Federal Times

"Senate subcommittees today approved a $32.3 billion spending bill for the Army Corps of Engineers, the Interior Department's Bureau of Reclamation and the Energy Department, and a $54.6 billion spending bill for agencies including the Justice and Commerce departments and NASA. ... Unlike the House bill, the Senate version does not include language blocking NASA from pursuing exploration of Mars."

Kranz on the Gap

Missing out on outer space, Gene Kranz, op ed, The Hill

"Our nation now faces a similar gap in manned space flight if our political and congressional leaders don’t act soon. In 2010, after completing the assembly of the space station and restoring the Hubble space telescope to many more years of scientific achievement, the shuttle fleet will stand down, initiating a more than four-year hiatus in U.S. human access to space."

House Appropriators Try to Fix Damage They Helped to Cause

Subcommittee Passes FY08 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill

"In NASA, we have provided an increase of $290 million above the President's request to restore cuts made by the Administration in the science, aeronautics and education portfolios. The committee also provides funding in a new account structure to add clarity to the budget. The new accounts are: science, aeronautics, exploration, education, cross-agency support programs, space operations, and the inspector general."

NASA Gets A little Budget Help From Congress

Editor's note: The following was in the supplemental appropriations for NASA that the President signed yesterday:

H.R.2206

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 (Engrossed Amendment as Agreed to by House)

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION - exploration capabilities

For an additional amount for `Exploration Capabilities' for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricane Katrina, $20,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2009.

GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS CHAPTER

SEC. 4202. Up to $48,000,000 of amounts made available to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in Public Law 109-148 and Public Law 109-234 for emergency hurricane and other natural disaster-related expenses may be used to reimburse hurricane-related costs incurred by NASA in fiscal year 2005.

Industry Calls For NASA Budget Increase

Industry Leaders Call on Congress to Boost NASA Budget, AIAA

"An unprecedented coalition of nearly two dozen U.S. aerospace corporations told the Congress on Friday, May 11, that NASA is in urgent need of a boost to its fiscal year 2008 budget or America's space leadership could be lost for a generation. The group, which includes the chairmen, presidents and chief executives of such industry giants as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, asked the Congress to support an increase to NASA's FY08 budget of $1.4 billion. The budget is currently under review on Capitol Hill."

No Joy In The Space Science Community

Planetary Society Urges Congress to "Restore NASA's Vision"

"The Society supports the Administration's Vision for Space Exploration, but noted that it has now become distorted, with valuable science and exploration missions being cannibalized to pay for it." 

Space Studies Board News - January - March 2007: Comments from Lennard Fisk, NAS SSB

"The budget issue we must confront is not what we had, but what we need. Science in NASA has a job to do. We are to explore the universe and lay down the foundational knowledge for the human expansion into space. We are to determine the future of the Earth, so that sound policy decisions can be made to protect the future of our civilization. We are to contribute to the capability of the United States to compete in the world, whether it is through new knowledge, new technology, or a new workforce. There is no comfort in knowing that we have been proportionally abused in the NASA budget. We do not have the funds required to do our job, and we are not happy."

Editor's note: Have a look at this page : Board Meetings and Presentations, SSB Meeting March 5-7, 2007 if you want to get an idea why Len Fisk et al are so upset.

Show Me The Money

Lawmakers at odds with NASA's chief, Huntsville Times

"Keith Cowing, a former NASA employee who runs the NASAWatch.com Web site, said the feud between Shelby and Griffin seems silly compared to NASA's overall budget challenges "because it is over 32 people who won't even lose their jobs." "I don't think Mike Griffin is in trouble or will lose his job because of Richard Shelby. Shelby's in the minority now," Cowing said. "I think Mike Griffin thinks he can run NASA without Congress, sometimes, and that's not the case."

But Cowing said NASA's budget is shrinking. Because Congress failed to approve NASA's budget for fiscal 2007, the space agency is working under a continuing resolution that freezes budget money at the 2006 level. That means NASA has to keep programs going with a budget shortage of more than $500 million, NASA leaders have said.

"What's Mike Griffin supposed to do? What's NASA supposed to do? They have a mandate from the president and Congress to perform a task - return to the moon," Cowing said. "But (NASA) wasn't given enough money to start with, and now NASA has to deal with even less. Priorities have to be set, and money has to be shifted in the budget.

"Again, what's Mike Griffin supposed to do? Where's the money come from?"

House Wants White House To Talk About Space

NASA Lawmakers Write Letter to President Calling for Space Summit to Discuss Space Program Future, Rep. Weldon

Gordon and Udall Urge President to Help with NASA Funding, House Science and Technology Committee

"Dear Mr. President: As chairmen of the House Science and Technology Committee and its Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, we have a strong interest in ensuring that the nation's space and aeronautics programs are healthy and robust. In that regard, we are deeply concerned about the mismatch between the resources being provided to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the tasks that it is being asked to undertake. Stresses resulting from that mismatch can be seen in all of the agency's programs."

OMB Guidance on Earmarks

NASA Strategic Management Council Meeting Minutes and Actions 21 February 2007: "- OMB policy on earmarks: [Griffin] announced the new policy of OMB Director Rob Portman not to honor report language requiring congressionally mandated spending; the only earmarks that will be honored are those that are included in legislation. PA&E Strategic Investments Division Director Chris Shank warned members to expect special congressional requests to honor report language."

Just Send Money

NASA chief gives funding warning, Huntsville Times

"NASA Administrator Mike Griffin said Monday that the space agency will not grow unless Congress restores its funding to earlier levels. Speaking to a group from North Alabama during its annual Washington trip, Griffin said NASA could lose $3.4 billion during the next five years if cuts made in 2007 are not restored. ... "I've made the pledge that Marshall won't lose any work, but Marshall can't have more unless some other centers have less," he said. "Unless Congress chooses to allocate significantly more money, NASA can't grow. And, if NASA can't grow, the centers can't grow."

The Real Priorities on Capitol Hill Emerge

Senate war bill features $20B in pork, Washington Examiner

"The $100 million for the political party conventions - $50 million for the Democratic convention in Denver and $50 million for the Republican convention in St. Paul, Minn. - is included in a section described as "Katrina recovery, veterans' care and for other purposes."

S.965: "$100,000,000 shall be for reimbursing State and local law enforcement entities for security and related costs, including overtime, associated with the 2008 Presidential Candidate Nominating Conventions, of which $50,000,000 shall be for the city of Denver, Colorado and $50,000,000 shall be for the city of St. Paul, Minnesota."

Editor's note: The next time you ask your Congressional representatives why they don't support adequate funding for NASA (or other things), you might want to bring this little gem up. It would seem that some politicians view the subsidizing of a week of parties, receptions, and wearing silly hats for political loyalists as being far more important than [insert your concern here]. Given the hundreds of millions of dollars that will be raised for the 2008 election - most of which will be spent on attack ads - shouldn't the political parties be called upon to pay for all this extra security?

Killing NIAC

Editor's update: Word has it that NASA intends to cancel funding for NIAC the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts. This is just plain stupid. Let me repeat this for clarity's sake, Mike, (whoever made it) this is A STUPID DECISION. Advanced spacesuits that will open the surface of the moon - and then Mars- to meaningful and productive human exploration, tethers and other innovative and upmass-saving technologies, and other in-space techologies.

Where are you going to get all of the things you need to put on those Ares rockets so as to allow their crews to carry out their missions, Mike? Or do you "just need a good map"? Explorers without the right tools die - or turn around - and head back home. Wrong answer, Mike.

Futuristic NASA think tank to be shut down, New Scientist

"But Keith Cowing, editor of the independent website NASAWatch, which broke news of the likely shutdown on Tuesday, says it does not make sense for NASA to cut funding to the institute. "This is one of the few places at NASA that embodies far-thinking, new stuff," he told New Scientist. "When they're cutting stuff like this, they're desperate, or stupid, or both."

NASA's Dreamers, Put to Sleep?, Wired

"We're hearing word that NASA is planning to kill off its way-out research arm.  "This is just plain stupid," say the long-time space observers at NASA Watch.  For sure.  $3 million is a piddling amount of money for $16 billion organization."

Nasa grounds its ideas factory, The Guardian

"Former Nasa scientist Keith Cowing said the decision to close Niac was "just plain stupid". Writing on his Nasa Watch website, he directed comments to Nasa's administrator, Mike Griffin: ..."

IFPTE on NASA FY 2008 Budget

IFPTE Letter to House and Senate Appropriators Regarding NASA FY 2008 Budget Issues

"As you consider the fiscal year 2008 (FY08) Appropriations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers (IFPTE), NASA's largest federal employee Union, urges you to provide adequate funding to allow NASA to successfully perform its assigned missions. We specifically request that NASA's top line be as close as possible to $18.3 billion dollars, a billion dollar plus-up from the President's request, in order to meet its broad range of responsibilities to the American people."

NASA budget Casualty List Grows

Hearing Charter: NASA's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request

"Lunar Robotic Precursor Program--NASA indicates that funding will be eliminated for any lunar robotic missions that were to follow the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and its accompanying payload--the LCROSS--which is scheduled to launch in October 2008."

"The Red Planet venture capital fund program, which was modeled on CIA's In-Q-Tel program, is eliminated in this budget request."

"ISS Cargo and Crew Transportation Services--According to NASA, the FY 08 budget request and five-year budget plan include an estimated shortfall of $924 million in funding needed for ISS Crew and Cargo transportation services. $308 million of the shortfall is supposed to be made up by the Space Operations Mission Directorate and the remainder has been placed as a lien against the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate's programs."

"Exploration Technologies--As a result of the shift of Advanced Capabilities funds to support the CEV/CLV development program, the amount of money available to support technologies not directly related to the CEV/CLV program needs has been significantly constrained, and the funding outlook is bleak for any near-term restoration of such long-term technology development activities."

Here Comes The Space Summit

Mikulski Calls for Bipartisan Summit with White House on Future of Space Program

Senator Mikulski called for a bipartisan, bicameral space summit with the White House. She cited a similar meeting 17 years ago, with then President George W. Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle, which paved the way for the creation of the Mission to Planet Earth. "There is no more visible sign of American global leadership than our space program. To lose that position to other countries would be a tragedy," said Senator Mikulski. "We need a new dialogue with the President and his administration. We need a national commitment to our space program to put it on a path for success. Only through the active cooperation of the White House and the Congress, can we have a healthy, robust and balanced space program."

House Committee on Science and Technology Hearing

FY08 NASA Budget Request Insufficient for Space Exploration Program

"In the years since, the Administration requests for NASA have come in lower, and unfortunately Congress failed to fully fund the FY2007 request.  Everyone bears some blame for the funding shortfalls, but the point I want to stress is that NASA continues to hold to its original schedule for the Vision, but doing it with smaller budgets.  Consequently, the stress on the agency is enormous.""

Opening Statement by Rep. Bart Gordon - House Committee on Science and Technology Hearing: NASA's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request

"First, the FY 2008 budget request continues a pattern of Administration requests that fail to ask for the level of funding that the White House had said NASA would need to carry out the exploration initiative and its other core activities. Specifically, in the three years since the President announced his exploration initiative, the White House has cut NASA's five-year budget plan by a total of $2.26 billion. And based on this year's budget submittal, that shortfall will worsen by another $420 million in FY 2009."

Opening Statement by Rep. Mark Udall - House Committee on Science and Technology Hearing: NASA's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request

"I agree with Chairman Gordon's assessment of the situation we are facing. It is going to be a tough year for space and aeronautics supporters to get the budgetary resources NASA needs, but we are going to try. We are going to try because NASA's space and aeronautics programs are a very important component of the nation's R&D enterprise, and we need to be investing more in those areas—not less."

Statement of NASA Administrator Michael Griffin Before the House Committee on Science & Technology

"I am deeply concerned that the gap between the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2010 and our new U.S. human spaceflight systems does not grow longer, and I am asking for your help on this point. Full funding of NASA's FY 2008 Exploration Systems budget request is critical to ensuring the gap between retirement of the Space Shuttle and the new U.S. human spaceflight capability does not grow longer. As the CAIB report observed, "this approach can only be successful... if the U.S. government is... to commit the substantial resources required to implement it."

Appropriators Learn The Consequences of Their Actions

Statement of NASA Administrator Michael Griffin Before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Statement of NASA Administrator Michael Griffin Before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

"Less funding than planned for 2007 means that less will be obligated on the Orion contract, slowing the pace of development planned for 2008-10. To the extent that schedules are allowed to slip further into the future for bringing these new Exploration systems on-line, already difficult challenges in transitioning the highly-skilled, highly-specialized workforce from the Space Shuttle to our new systems will be exacerbated."

The Impact of Appropriator's Actions

Prepared Statement by NASA Administrator Michael Griffin Before the House Appropriations Committee

"The effect of the FY 2007 appropriation is to impose a six-month delay in our ability to bring online NASA's new human spaceflight systems, the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle. Due to the cumulative effect of reductions in Exploration Systems to pay for Space Shuttle Return to Flight costs in FY 2005-06, previously underestimated costs to fly the Space Shuttle until 2010, and the reduction from the FY 2007 request reflected in the FY 2007 Continuing Resolution, based on current budget projections, NASA will not be able to meet the 2014 milestone originally called for when President Bush first announced the Vision for Space Exploration."

White House Clamps Down on Earmarks - Sort Of

AIP FYI #27: Bush Administration Draws a Firm Line on FY 2007 Earmarks

"A February 15 memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget instructs the heads of federal departments and agencies not to obligate funding for earmarks contained in congressional reports or documents through September 30 of this year. Earmarked funding can only be provided for a project or activity if it has been “specifically identified in statutory text.” As a result, earmarks for thousands of projects remaining from previous years have been canceled."

Stealth Senate Budget Hearing

Editor's note: The Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee has scheduled a Hearing on NASA's Budget for 28 February - i.e. this Wednesday. Mike Griffin is testifying. Yet, if you were to rely on NASA's Legislative Affairs Congressional Hearing Calendar (last upated 17 January 2007) which says "NO SCHEDULED HEARINGS" you wouldn't know that this hearing was even happening. You would think that with all of the budget issues swirling around, that NASA HQ would want its people to know what is going on.

Editor's update: After sitting untended for more than a month Code L updated this web page around 5:00 pm EST today.

McCain on Space Exploration

McCain meets religious broadcasters in Fla., holds town meetings, KVOA

"[Republican presidential candidate John McCain] also said he strongly supports missions to Mars and that Florida should continue to play a major role in space exploration. "There's too much invested there. There's infrastructure that's very expensive and very extensive there," he said."

Budget Update: No Additional Money For NASA

Fiscal Year 2007 Joint Funding Resolution, Senate Appropriations Committee, 14 Feb 2007:

"NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) The Appropriations Committee does not provide additional funding for NASA. However, unlike the base CR, specific funding levels for NASA sub-accounts are designated."

Mikulski: CR was the Best We Could Do

"While I would have liked to have increased funding for NASA, there was simply not enough extra funding available for us to do so. Within the limits of NASA's FY 06 operating plan, we added an extra $460 million to exploration while protecting other critical NASA programs in science and aeronautics. With only seven months left in this fiscal year, I believe NASA will be able to manage their programs in exploration with minimal impact to the overall schedule."

H.J.RES.20 Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (Enrolled as Agreed to or Passed by Both House and Senate)

`Sec. 20915. Notwithstanding section 101, the level for the following accounts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall be as follows: `Science, Aeronautics and Exploration', $10,075,000,000, of which $5,251,200,000 shall be for science, $890,400,000 shall be for aeronautics research, $3,401,600,000 shall be for exploration systems, and $531,800,000 shall be for cross-agency support programs; `Exploration Capabilities', $6,140,000,000; and `Office of Inspector General', $32,000,000.

Senate Roll call on Vote

H.J.RES.20 Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (Introduced in House)

`Sec. 20915. Notwithstanding section 101, the level for the following accounts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall be as follows: `Science, Aeronautics and Exploration', $10,075,000,000, of which $5,251,200,000 shall be for science, $890,400,000 shall be for aeronautics research, $3,401,600,000 shall be for exploration systems, and $531,800,000 shall be for cross-agency support programs; `Exploration Capabilities', $6,140,000,000; and `Office of Inspector General', $32,000,000.

Budget Jitters at JPL

JPL Continues Battle of Budget, Arcadia Weekly

"Congressmen Adam Schiff and David Dreier have been the budget bodyguards for the local space center, which Schiff calls the "crown jewel" of the nation's space program. Budget cuts for NASA and continued efforts to direct priorities to the manned space program and the space shuttle has put the robotic explorations popularized by JPL into a secondary position."

JPL Budget Not Likely to Lead to Lay-offs, Valley Sun

"JPL is budgeted project by project, O'Toole said. The projects that JPL is now working on have already had their budgets approved. It is this year's budget constraints that are more of a concern for O'Toole than the 2008 purposed budget."

OSTP on FY 2008 Budget

Congressional Testimony on FY 2008 R&D Budget by OSTP Director John Marburger

"The President's 2008 Budget for NASA is $17.3 billion, a 3.1 percent increase over the President's 2007 request, reflecting a strong commitment by the Administration to the continued pursuit of the Vision for Space Exploration. The 2007 House-passed full-year CR, however, reduces the 2007 Budget by $545 million to $16.2 billion. If NASA is not provided its 2007 request level of $16.8 billion, the agency needs flexibility within its appropriation accounts to reduce the adverse consequences of a top-line reduction."

Lawmakers, administration clash over science funding, Government Executive

"[House Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon] also noted that NASA is not included in the president's competitiveness agenda, and he questioned whether that means the administration does not view aeronautics, earth and space sciences as "world-class" sciences."

OMB on NASA

Statement of Administration Policy H.J. Res. 20 – Making Continuing Appropriations for the fiscal year 2007 (Sponsor: Obey (D) Wisconsin), OMB

"National Aeronautics and Space Administration: In reducing NASA's overall budget by $528 million from the President's 2007 request, the House also specified funding levels for NASA programs within NASA's appropriation accounts, reducing funds for exploration by $577 million below the President's request, while funding other programs in the same account at levels substantially above the request.  This unbalanced allocation could jeopardize NASA's ability to develop new exploration capabilities in a timely manner.  The Administration strongly urges the Senate to provide NASA with the flexibility it needs to achieve the goals and timeline of the Vision for Space Exploration, while maintaining balanced programs in space science, Earth science, and aeronautics."

Editor's note:The fact that NASA made it into the SAP demonstrates some committment from the White House to ensuring funding for the Vision. However, the language "The Administration strongly urges the Senate to provide NASA with the flexibility it needs to achieve the goals and timeline of the Vision for Space Exploration, while maintaining balanced programs in space science, Earth science, and aeronautics." is so limp that it conveys virtually no seriousness of purpose.

Yesterday's Budget Press Event (Transcript)

Transcript of NASA FY 2008 Budget Briefing 5 February 2007

"We have many challenges ahead of us. We are on track making progress in tackling them. The FY08 budget request demonstrates commitment to our Nation's leadership in space and aeronautics research, and while we may be taking a hit with the FY07 appropriation, we will carry on, though not at the pace we had hoped."

NASA Budget Information

Comments by Mike Griffin: Highlights of NASA's FY 2008 Budget Request

"We have many challenges ahead of us, but we are on track and making progress in tackling these challenges. The FY 2008 budget request demonstrates commitment to our nation's leadership in space and aeronautics research, and while we may be taking a hit with the FY07 appropriation, we will carry on, though not at the pace we had previously hoped."

Full Budget Request (4.2 Mb PDF)
Agency Summary (710 Kb PDF)
Presentation Charts (743 Kb PDF)

Budget Reaction

Sen. Hutchison Applauds NASA Funding Increase in the President's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request
Gordon on President's FY08 Budget: Lacks Priorities, Consistency to Ensure U.S. Competitiveness
Space Foundation CEO: FY2008 Budget Proposal Inadequate to Assure Continued U.S. Leadership in Space
NASA Can Fix Its Budget Problems By Buying from Private Industry Instead of Competing with It!

Rep. Hall's Comments on President's Proposed FY08 R&D Budget

"As for NASA, the overall budget would increase by 3.1 percent.  As promised, the President has prioritized funding for NASA, which speaks volumes for his dedication to funding American competitiveness and keeping our nation at the cutting edge of human space flight and exploration."

Sen. Mikulski Disappointed With Lack of Presidential Leadership on NASA

"In his 2006 State Of The Union Address, President Bush announced the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) to encourage American innovation and strengthen the nation's ability to compete in the global economy. His failure to include NASA in the initiative has meant a diminished Bush administration priority. Agencies included in the initiative, like the National Science Foundation (NSF), received an increase of 7 percent in the President's 2008 budget compared to his 2007 budget, while NASA only saw a 3 percent increase compared to his 2007 budget."

Today's NASA Budget Briefings

NASA FY 08 Budget Press Conference

NASA Associate Administrators Discuss Budget Details

"NASA Administrator Michael Griffin briefs the media about the agency's Fiscal Year 2008 budget at 1 p.m. EST, Monday, Feb. 5. The press briefing is in NASA's main auditorium located at 300 E Street S.W. in Washington."

The NASA budget and supporting information will be available at 1 p.m., Feb. 5, on the Internet at:
http://www.nasa.gov/budget

Budget Thoughts