WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies – delivered opening remarks during a hearing to review the President’s FY2025 budget request for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

“While you have different missions, responsibilities and opportunities, the outcome of what each of you does benefits the country in a similar way,” said Sen. Moran. “Artemis is not only important to our aerospace manufacturing workforce, but it is an inspiring opportunity for the next generation, and that is very important for our national economy and our national security. China is a threatening adversary - territorial land grabs on the lunar surface and making significant strides in their own space program.

“It is imperative we continue to build upon this foundation, which will ultimately move us beyond returning to the Moon, and on toward new goals, such as landing astronauts on Mars,” continued Sen. Moran. “I am committed to working with both of you to ensure our nation out-competes all others in exploration, discovery and innovation.”

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Opening Remarks

Remarks as delivered:

“Chair Shaheen, thank you for your cooperation in this setting and our other deliberations and work on the CJS subcommittee.

“I look forward to again having a successful opportunity for us to advance causes that we both believe in and are successful to the country.

“Welcome NASA Administrator Nelson and NSF Director Dr. Panchanathan.

“We are delighted to have you back in front of our committee, and I think it is appropriate to have you both here at the same time. While you have different missions, responsibilities and opportunities, the outcome of what each of you do benefits the country in a similar way.

“The President's budget requests a $1.1 billion increase for NSF and a $500 million increase for NASA. While these increases are significant, given the fiscal responsibility spending caps, they remain a challenge.

“We did the best that we could do with the numbers that we had for both of your agencies in FY2024, and I am committed to doing that again.

“That challenging allocation last year led to some tough decisions, and in my view, this subcommittee was able to protect many pivotal programs and missions including, Senator Nelson, the Artemis program. Artemis will cement a new era in space exploration for the United States.

“There are 16 diverse Kansas suppliers that are supporting the Artemis I Mission and many more suppliers will be helpful to support future Artemis missions.

“Ryan Hernandez – Administrator Nelson, who you met when we visited DJ Engineering in Wichita – said at a press conference in which you were participating, ‘I’ve got goosebumps right now to be a part of the Artemis program and show off what we are able to do for NASA.’

“Artemis is not only important to our aerospace manufacturing workforce, but it is an inspiring opportunity for the next generation, and that is very important for our national economy and our national security.

“As Senator Shaheen said, China is threatening adversary, territorial land grabs on the lunar surface is making significant strides in their own space program.

“Over the past several years, we have laid groundwork for the United States to remain the leader in the world’s space domain. But the outcome of that battle is not certain.

“It is imperative we continue to build upon this foundation, which will ultimately move us beyond returning to the Moon, and on toward new goals, such as landing astronauts on Mars.

“As we approach an Artemis II launch, I look forward to hearing today an update on the mission and how the U.S. will maintain our leadership in space.

“NASA's influence extends beyond space exploration - it drives innovation, education and economic growth, which can also be said for the National Science Foundation.

“A critical component of maintaining the nation’s aerospace and aviation leadership is advanced manufacturing.

“Dr. Panchanathan, I appreciate the conversations we had just before this hearing began, and I would highlight for my colleagues on the committee that the Chairwoman of the Commerce Committee and I have introduced education workforce legislation dealing with advanced manufacturing, and I bring it to your attention for your consideration.

“Advanced manufacturing combines technology and craftsmanship to create economic growth and high-paying jobs, while also helping us to out-compete China in terms of efficiency and productivity.

“Institutions like Wichita State and Pittsburg State University, which the NSF Director visited last year, are at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and materials science, driving innovation and competitiveness.

“This hearing, I hope, will explore how we maximize the impact of federal funding, encourage collaboration among agencies, academia, and the private sector, and importantly, inspire future generations in science and technology to make certain investments are robust and fiscally responsible.

“I am committed to working with both of you to ensure our nation out-competes all others in exploration, discovery and innovation. And I would say to both of you, what you are doing is a noble calling. Our country desperately needs your agencies to be successful.

“Our committee needs to do what it can do to be helpful in that outcome, but we face tremendous challenges in our world today. What happens in your departments and agencies are hugely important to the success we can have.

“I wish you well, we are here to help, but today we will hear your requests today and how we can be that helpful.”

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