A leading Democratic member of the House Science Committee has sharply criticized the proposed 25% cut to NASA’s overall budget and 50% reduction to NASA science programs, calling it “catastrophic” and a “full-scale assault on the scientific establishment.” Rep. George Whitesides (D-Calif.) said the administration does not appreciate the value of science to the country, citing examples such as the loss of leadership in multispectral imagery and the impact on research competitiveness.
Whitesides expressed concern over the administration’s plan to shift to commercial replacements for NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion, stating that Congress needs a better understanding of these architectures. He emphasized the need for bipartisan support for a sustainable long-term human space exploration program.
The proposed cuts have also raised concerns about the impact on NASA’s workforce, with the agency facing potential layoffs of over 3,000 employees. Whitesides warned that this could lead to a loss of experienced and skilled workers, compromising the agency’s mission.
Whitesides called for a new person to be nominated and confirmed as NASA administrator quickly, citing the importance of permanent leadership who can work with both the White House and Congress. He emphasized the need for support from Congress through both appropriations and authorization bills to ensure a strong future for the agency.
Source: https://spacenews.com/whitesides-says-budget-proposal-shows-the-administration-does-not-value-nasa-science